Top 10 AI Speakers for GCC Events in 2026

The GCC’s appetite for world-class AI thought leadership has never been higher. From Riyadh’s Vision 2030 summits to Dubai’s GITEX and Abu Dhabi’s tech forums, event organizers across the Gulf are racing to secure speakers who can educate, inspire, and challenge their audiences.

But finding the right AI voice for a Gulf stage is different from booking a speaker in Silicon Valley. Audiences here expect cultural awareness, regional relevance, and genuine strategic depth — not recycled keynotes from Western conferences.

Here are ten AI thought leaders who consistently deliver transformational experiences for Gulf audiences:

1. Mo Gawdat — Former Google X CBO and author of ‘Solve for Happy.’ Mo’s unique blend of AI expertise and philosophical insight makes him one of the most requested speakers in the region. His Egyptian roots and deep understanding of Gulf culture give him an edge that few global speakers can match.

2. Fei-Fei Li — Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute co-director brings academic rigor and a compelling vision for ethical AI that resonates deeply with Gulf organizations building responsible AI frameworks.

3. Yann LeCun — Meta’s Chief AI Scientist and Turing Award winner. When you need the deepest technical credibility on stage, LeCun is the gold standard.

4. Cassie Kozyrkov — The creator of Decision Intelligence and Google’s former Chief Decision Scientist. Her ability to make AI strategy accessible to C-suite audiences is unmatched.

5. Emad Mostaque — Stability AI’s founder speaks directly to the Gulf’s ambition of sovereign AI and digital independence.

6. Noelle Russell — AI Leadership Institute founder and three-time Emmy winner. Her focus on agentic AI and responsible adoption speaks to organizations in the middle of transformation.

7. Badr AlBadr — One of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent AI voices, bridging global innovation with Vision 2030 priorities.

8. Deemah AlYahya — Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization. A powerful voice on AI governance and digital diplomacy across 42 member states.

9. Rana el Kaliouby — Pioneer of Emotional AI and author of ‘Girl Decoded.’ Her work at NYU Abu Dhabi makes her a natural fit for Gulf audiences interested in human-centered technology.

10. Your next discovery — The best speaker for your event might not be on this list yet. That’s exactly why Minbar.ai exists: to match your specific audience, goals, and culture with the perfect AI voice.

The key to a successful AI event in the Gulf isn’t just booking a famous name — it’s finding someone who understands your audience, respects the culture, and delivers genuine value. That’s the Minbar.ai difference.