Reuters NEXT Gulf returns to Abu Dhabi with three-year hosting deal
- Reuters NEXT Gulf returns to Abu Dhabi on October 21, 2026
- ADDED continues as exclusive host city partner for next three years
- 2025 debut hosted 600+ executives from 40+ countries
- Event reached 2 million viewers worldwide via livestream last year
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Reuters NEXT Gulf will return to Abu Dhabi on October 21, 2026, continuing its partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) as the exclusive host city partner for the next three years.
The event follows the successful debut in 2025, which convened more than 600 senior executives from over 40 countries and reached 2 million viewers worldwide via livestream.
Strategic Partnership
Josh London, Head of Reuters Professional, stated that the region's trajectory demands a summit equal to its ambition. He noted that at a time of uncertainty across the Middle East, the 2026 edition will provide decision-makers unfiltered access to those moving markets and shaping policy.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, highlighted Abu Dhabi's role as a convener for leaders and innovators. He emphasized that the emirate's leadership in financial services, advanced manufacturing, AI, trade, logistics, and new energy makes it a natural platform for global economic conversations.
Event Expansion
The 2026 summit will expand its format to include more stages, executive roundtables, breakouts, and vertical-specific strategy sessions. The event is curated by Reuters journalists in accordance with Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
The 2025 edition featured more than 30 elite speakers addressing six core themes: Geopolitics, Economy & Markets, Banking & Finance, Technology & AI, Climate & Sustainability, and Corporate Leadership.
Key Speakers from 2025 Edition
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash | UAE Advisor to the President |
| Dr Rania Al-Mashat | Egypt Minister of Planning |
| Yusuf Maitama Tuggar | Nigeria Minister of Foreign Affairs |
| Lana Nusseibeh | UAE Minister of State |
| Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi | ADDED Chairman |
| Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak | Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund President |
| Luigi Di Maio | EU Special Representative for the Gulf Region |
| Mohamed Alabbar | Emaar Founder and Chairman |
| Haiyang Ru | HashKey Exchange CEO |
| Abdulrahman Tarabzouni | Saudi Technology Ventures CEO |
| Abdulaziz Al Sager | Gulf Research Center Chairman |
| John Pagano | Red Sea Global CEO |
| Renuka Jagtiani | Landmark Group Chairwoman |
Al Zaabi added that such forums provide an important platform to exchange ideas and explore opportunities defining the next phase of global growth as Abu Dhabi advances its long-term economic transformation agenda.
How might the expansion of vertical-specific strategy sessions in 2026 influence investment flows into Abu Dhabi's AI and new energy sectors?
What specific regulatory or policy changes in the Middle East could be accelerated by the high-level dialogues facilitated at this summit?
In what ways will the 2026 event address emerging geopolitical risks that were not as prominent during the 2025 debut?
16
Access Market Heat-map & Insights 
Create, Save & Share your Screener 
Use 200+ Screening Filters 
