The second edition of the Reuters NEXT Gulf will take place on 21 October 2026, bringing its definitive live leadership summit back to Abu Dhabi following the success of its inaugural event in 2025. The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) will continue as the exclusive host city partner for Reuters NEXT Gulf over the next three years, building on the success of the summit’s inaugural edition in 2025.
His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Department (ADDED), said: “Abu Dhabi is a powerful convener of leaders, decision-makers, innovators, senior executives, and media. Such gatherings enable the dialogue and partnerships needed to drive investment and economic growth in a rapidly changing world. Abu Dhabi’s leadership in sectors including financial services, advanced manufacturing, AI, trade, logistics, and new energy makes it a natural platform for global conversations about the future economy.
“The return of Reuters NEXT Gulf reflects Abu Dhabi's growing role in shaping global economic conversations. As the emirate advances its long-term economic transformation agenda, forums such as Reuters NEXT Gulf provide an important platform to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and explore the opportunities that will define the next phase of global growth.”
Josh London, Head of Reuters Professional, said: "In 2025, we brought Reuters NEXT to the Gulf because the region's trajectory demands a summit equal to its ambition. In 2026, that case is even stronger. Reuters NEXT Gulf will give decision-makers unfiltered access to the people moving markets, shaping policy, managing risk and investing in the future."
The decision to bring Reuters NEXT back to Abu Dhabi follows its successful debut in 2025, which convened more than 600 senior executives from 40+ countries in the room and reached 2 million viewers worldwide via livestream. The summit delivered unparalleled access to insights from global leaders, innovators and CEOs tackling defining business and society in a region emerging as a global hub for AI, finance and innovation.
More than 30 elite speakers joined the World Stage to address six core themes: Geopolitics, Economy & Markets, Banking & Finance, Technology & AI, Climate & Sustainability, and Corporate Leadership.
Speakers from 2025 included His Excellency Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, UAE Advisor to the President, Her Excellency Dr Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt's Minister of Planning, Economic Development & International Cooperation, His Excellency Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Lana Nusseibeh, UAE Minister of State, His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund , Luigi Di Maio, European Union Special Representative for the Gulf Region, Mohamed Alabbar, Emaar Founder and Chairman, Haiyang Ru, CEO of HashKey Exchange, Abdulrahman Tarabzouni, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Technology Ventures, Abdulaziz Sager, Chairman of Gulf Research Center, John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global, and Renuka Jagtiani, Chairwoman of Landmark Group.
In 2026, Reuters NEXT Gulf will expand the invitation-only gathering with more stages and sessions, executive roundtables and breakouts, vertical-specific strategy sessions and networking opportunities.
For more information on event announcements and to apply to attend Reuters NEXT Gulf, visit the website.
