NEW DELHI: The Embassy of India in the UAE, in collaboration with Symbiosis International University, Dubai, hosted the ‘Road to AI Impact Summit 2026’ on 10–11 February at the Symbiosis Dubai Campus in Dubai Knowledge Park. The event served as a key global precursor to the upcoming India AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from 16–20 February.

Part of a global series of “Road to AI” engagements organised by Indian Missions worldwide, the summit aimed to strengthen international dialogue, foster global collaboration, and build momentum toward a shared vision of ethical, inclusive, and responsible artificial intelligence development.

The event was inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Deepak Mittal, Ambassador of India to the UAE, who highlighted AI’s growing role in shaping future learning ecosystems and emphasised India–UAE cooperation in innovation and education. He noted that AI should expand human capability and help upskill and reskill the workforce of tomorrow.

The two-day programme brought together leading academic, policy, and industry experts from India and the UAE. Key speakers included Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro-Chancellor, Symbiosis International University; Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman, Vice-Chancellor; Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Executive Director (AMESA), QS; Dr. Rajiv Yeravdekar; and Dr. Anita Patankar, Executive Director, Symbiosis Dubai, along with several regional technology and education leaders.

On the second day, organisers hosted a dedicated AI Hackathon for more than 150 school students, underlining the importance of early talent development and youth engagement in emerging technologies. The initiative reflected India’s broader push to build a future-ready and inclusive AI talent ecosystem.

Officials said the summit highlights India’s growing leadership in artificial intelligence and digital public infrastructure while strengthening India–UAE collaboration in emerging technologies. The upcoming India AI Impact Summit 2026, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to bring together global leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators, marking a milestone as the first major global AI summit hosted in the Global South.