Ivan Laptev, Professor of Computer Vision at MBZUAI and Co-Founder of Machines Can See, added: “Abu Dhabi is rapidly strengthening its position as a centre for advanced AI, and Machines Can Think 2026 exemplifies that momentum by bringing together leading researchers and practitioners from around the world. As the UAE continues to invest in cutting-edge infrastructure and talent, MBZUAI remains focused on driving excellence in AI knowledge creation, transfer, and application. Across computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing, and computational biology, our community is developing research that can meaningfully advance industries and society. This summit provides a valuable platform to share that work, deepen global collaboration, and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a hub for the international AI community.”