The upcoming “Knowledge Summit” in Dubai promises to be an inspiring gathering, uniting thinkers, innovators, and decision-makers from over 100 countries. Set to take place on November 19 and 20, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the summit is themed “Knowledge Markets: Developing Sustainable Communities.” This event aims to create a vibrant intellectual exchange that transcends cultural boundaries, emphasizing the crucial role knowledge plays in community development.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation announced key aspects of the summit during a media briefing. This year’s gathering aligns with the UAE’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community, introducing engaging discussions centered on the global dialogue around the pivotal role of knowledge in societal growth. The foundation emphasizes that investing in intellectual capital is essential for building flourishing communities.
Jamal bin Huwaireb, Executive Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, stated that the summit serves as a global reference point for shaping trends in the knowledge economy and forecasting its future. He highlighted that Dubai stands at the forefront of the global conversation regarding the transformation of knowledge into sustainable economic and social value. Bin Huwaireb expressed that this initiative reflects the UAE leadership’s vision, recognizing knowledge as the cornerstone of development and a renewable resource for crafting a brighter future for humanity.
Dr. Hani Turki, Chief Technical Advisor and Project Director for Knowledge at the United Nations Development Programme, noted significant methodological updates to this year’s Global Knowledge Index. These enhancements aim to improve accuracy and facilitate country comparisons by introducing new sub-indicators and refining statistical weights. The integrated approach will provide decision-makers with an effective tool to develop long-term strategies that support sustainable human development.
Furthermore, Saif Al Mansoori, Head of the Knowledge Summit Committee, revealed the event’s agenda, which offers a comprehensive interactive experience. It includes specialized halls that embody the summit’s diverse themes, with the main hall serving as the primary platform for global knowledge dialogues. Other spaces include the Sustainable Communities hall in partnership with the United Nations, the Global Knowledge Index hall, and the Knowledge Dialogues hall, which hosts brief inspiring sessions with innovators. Additionally, sessions will cover future skills through workshops from the Academy of Future Skills and high-level meetings in other dedicated halls.
This year’s summit anticipates hosting over 45 sessions featuring around 130 speakers, including officials, experts, and thought leaders from various sectors. Topics will range from developing fair and effective knowledge markets to establishing a sustainable knowledge economy inclusive of modern technological tools such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data. Key discussions will also explore education, innovation, intellectual property, scientific research, and community development.