Global AI Show Riyadh 2026 has wrapped up with focus on agentic artificial intelligence, sovereign AI infrastructure, enterprise transformation and the role of emerging technologies in supporting Saudi Arabia’s digital ambitions during the Kingdom’s newly designated ‘Year of Artificial Intelligence’.
Global AI Show Riyadh 2026 brought together AI experts, government officials, technology leaders, investors and innovators to discuss the transition of artificial intelligence from experimental applications to large-scale deployment across industries and public-sector systems.
Organised by VAP Group and powered by Times Of AI, the two-day Global AI Show Riyadh 2026 summit, co-located with the Global Blockchain Show Riyadh and Global Games Show Riyadh, attracted more than 15,000 registrations, welcomed 6,723 attendees, featured more than 100 global speakers and 100 exhibitors, and convened a 70 percent CXO-level delegation from more than 80 countries.
The international participation highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing role in the global AI ecosystem, with discussions centred on moving beyond AI pilots towards nation-scale implementation, responsible governance and real-world applications.
Global AI Show Riyadh 2026 also witnessed the announcement of VAP Group’s strategic initiative, VAP Ventures, which aims to support 100 startups by 2030 and accelerate innovation across the global technology ecosystem.
Global AI Show Riyadh 2026 focuses on human-AI collaboration
Global AI Show Riyadh 2026 highlighted the ‘Human-AI Interaction’ framework, with keynote sessions examining workforce planning, AI-powered recruitment, skills development and strategies to prepare talent for an era of autonomous digital agents.
The event brought together AI developers, industry professionals, government representatives and technology enthusiasts from around the world, reflecting the growing adoption of artificial intelligence across sectors as a tool for improving operational efficiency and decision-making.
Image Credits: Global AI Show | Cropped by GBN
The opening day featured a keynote by Dr. Mohammed Nasser Alshahrani, Executive Advisor to the Saudi Minister, Council of Economic and Development Affairs, who discussed the importance of data quality in determining success in the AI era and how transparent, trustworthy AI systems can create real-world impact.
The second day opened with a keynote by Nezar Al Turki, Chief Information Officer, Ministry of National Guard, who addressed the transition from digital transformation to AI transformation and the leadership, governance and workforce requirements needed to scale AI-driven organisations.
Global AI Show Riyadh 2026 explores practical AI applications
The two-day summit featured keynote sessions, panel discussions and industry-focused conversations covering the latest developments in artificial intelligence and its applications across sectors.
Discussions covered agentic AI, sovereign infrastructure, enterprise transformation, responsible governance, AI deployment, investment opportunities, digital public infrastructure, intelligent automation and AI’s role in advancing Saudi Vision 2030.
Image Credits: Global AI Show | Cropped by GBN
Michael Lints, Founding Partner MENA at Golden Gate Ventures, said the AI era is transforming venture capital, with founders increasingly requiring infrastructure, strategic partnerships and global networks to scale breakthrough ideas into businesses.
Industry leaders discuss future of AI transformation
Among the notable speakers at the event were Dr. Ibraheem Sheerah, Chief Transformation Officer, Digital Transformation & Technology, Saudi Arabian Airlines Holding (Saudia Group), Eng. Layla AlSalehi, Director General, Saudi Ministry of Health, Paul Pacifico, CEO, Saudi Music Commission, Ministry of Culture, Nate Busa, Executive Director, AI & Emerging Technologies, NEOM, Amal Dokhan, Managing Partner, 500 Global MENA, Kalyana Sivagnanam, Group CEO, Petromin Corporation, Ayman Alhabib, Chief Data & AI Officer, D360 Bank, Abdulrahman Alonaizan, Head of Data & AI, Arab National Bank (ANB), Alyn Bailey, Chief Human Resources Officer, Albawani Holding, Abdulaziz Al-Ghufaili, AI & Digital Transformation Leader, Saudi Aramco, Abdullah Alshargi, AI & Innovation Executive, SDAIA, Aamir Khalid Pirzada, Chief Technology Officer, Mozn, and Dr. Mohamed Alhussein, AI Advisor & Digital Transformation Leader.
The Global AI Show Riyadh 2026 summit also featured global AI founders, policymakers, investors, researchers and enterprise technology leaders representing more than 80 countries, who discussed the future of agentic AI, enterprise transformation and sovereign AI ecosystems.
Vishal Parmar Founder & CEO – VAP Group
“What we’ve built with the Global AI Show goes far beyond a conference into a catalyst for global innovation. Seeing thousands of innovators, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs come together in Riyadh has been incredibly inspiring. Our vision has always been to create a platform where conversations lead to collaboration and collaboration leads to action. VAP Ventures is the natural next step in that journey, empowering founders who will shape the future of global innovation.”
AI innovation showcased at Global AI Show Riyadh 2026 exhibition
The Global AI Show Riyadh 2026 exhibition featured technology companies, AI startups and solution providers showcasing innovations in enterprise AI, cybersecurity, HR technology, autonomous systems and intelligent infrastructure to accelerate adoption, collaboration and investment.
Notable exhibitors at Global AI Show Riyadh 2026 included Zen HR, Netskope, Nournet, Magna AI, Sarj Digital Information Technology CO., Edarat Group, NTT Data, Dynatrace, Scale AI, AQUIVIO Inc., Takween, SAS, Thethinkthankx, ait, Emotii, OPM UAE, Fanruan Software, ManageEngine, Wakeb Data Company, Kamsora, Sigmix Inc., Cloud Wave Telecommunications and Information Technology Company LLC, Spark.ai, Open, Sirma Group Holding and Wafra Greentech.
Image Credits: Global AI Show | Cropped by GBN
AI emerges as key driver of innovation
The Global AI Show 2026 highlighted the expanding role of artificial intelligence in transforming business operations, public services and industry workflows. Discussions focused on ensuring AI adoption is implemented responsibly through collaboration between innovators, regulators and policymakers.
The momentum generated at the Global AI Show Riyadh 2026 summit will continue at the next Global AI Show scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on November 12-13, 2026, where discussions from the Riyadh edition are expected to advance into new initiatives and collaborations.
