The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday to represent the United Arab Emirates at the India AI Impact Summit, a gathering focused on artificial intelligence and digital transformation that runs through Feb. 20, 2026.
Sheikh Khaled is attending the summit on behalf of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, underscoring the Gulf state’s push to deepen cooperation with India in emerging technologies. Indian Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia received the crown prince at the airport, where officials hosted a ceremonial welcome.
The UAE delegation includes senior officials responsible for artificial intelligence, foreign affairs and advanced technology, among them Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence Omar Sultan Al Olama and Faisal Al Bannai, an adviser to the UAE president on strategic research and advanced technology.
The summit in New Delhi brings together government leaders, technology companies and policymakers to discuss how artificial intelligence can support economic growth and public services. The UAE has positioned itself as an early mover in the field, appointing a minister for AI in 2017 and investing heavily in research partnerships, data infrastructure and digital government initiatives.
Abu Dhabi and New Delhi have strengthened economic and political ties in recent years, with technology emerging as a central pillar of cooperation. India remains one of the UAE’s largest trading partners, and both countries have signaled interest in expanding collaboration in areas such as fintech, clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Artificial intelligence, which both governments see as critical to future competitiveness, has become a focal point of bilateral discussions.
The UAE said its participation in the summit aims to advance international cooperation on AI and accelerate digital transformation across key sectors. Officials have increasingly framed AI as a tool to diversify the economy beyond oil and to position the country as a regional technology hub.
India, for its part, has sought to harness AI to improve public services and support its fast-growing digital economy. By hosting high-level forums such as the India AI Impact Summit, New Delhi is signaling its ambition to play a larger role in shaping global AI governance and standards.
Sheikh Khaled’s visit reflects a broader strategy by both nations to align on next-generation technologies at a time when countries worldwide are racing to secure talent, investment and regulatory influence in the rapidly evolving AI sector.
