Sheikh Nahayan Inaugurates XPANSE 2024, Advancing Exponential Technologies 

Abu Dhabi, UAE – His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, officially inaugurated XPANSE 2024, the world’s first global forum dedicated to exponential technologies, today at the ADNEC Centre. 

In his Royal Patronage Address during the opening ceremony, His Excellency emphasized the UAE’s pioneering role in fostering innovation under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. “XPANSE 2024 unites global leaders, thinkers, and innovators to explore the transformative potential of exponential technologies. This forum underscores Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a hub for groundbreaking advancements and global dialogue,” he stated. 

His Excellency called for aligning innovation with ethical values, inclusiveness, and sustainability, highlighting the importance of ensuring technological advancements serve humanity’s common good. 

H.E. Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, delivered a keynote address, spotlighting Abu Dhabi’s rise as a regional hub for finance and technology. She stressed the importance of harnessing transformative changes to reshape industries while nurturing an ecosystem that prioritizes knowledge transfer and innovation. 

The event also featured a Ministerial Interview with H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), and Dr. Zina Jarrahi Cinker, Chief Creator of XPANSE. Discussions highlighted ATRC’s and TII’s roles in driving Abu Dhabi’s transformation into a global technology hub, focusing on advancements in AI, quantum technology, and fostering deep-tech startups. 

XPANSE 2024 Highlights 
Hosted by ADQ and organized by ADNEC Group and global think tank MATTER, the event runs from November 20-22, 2024, bringing together more than 2,500 global visionaries, including Nobel Laureates, CEOs, ministers, and scientists. 

The forum features four immersive stages: 

• IMAGINARIUM Stage: A multimedia experience hosting 40 visionary speakers in 8-minute keynotes, including Nobel Laureates and global leaders. 

• Keynote Stage: Showcasing 80 concise presentations by renowned experts. 

• Fireside Stage: Interactive debates and discussions with diverse thinkers, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. 

• Lightning Pitch Stage: Presenting over 100 five-minute pitches from startups and innovators competing for three prestigious prizes. 

Esteemed speakers include Nobel Laureates Dr. Steven Chu, Dr. Anton Zeilinger, and Sir Roger Penrose, alongside global pioneers such as Sir Ronald Cohen, Dr. Najwa Aaraj, and Dr. Hiroshi Ishii. 

XPANSE’s Vision 
As a transformative platform for exponential technologies, XPANSE 2024 focuses on cutting-edge fields such as AI & AGI, quantum technology, genomics, fusion energy, and Brain-Machine Interfaces. With a long-term commitment to sustainability and innovation, the event positions Abu Dhabi as a global leader in driving technological progress.