Knowledge Summit 2026 will be organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on 17 and 18 November 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event, themed “Knowledge: Navigating Crises in a Changing World,” comes as global transformations accelerate across economic, technological, and social sectors.
The Knowledge Summit 2026 will serve as an advanced knowledge platform, convening leading decision-makers, experts, and specialists from around the world to exchange perspectives and formulate solutions for global concerns. The gathering highlights Dubai and the wider UAE’s role as a model in using knowledge to manage and anticipate crises through flexible policies and forward-looking vision.
Focus on Crisis Management Through Knowledge
The summit’s theme reflects a strategic focus on leveraging knowledge as a proactive tool for dealing with crises. This approach can be achieved through investment in modern technologies, development of flexible policies, and strengthening of governance systems. The event underscores how societies can anticipate challenges and transform them into development opportunities through knowledge-based models.
Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, stated that “Knowledge Summit 2026 comes at an opportune time, as there is a pressing need to re-evaluate how we tackle global challenges, by adopting knowledge-based solutions that can keep pace with rapid global transformations.” He added that the summit will help transform knowledge from theory into practical applications through global dialogue and expertise exchange.
Award Celebrations and Global Index Release
This year’s Knowledge Summit 2026 will celebrate the winners of the ninth edition of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award (MBRKA), which honors creative minds, researchers, thinkers, and institutions at the forefront of knowledge dissemination. The event will also announce results of the Global Knowledge Index (GKI) 2026, an international reference for measuring the state of the knowledge landscape in its tenth edition.
The GKI continues to monitor nations’ readiness in shifting towards knowledge and innovation-based economy models. The index serves as a benchmark for assessing how effectively countries are building the foundations for sustainable knowledge economies.
Integrated Ecosystem for Practical Solutions
The summit functions as more than a dialogue platform. It represents an integrated system for developing practical solutions and enhancing international cooperation through the launch of ventures and creation of strategic partnerships. The event connects government, private sector, academic institutions, and youth to foster innovations that support sustainable development.
By organizing the Knowledge Summit annually, Dubai has positioned itself as a leading hub for the production and exchange of knowledge at the international level. The event demonstrates the emirate’s commitment to enabling communities to anticipate challenges and convert them into development opportunities through knowledge-driven responses to global change.
Strategic Vision for Sustainable Growth
The Knowledge Summit 2026 aligns with leadership vision to establish knowledge as a key strategic pillar for enhancing preparedness and building a more resilient future. The platform will promote expertise exchange and launch quality initiatives and partnerships that contribute to building knowledge economies capable of adapting to change and supporting development of future skills across sectors.
