ABU DHABI, 20th November, 2024 (XPANSE) -- Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, inaugurated XPANSE 2024 today at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, marking the launch of the world’s first global forum dedicated to envisioning exponential technologies. Addressing the event's opening ceremony, he stated, "XPANSE 2024 embodies the convergence of global leaders, thinkers, and innovators to explore the transformative potential of exponential technologies across industries.

‍

“The UAE, under the visionary leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has embraced innovation as a cornerstone of national progress, fostering an environment where bold ideas thrive, and technological boundaries are pushed.” Sheikh Nahyan added, “We gather in Abu Dhabi, a hub for groundbreaking advancements and global dialogue, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to ensure that the rapid evolution of technology serves humanity’s common good. This meeting is not only a celebration of progress but also a call to action – to align innovation with ethical values, inclusiveness, and sustainability.”

‍

HE Alia Abdullah Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship in her keynote address highlighted how Abu Dhabi has emerged as a key hub for finance and technology in the region, highlighting the city's commitment to fostering innovation and driving collaboration around cutting-edge ideas and technologies.

‍

She acknowledged the rapid changes and uncertainties shaping industries and underscored the importance of harnessing these transformations to reshape and evolve sectors. She added that the nation's focus on knowledge transfer and nurturing an ecosystem that benefits both citizens and communities, while encouraging disruption, innovation, and the challenge of new industries.

‍

HE Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and Adviser to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs, and Dr. Zina Jarrahi Cinker, Chief Creator of XPANSE and Director General of MATTER, discussed ATRC and TII's role in transforming Abu Dhabi into a hub for technology.

‍

HE Al Bannai highlighted the journey of research and development, emphasising ATRC and TII’s efforts in fostering deep tech startups and contributing to a knowledge economy. He noted that ATRC serves as a global connection hub, facilitating collaboration on research.

‍

Hosted by ADQ, the Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, and organised by ADNEC Group and the global think tank MATTER from November 20-22, XPANSE 2024 is a platform for some of the world’s most eminent thought leaders to explore imaginative new horizons.

‍

XPANSE 2024 is a prestigious and exclusive gathering will provide a platform for more than 2,500 trailblazers, Nobel Laureates, industry leaders, CEOs, ministers, scientists, and internationally renowned thinkers to set future paths for exponential technology fields spanning quantum, AI & AGI, genomics, exotic computing, embodied intelligence, Next-gen 2D matter, organoid intelligence, fusion energy, Brain-Machine interfaces, sentient cities, Future G, and beyond.