MBRF and UNDP to organize 11th Knowledge Summit in November 2026 – Middle East Business News and Information – mid-east.info

Under the theme “Knowledge: Navigating Crises in a Changing World,” the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will host the eleventh Knowledge Summit on 17–18 November 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Advancing a knowledge-first approach to global challenges

The 2026 edition arrives amid rapid shifts in economic, technological, and social spheres worldwide. By placing knowledge at the center of dialogue and decision-making, the Summit aims to convert complex challenges into opportunities for resilient and sustainable growth. It will gather senior policymakers, experts, and thought leaders to compare insights, share best practices, and shape actionable roadmaps that can be adopted across regions and sectors.

Dubai and the UAE as a model for future readiness

The event underscores Dubai’s and the UAE’s standing as global exemplars in using knowledge to anticipate and manage crises. Supported by agile policies and a long-term vision, the country continues to invest in future-facing capabilities. The Summit functions as an integrated ecosystem—linking government entities, private sector leaders, academia, and youth—so innovations can be developed, tested, and scaled to serve sustainable development goals and evolving labor market needs.

Strategic priorities and perspective

MBRF emphasizes that the timing of the Summit reflects the urgency of rethinking how societies address fast-moving global disruptions. The Foundation highlights knowledge as a strategic lever for preparedness and resilience, moving beyond theory to practical implementation. This direction supports a broader national vision to accelerate innovation, expand future skills, and reinforce the capacity of institutions to adapt to change.

From principles to practice

• Harness modern technologies to enhance decision-making, service delivery, and societal resilience.
• Develop flexible policy frameworks capable of responding quickly to emerging risks and opportunities.
• Strengthen governance systems to improve transparency, accountability, and outcomes across sectors.
• Promote cross-sector collaboration that brings together public, private, academic, and youth perspectives.
• Translate research and knowledge into scalable initiatives, partnerships, and pilot projects.
• Advance future skills through education, training, and lifelong learning aligned with innovation-driven economies.

Recognizing excellence in knowledge

This year’s Summit will honor the winners of the ninth Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award (MBRKA). The award celebrates individuals and institutions whose contributions to research, thought leadership, and knowledge dissemination have had transformative impact. By spotlighting exemplary achievements, the Summit seeks to inspire broader participation in building dynamic, knowledge-based societies.

Unveiling the Global Knowledge Index 2026

The event will also feature the announcement of the Global Knowledge Index (GKI) 2026 results. Now in its tenth edition, the GKI serves as a comprehensive international reference for assessing the state of the knowledge ecosystem. It evaluates core dimensions—such as education, research and development, innovation, information and communications technologies, and the enabling environment—to gauge how ready nations are to transition toward knowledge- and innovation-led economic models.

Why it matters

In a period marked by uncertainty and accelerated change, the Knowledge Summit 2026 offers a timely platform to align vision with execution. Its outcomes are intended to inform national strategies, corporate agendas, and academic priorities, ensuring that knowledge becomes a practical tool for resilience, competitiveness, and inclusive progress. By convening global expertise in Dubai, the Summit reinforces the region’s role in shaping solutions that benefit communities worldwide.

With its focus on actionable insight, measurable impact, and cross-sector collaboration, the eleventh Knowledge Summit will contribute to the continuous development of knowledge economies—capable not only of withstanding disruption but of using it to drive sustainable growth.