At a time when Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fundamentally reshaping global value chains, GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2026 places this transformative technology at the centre of its strategic vision: to support the emergence of a competitive, inclusive, sovereign and sustainable African digital economy. Under the theme “Catalysing Africa’s Digital Economy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” this edition will convene public decision-makers, industry leaders, startups, investors, researchers and prominent technology stakeholders in Marrakech. The event will serve as a platform to examine the pathways for developing responsible AI infrastructure, advancing digital public policy frameworks and accelerating the scaling of high-impact solutions tailored to the continent’s needs.

GITEX AFRICA Morocco’s momentum aligns fully with the objectives of the Digital for Sustainable Development Hub, launched by the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme. Through this initiative, Her Excellency Mrs. Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, underscores that “through D4SD, we are building an Arab-African digital cooperation platform based on the sharing of expertise, the development of skills and the deployment of Artificial Intelligence solutions aligned with our countries’ development priorities.” She further emphasizes a clear ambition: to make digital transformation “a structural driver of co-development in Africa, while ensuring that technological innovation delivers tangible contributions to sustainable development and enhances citizens’ quality of life.”

Within this broader continental vision, GITEX AFRICA Morocco acts as a strategic forum where public policy, investment and innovation converge in a coherent and structured manner.

For Mr. Amine El Mezouaghi, Director General of the Digital Development Agency, Artificial Intelligence represents “a decisive lever for Africa’s digital development, provided that effective convergence is ensured between public policy, infrastructure and investment. GITEX AFRICA Morocco positions itself as a strategic framework for co-construction, capable of bringing together African and international ecosystems around practical solutions tailored to the realities of the continent, while accelerating high-impact digital projects and sustainably strengthening local capabilities.”

In this context, the event is designed as a strategic framework for collaboration and co-creation, capable of “bringing together African and international ecosystems around concrete solutions adapted to the continent’s realities, while accelerating high-impact digital projects and sustainably strengthening local capabilities.”

Working towards this shared ambition, the global ecosystem of GITEX AFRICA Morocco remains central to Morocco’s reach and influence. Ms. Trixie LohMirmand, CEO, GITEX AFRICA Morocco, said: “As we look toward GITEX AFRICA 2026, our mission is to move beyond conversation and into the era of active implementation. By anchoring this edition in responsible Artificial Intelligence, we provide the definitive platform where global innovation meets African sovereignty. This event is not just a showcase; it is a high-octane engine for cross-border collaboration, designed to scale high-impact digital solutions that will define the continent’s economic resilience for decades to come.”

As a major platform for international digital cooperation, GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2026 consolidates its role as a structuring force in advancing an ambitious, innovative and sovereign digital Africa.

For more information: www.gitexafrica.com

As the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation enters full implementation, the 2026 agenda centers on institutional adoption, compliance, custody, tokenization, ETFs, and evolving market structure. The program reflects a broader industry shift from experimentation toward operational deployment within established financial systems.

“A willingness to constantly innovate, test, and adapt is just part of our DNA at PBW. We are guided by discipline, a shared purpose, and a clear understanding of what matters to the diverse stakeholders we convene. Each edition is carefully developed, always attuned to the prevailing global context and market dynamics. No two editions of PBW are ever the same. This year, we are placing a much greater focus on institutional participation, which is a natural progression for the PBW community,” said Katrina Macleod, Head of Sales Paris Blockchain Week. 

Confirmed speakers include Jean-Marc Stenger, CEO of Societe Generale-FORGE; Kara Kennedy, Co-Head of Kinexys at J.P. Morgan; Nikhil Sharma, Director of Digital Assets at BlackRock; Sabih Behzad, Managing Director and Head of Digital Assets at Deutsche Bank; and Jean-Jacques Barberis, Deputy CEO at Amundi. Their participation signals the growing integration of blockchain infrastructure into global capital markets.

Bybit EU joins the 2026 edition as a leading sponsor, alongside major industry participants including Ripple, Circle, Aptos, BitGo, Fireblocks, Kraken, KuCoin, and PwC. The presence of both global exchanges and regulated financial institutions highlights the convergence of digital asset platforms and traditional finance.

Paris Blockchain Week will open with its exclusive, invitation-only VIP Dinner at the Château de Versailles on April 14, 2026. The gathering will convene policymakers, institutional investors, and infrastructure providers for high-level dialogue focused on governance, regulation, and cross-border digital asset integration.

The 2026 program also features the return of Start in Block, the event’s flagship startup competition. Selected Web3 and blockchain founders will present their companies to venture capital firms and institutional investors, strengthening the bridge between innovation and global capital networks.

In 2025, Paris Blockchain Week welcomed more than 9,500 attendees, over 420 speakers, and 300 sponsors. The 2026 edition builds on that momentum with an expanded institutional agenda and curated networking designed to facilitate long-term collaboration across regulated digital markets.

Event Details:

Dates: April 15–16, 2026
VIP Dinner: April 14, 2026
Venue: Carrousel du Louvre, Paris, France
Official Website: https://www.parisblockchainweek.com

About Paris Blockchain Week

Paris Blockchain Week, organized by Chain of Events, is Europe’s largest institutional event for digital assets and traditional finance. Hosted annually at the Carrousel du Louvre, and expanding now for the exclusive invite-only VIP dinner at the Royal Château de Versailles, PBW convenes the world’s leading voices in finance, policy, and technology to drive meaningful dialogue and collaboration across the digital economy.

In 2025, PBW welcomed more than 9,500 attendees, over 420 speakers, and 300 sponsors, including executives from AWS, Ripple, Circle, Animoca Brands, Goldman Sachs, and Deutsche Bank.

As the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation enters full implementation, the 2026 agenda centers on institutional adoption, compliance, custody, tokenization, ETFs, and evolving market structure. The program reflects a broader industry shift from experimentation toward operational deployment within established financial systems.

“A willingness to constantly innovate, test, and adapt is just part of our DNA at PBW. We are guided by discipline, a shared purpose, and a clear understanding of what matters to the diverse stakeholders we convene. Each edition is carefully developed, always attuned to the prevailing global context and market dynamics. No two editions of PBW are ever the same. This year, we are placing a much greater focus on institutional participation, which is a natural progression for the PBW community,” said Katrina Macleod, Head of Sales Paris Blockchain Week. 

Confirmed speakers include Jean-Marc Stenger, CEO of Societe Generale-FORGE; Kara Kennedy, Co-Head of Kinexys at J.P. Morgan; Nikhil Sharma, Director of Digital Assets at BlackRock; Sabih Behzad, Managing Director and Head of Digital Assets at Deutsche Bank; and Jean-Jacques Barberis, Deputy CEO at Amundi. Their participation signals the growing integration of blockchain infrastructure into global capital markets.

Bybit EU joins the 2026 edition as a leading sponsor, alongside major industry participants including Ripple, Circle, Aptos, BitGo, Fireblocks, Kraken, KuCoin, and PwC. The presence of both global exchanges and regulated financial institutions highlights the convergence of digital asset platforms and traditional finance.

Paris Blockchain Week will open with its exclusive, invitation-only VIP Dinner at the Château de Versailles on April 14, 2026. The gathering will convene policymakers, institutional investors, and infrastructure providers for high-level dialogue focused on governance, regulation, and cross-border digital asset integration.

The 2026 program also features the return of Start in Block, the event’s flagship startup competition. Selected Web3 and blockchain founders will present their companies to venture capital firms and institutional investors, strengthening the bridge between innovation and global capital networks.

In 2025, Paris Blockchain Week welcomed more than 9,500 attendees, over 420 speakers, and 300 sponsors. The 2026 edition builds on that momentum with an expanded institutional agenda and curated networking designed to facilitate long-term collaboration across regulated digital markets.

Event Details:

Dates: April 15–16, 2026
VIP Dinner: April 14, 2026
Venue: Carrousel du Louvre, Paris, France
Official Website: https://www.parisblockchainweek.com

About Paris Blockchain Week

Paris Blockchain Week, organized by Chain of Events, is Europe’s largest institutional event for digital assets and traditional finance. Hosted annually at the Carrousel du Louvre, and expanding now for the exclusive invite-only VIP dinner at the Royal Château de Versailles, PBW convenes the world’s leading voices in finance, policy, and technology to drive meaningful dialogue and collaboration across the digital economy.

In 2025, PBW welcomed more than 9,500 attendees, over 420 speakers, and 300 sponsors, including executives from AWS, Ripple, Circle, Animoca Brands, Goldman Sachs, and Deutsche Bank.

Blockchain Forum is not merely a conference; it is an infrastructure-level meeting point for the ecosystem. It is where strategic discussions take place, partnerships are formed and projects that define the direction of the digital asset industry are launched.

Scale and Market Concentration

The 2026 edition is expected to bring together over 20,000 participants from 100+ countries, 250 exhibiting companies and more than 200 exclusive speakers, many of whom will be speaking in Russia for the first time.

This creates a rare concentration of expertise, capital and technological innovation on a single platform.

Attendees include investors, venture funds, banks, crypto exchanges, Web3 startups and infrastructure providers, enabling direct dialogue between builders, capital and institutional stakeholders.

200+ Exclusive Speakers

The agenda will feature leaders of major crypto platforms, investment executives, digital asset regulation experts and technology innovators. Many of these speakers rarely appear in the region, making Blockchain Forum a valuable opportunity for direct engagement and first-hand insights.

Exhibition and Practical Use Cases

The exhibition area will host 250 leading crypto companies presenting infrastructure solutions, new products and emerging technologies. Participants will not only hear about trends from the stage but also explore real-world applications — from product premieres to direct interaction with founders and teams.

AI Future Forum: The Convergence of AI and Web3

A dedicated AI Future Forum will take place alongside the main agenda, focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies. The convergence of AI and Web3 is widely regarded as one of the defining directions of digital economy development in the coming years.

Networking as a Strategic Asset

Blockchain Forum is recognized as a strategic networking environment. Beyond the main stages, negotiations take place, investment discussions unfold and long-term partnerships are initiated. The structure of the event enables participants to gain, in two days, the level of access and insights that would otherwise require months of fragmented communication.

Official Afterparty Headliner — L’One

The official Afterparty will be headlined by L’One, one of the most prominent artists on the Russian stage. His live performance will serve as the culmination of the forum, bringing participants together in the atmosphere of a large-scale show combined with premium networking.

The Afterparty traditionally extends the business agenda into a more informal yet equally valuable environment for relationship-building.

Blockchain Forum 2026 represents a combination of strategic dialogue, technological innovation and capital concentration, creating a space where decisions are made and the future of the market is shaped.

Tickets are available on the official website. A 10% discount is available with promo code  allspark.
More details:

Ai-forum

https://ai-future.com/?utm_source=allsparkresearch.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=allspark

Blockchain Forum:

https://blockchain.forum/?utm_source=allsparkresearch.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=allspark

Organized by Web3 marketing agency EAK Digital, the event will examine the structural evolution of digital assets within regulated financial markets.

What to expect at the Institutional Markets Summit?

The summit serves as the ultimate meeting point for top industry leaders across traditional finance, private markets, tokenized capital markets, regulation and custody to explore evolving market structures.

It is open only to senior decision-makers shaping the institutional adoption of digital assets, including government policymakers, financial regulators, central bank representatives, institutional investors, market operators, stablecoin issuers, payment networks, and risk management leaders.

As the first edition of the event under Istanbul Blockchain Week, the summit builds on the success of previous IBW editions which featured speakers such as Mehmet Çamır, Chairman of OKX TR, Ali İhsan Güngör, Executive Vice Chairman of Capital Markets Board of Türkiye, Onur Güven, CEO of Garanti BBVA Digital Assets, Petra Janež, Head, Supervision of Fintech & Digital Assets at the Ministry of Finance – Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia, Paul Brody, Global Blockchain Leader at Ernst & Young Global, and many more.

Erhan Korhaliller, CEO of EAK Digital and founder of Istanbul Blockchain Week, said:

“With traditional financial institutions increasingly embracing digital assets, blockchain technologies, and cryptocurrencies, we are proud to launch a dedicated summit to explore these developments, navigate opportunities and shape the future of institutional adoption.”

The summit will focus on key topics related to liquidity formation, capital markets integration, custody, settlement infrastructure, compliance frameworks, and the incorporation of digital assets into existing financial and capital market systems.

Exclusive closed-door roundtables with sovereign funds and institutional leaders will also take place, fostering strategic discussions among key decision-makers driving the evolution of global digital assets. 

Why Istanbul?

Positioned at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, Istanbul’s strategic location provides a central meeting point for capital and institutions across these regions – offering both geographic and economic connectivity for institutional dialogue and cross-border collaboration.  

Türkiye processed nearly $200 billion in crypto transaction volume in 2025, making it one of the world’s largest markets by raw transaction activity, according to a Chainalysis report. The introduction of a new economic bill and reporting frameworks for digital assets, including a 10% withholding tax on crypto gains further signals a major step in aligning digital assets more closely with traditional financial instruments. 

With increasing cross-border liquidity and settlement connectivity, Istanbul has established itself as a key hub for a rapidly developing fintech ecosystem, with digital asset usage deeply integrated with the broader economic activity.

Participation in the Institutional Markets Summit is limited to invited institutional leaders, policymakers, and Istanbul Blockchain Week VIP pass holders, ensuring a high-level audience of senior decision-makers across global financial markets.

-ENDS-

About Istanbul Blockchain Week (IBW)

Istanbul Blockchain Week (IBW) is Türkiye’s flagship Web3 conference and expo, bringing together founders, developers, investors, enterprises, creators, and policymakers in the heart of Istanbul. Produced by EAK Digital, IBW showcases the technologies and people shaping crypto, DeFi, AI agents, gaming, and real-world assets. Across recent editions, IBW has welcomed 20,000+ attendees and 500+ speakers from leading protocols, exchanges, and institutions. The program features a main-stage conference, large-scale expo, DeFAI Con, a KOL Summit, investor roundtables, workshops, and curated networking designed for real deal-flow.

To learn more and get IBW tickets, visit https://istanbulblockchainweek.com/tickets/. 

Taking place in 6-7 June 2026, NZCryptoCon will bring together thousands of attendees from across New Zealand, Australia, and the wider Asia-Pacific region, marking a major milestone for the country’s digital finance and technology ecosystem. The event is designed to educate, connect, and inspire – creating a platform where industry leaders, builders, investors, businesses, and newcomers can come together to explore the future of crypto, blockchain, and Web3.

As New Zealand’s first large-scale crypto convention, NZCryptoCon will feature a comprehensive multi-stage program including keynote presentations, panel discussions, exhibitor showcases, and curated networking experiences. Topics will span cryptocurrency fundamentals, blockchain innovation, regulation, security, decentralised finance (DeFi), NFTs, Web3 infrastructure, and the growing role of digital assets in the global financial system.

In relation to the timing and relevance for a national crypto event, CEO & Founder of NZCryptoCon, Dave Haslop, said:

“Crypto adoption in New Zealand is already mainstream. Research shows nearly half of Kiwis have owned, currently own, or are actively considering digital assets. The community is here, the momentum is real, and now it’s time for a major event that matches the scale of what’s already happening on the ground.”

Swyftx, one of the region’s most trusted and user-friendly digital asset exchanges, has been confirmed as the Naming Rights Partner for the inaugural event. Known for its strong focus on education, accessibility, and responsible participation in crypto markets, Swyftx’s involvement reflects a shared commitment to empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to engage confidently with digital assets.

“We’re excited to partner with NZCryptoCon to help grow awareness and provide accessible, trusted knowledge about cryptocurrency to as many Kiwis as possible,” said a Swyftx spokesperson.

“By joining forces with Easy Crypto, Swyftx is now the largest crypto exchange in New Zealand, and a significant part of our focus is dedicated to raising crypto awareness, investing in education, and supporting opportunities that drive responsible adoption. NZCryptoCon shares these same objectives, and we’re delighted to be part of an event that is helping shape the future of crypto in New Zealand.

NZCryptoCon aims to play a central role in connecting the local ecosystem while linking New Zealand to the global digital asset industry.

“New Zealand has incredible talent and one of the most engaged grassroots crypto communities anywhere, but it’s been missing a national stage,” Haslop added. “NZCryptoCon becomes the annual hub that brings everyone together – founders, investors, builders, and the next wave of newcomers – to connect locally and plug into the global industry.”

The partnership with Swyftx will see the exchange play a central role across the event experience, including on-stage content, educational sessions, branding integration, and exclusive activations designed to support both first-time attendees and experienced participants.

NZCryptoCon is expected to attract a diverse audience, including retail investors, developers, fintech professionals, startups, institutional players, policymakers, students, and those simply curious about the space. Beyond the conference program, the event will place a strong emphasis on community and culture, with curated networking events and partner-led experiences designed to foster meaningful collaboration.

Early-release tickets for NZCryptoCon are now available, with limited-time launch pricing. Further announcements, including speaker line-ups, exhibitor partners, and detailed program highlights, will be released in the coming months.

For more information or to secure tickets, visit www.nzcryptocon.com

Use discount code ASR19 for discounted tickets.

Organized by The People Events, the two-day international conference served as a dynamic platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange across fintech, banking, cybersecurity, AI, digital identity, open finance, compliance, and cross-border payments.

4th Eddition | 16–17 September, 2026 Singapore 

Singapore — Building on the overwhelming success of the Dubai edition, the organizers officially announced the next global edition of FinTech Week, scheduled to take place on 16–17 September 2026 in Singapore, under the forward-looking theme:

“Finance. Innovation. Future.”

The Singapore edition will continue to unite global financial leaders, fintech pioneers, investors, regulators, and technology innovators to explore the next era of financial transformation.

Sponsor:

• The Recruitment Co.
  

Exhibitors:

• SITOMATICA
• SATOCCI
• The Technology Express
• The Finance World
• Coinfea

Our Speakers & Their Organizations

Fintech Week Dubai 2026 featured an outstanding lineup of global fintech leaders, innovators, and decision-makers representing leading financial institutions, technology companies, and advisory firms worldwide.

The confirmed speaker roster included:

• • Sophia Kalsi — Business Development Manager, The Recruitment Co
  • Alycia M. Powell — Founder, The AMALGAM Group
  • Arsalan Ahmed — Fintechs & Digital Partnerships EEMEA, Mastercard
  • Suji Gopalakrishnan — Head of Retail Asset, Deem Finance
  • Shibu Mathew — SVP – Commercial Payments, NymCard
  • Rajneel Kumar — Co-Founder & COO, Rentify
  • Alex Emelian — CEO & Co-Founder, Simple
  • Rouf Rafiq — Marketing Manager, Emirates NBD
  • Sheikh Mohsin Ali — Chief Operating Officer, COAE International
  • Bobby Kakar — Digital Banking & Payments Leader, Fintech & Digital Financial Services
  • Jonathan Cumberlidge — CEO & Co-Founder, Sentvia
  • Serkan Turan — CEO, Yolparam
  • Oliver von Wolff — Partner, Head of Capital Partnerships & Strategic Growth, Handle AE
  • Sandeep Sigar — Founder, SetupFX
  • Stewart A. Stockdale — Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO, Rellevate
  • Harly Zappino — Managing Partner, Neo Legal
  • Ignacio Nicolas Ayago Trigo — CEO & Founder, Techain
  • Ekaterina Lopareva — Project Manager, Sitomatica
  • Tanvir Shah — CEO, XSquare (UAE)
  • Pooja Sudha — CEO, PS Group of Companies
  • Mark Walker — CEO & Editorial Director, The Fintech Times
  • Nkiru Uwaje — COO, MANSA
  • Serhii Zakharov — CEO & Founder, PayDo
  • Cristian Larrosa — CEO & Founder, Larrosa MusicTech & Capital
  • Leila Bouzinab — Strategic Sales Director – Financial Institutions, Worldpay
  • Laia Fernández — Founder, Unmute Group
  • Minali Tolani — CEO & Managing Director, Lightman Global
  • Dr. Deepika Chaudhary — Assistant Professor, K.R. Mangalam University
  • Helen Ghebreluul — Country Manager UAE, Verto
  • Shelli Ryan — CEO, Ad Hoc
  • Melanie Lennert — CEO & Co-Founder, CRO2go
  • James Ashton-Smith — Head of Visa Accelerator Program & Digital Partnerships & Ventures – CEMEA, Visa
  • Christelle Metni — Strategic Enablement Manager, Exante (Dubai)
  • Manpreet Haer — Co-Founder & CEO, Payfuture
  • Rehan Mohammed — Country Manager for MENA, Enqura
  • Alona Shevtsova — Founder & CEO, Sends
  • Muhammed Arshad Choudhary — Director, Regional CEO Office – AME, Standard Chartered
  • Angaj Bhandari — SVP EMEA, Fime
  • Ilia Samsonov — Project Manager, SITOMATICA
  • Harsh Daftary — Head of Cloud Security & Compliance, Emirates NBD
  • Dyma Budorin — Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, Hacken Group
  • Chris Smith — Founder & CEO, BLOXX
  • Nicki Bull Bisgaard — Group Head, PayTech Group
  • Nick Guliaev — CEO, Finbloom
  • Karim Zaitouni — CEO & Founder, Energity – Empower Your Business
  • Ralf Plänkers — Founder & CEO, Wealthcom
  • Kay French — Founder & CEO, Investory
  • Louis Roche — CEO, Octalas Group Ltd
  • F. Josef Obeid — Founder & CEO, Ledgers
  • Priidu Tammeorg — Independent Process Automation Strategist
  • Shebin Mathew — Senior Security Consultant
  • Max Lighter — Partner, MaxCapital Investment Fund (Dubai)
  • Matthias Wachsler — CEO, 4M Swissinvest AG
  • Mohammed Al Alami — Head of Product, OFZA
  • Amit Grover — Founder & Managing Partner, Grover & Company
  • Sailendra Das — Head, Sanctions Risk Analysis & Controls (Africa & Middle East), Standard Chartered Bank
  • Melodi Askelöf — CEO & Co-Founder, Satocci
  • Mr. Sandeep Sigar — Founder, SetupFX

Fintech Week Dubai 2026 – Awardees

In addition to insightful discussions and high-level networking, Fintech Week Dubai 2026 proudly recognized outstanding leaders and organizations shaping the future of financial services through innovation, resilience, and strategic excellence.

The distinguished award recipients included:

Excellence in Financial Leadership Award

• Women in Risk & Compliance Award — Marija Solovjova
• Excellence in AI-Driven Financial Solutions — Ignacio Nicolás Ayago Trigo
• Excellence in Investor Relations – Early Stage Startup — Matthias Wachsler-Markowitsch
• Excellence in Financial Strategy & Leadership — Nicki Bull Bisgaard
• Digital Payments Innovation — Serhii Zakharov
• Excellence in Financial Strategy & Leadership — Nick Guliaev
• Woman Finance Leader of the Year — Alona Shevtsova 

Financial Company of Excellence Award

• Fraud Detection & Response System — Eccompay
• Excellence in Investor Relations – Early Stage Startup — Grupo Larrosa OÜ
• Customer-Centric FinTech Excellence — Rellevate, Inc
• Digital Payments Innovation — Rellevate, Inc
• Leading B2B FinTech Platform — Energity
• Excellence in Innovative AI Solution in WealthTech — Wealthcom
• Emerging FinTech Startup of the Year — Wealthcom
• Leading B2B FinTech Platform — Sentvia
• Fastest Growing FinTech Company — Salween Group
• Excellence in Innovative AI Solution in WealthTech — Ledgers Technology, Inc.
• Digital Payments Innovation — Rentify
• Excellence in FinTech Talent Acquisition — The Recruitment Co
• Workforce Innovation Award — The Recruitment Co
• Emerging FinTech Startup of the Year — SetupFX
• Fastest Growing FinTech Company — SetupFX

FinTech with Exceptional Social Impact

• FinTech with Exceptional Social Impact — Dr. Deepika Chaudhary

These awards celebrate the organizations and individuals driving measurable impact across payments, AI, compliance, digital transformation, wealthtech, talent innovation, and financial inclusion globally.

From AI Hype to Real-World Application

Authority, Reputation & the Human Edge

Inside the 10th Anniversary Edition of HIPTHER Prague Summit

“While 2025 was dominated by conversations about AI, 2026 is the year we are witnessing real acceleration. New developments, real projects, and genuinely useful tools being created at unprecedented speed. I recently noticed this while recording a podcast: we no longer say ‘this wasn’t possible a few years ago.’ We now say ‘this wasn’t possible a few months ago.’ That shift in language says everything about the pace of AI-driven innovation. The market will not reward AI commentary anymore. It will reward AI capability. That’s exactly why the HIPTHER Academy focuses on practical application, giving professionals the ability to execute, not just discuss. In 2026, competitive advantage belongs to those who can apply AI confidently, responsibly, and effectively in real business environments.”

More Academy Highlights

The Career-Advancement Layer of Prague 2026

Organized by VAP Group and powered by Times of Games, the event will feature live demos of the latest games, immersive experiences in AR and VR, and panels discussing trends in game development, publishing, and esports. Participants will get a sneak peek into upcoming technologies, monetization plans, and player engagement techniques.

The Global Games Show also focuses on collaboration, offering networking zones and matchmaking sessions to connect developers, investors, and publishers. Startups will have a platform to present innovative gaming solutions, and established companies will showcase how technology is enhancing storytelling, graphics, and gameplay.

GGS has previously hosted some of the most influential names shaping the future of gaming, esports, and Web3. Esteemed speakers have included Johnson Yeh, Founder and CEO of ROEHL/Ambrus Studio; Yat Siu, Co-Founder and Chairman of Animoca Brands; Dirk Lueth, Ph.D., Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Uplandme, Inc.; and Paul Dawalibi, CEO of Holodeck Ventures. Industry innovators such as Ilman Shazhaev, Founder of Farcana, and Klaus Kajetski, Founder and CEO of YaLLa Esports, have also shared their insights, alongside Jonathan Bouzanquet, Chief Strategy Officer and Founder of PLAYA3ULL Games, and Assad Dar, Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Medieval Empires. Together, these leaders have livened up the stage with perspectives on the intersection of gaming, blockchain, esports, and immersive digital economies.

The event creates an environment where ideas flourish, partnerships form, and knowledge is shared across sectors.

The Global Games Show Riyadh unfolds over two exciting days of innovation, creativity, and collaboration at the heart of the gaming industry. Day One explores The Next Frontier of Gaming Tech, spotlighting Saudi Arabia’s rise as an esports powerhouse, breakthroughs in gaming engines, and futuristic concepts like brain-computer interfaces and AI-driven game design. Day Two shifts focus to Gameconomics, diving into the evolving business of gaming—from crowdfunding and mobile opportunities to community empowerment and investor-developer partnerships. Across both days, attendees can expect visionary talks, engaging discussions, and vibrant networking moments that bring together global creators, developers, and gaming enthusiasts shaping the future of interactive entertainment.

The Global Games Show 2026 Riyadh edition is a step towards establishing the city as a hub for digital entertainment and interactive technology. One of the biggest perks of this event is that a single ticket also gives you access to other high-end events, including the Global AI Show and the Global Blockchain Show. Grab this unique opportunity to explore, learn, and connect.

Participants can expect keynote speeches from AI pioneers, panel discussions on ethical AI, and hands-on workshops focusing on the practical applications of AI across industries. From finance to healthcare to education to logistics, AI is transforming how businesses operate and make decisions. The Global AI Show will highlight real-world use cases and success stories that show AI’s direct impact.

Experts will discuss how governments and society can ensure responsible AI adoption, mitigate risks, and maximize benefits. 

The Global AI Show Riyadh brings together world leaders, innovators, and visionaries to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future across industries and societies. The day opens with a powerful look at Saudi Arabia’s AI Revolution, highlighting the nation’s journey from vision to real-world impact and the evolving relationship between humans and intelligent machines. Discussions delve deep into the rise of AGI, smart collaboration, and the technological frameworks driving this new era. The focus then turns to AI in healthcare, uncovering how machine intelligence is transforming diagnostics, therapeutics, and patient care. From predictive medicine to AI-assisted surgeries, each session offers fresh insights into how innovation and intelligence are redefining health, humanity, and the global future.

Riyadh, as an epicenter committed to technology and innovation, is reflected in the scale and scope of the Global AI Show. Participants can expect to leave with new insights, valuable partnerships, and a deeper understanding of AI changing the future.