• Over 250 eminent speakers will outline a future of unlimited possibilities
• XPANSE 2024 offers an inspiring new world with the inception of a year-round ecosystem building initiative

Abu Dhabi, 20 November 2024: His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak 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. 

His Excellency delivered a Royal Patronage Address during the event's opening ceremony, stating: "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 His Highness Sheikh Mohammed 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.

His Excellency added that as 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.

During the opening ceremony, H.E Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, provided a keynote address on the main stage. In her address, Her Excellency 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.  

Her Excellency 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.

During the Ministerial Interview with H.E. 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, the two discussed ATRC and TII's role in transforming Abu Dhabi into a hub for technology.

His Excellency 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. The conversation also focused on the transformative role of technologies like AI, positioning Abu Dhabi as a leader in AI, and the city's progress in the field of quantum technology.

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 will feature four immersive stages designed to foster innovation and collaboration. The IMAGINARIUM Stage combines multimedia and sensory experiences, hosting 40 visionary speakers in 8-minute immersive keynotes, including Nobel Laureates, CEOs, and global leaders. With six themed programming slots and an inaugural ceremony, this stage will spotlight groundbreaking ideas and honour distinguished local and international keynote speakers. The Keynote Stage will showcase 80 concise presentations from world-renowned experts.

The Fireside Stage will serve as an interactive hub for open debates, discussions, and audience-driven questions, uniting diverse thinkers like biologists, AI innovators, and ethical hackers to inspire interdisciplinary connections. Lastly, the Lightning Pitch Stage will spotlight 100+ five-minute pitches, offering a platform for startup founders, researchers, and young innovators to present their latest breakthroughs, competing for three prestigious prizes. Each stage at XPANSE is crafted to drive transformative conversations and spark a bold vision for the future.

Featuring an exceptional lineup of visionary thinkers and global leaders in advanced science and emerging technologies, XPANSE launches as a transformative initiative to build an enduring ecosystem that envisions a limitless future of innovation and collaboration. Esteemed speakers include Nobel Laureates such as Dr. Steven Chu, Dr. Anton Zeilinger, Sir Roger Penrose, and Prof. Dan Shechtman, alongside influential figures like Sir Ronald Cohen, Sir Martin Sorrell, Hon. Cristina Gallach, and Dr. Sean Carroll. The event will also host pioneers like Dr. Najwa Aaraj, Dr. Anil Seth, and Dr. Hiroshi Ishii, fostering a dynamic environment to inspire connectivity, creativity, and groundbreaking ideas that shape a more interconnected and collaborative world. 

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.

As a year-round ecosystem building to drive innovation and partnerships beyond the event itself, XPANSE 2024 positions Abu Dhabi as a global technology leader by focusing on critical exponential technologies that will shape the next wave of global progress. The event’s long-term vision and commitment to sustainability also set it apart from other global technology summits.