Dubai:The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has announced the launch of the Science, Technology, Arts, and Research Summit (STARS) for the first time in Dubai. The event will take place during Dubai Future Week, from November 18th to 21st, 2026, at Emirates Towers and the Museum of the Future, under the theme 'For the Human of the Future'.
According to Wam, the STARS Summit is a new platform that aims to break down traditional barriers by bringing together scientists, researchers, artists, creators, and decision-makers. It seeks to bridge the gap between scientific laboratories, universities, museums, and art galleries.
The summit will feature over 20 panel discussions, 10 tech art installations, and 30 interactive research posters. These activities are designed to empower participants to explore emerging technologies and reflect on their impact on human life. The panel discussions will include international experts who will exchange ideas, explore the horizons of science and technology, and debate the future of humanity. The challenge lies in not just producing knowledge, but in understanding, interpreting, and transforming it into a global dialogue.
The STARS platform will also host an exhibition of 10 tech art installations that blend artistic creativity with robotics, artificial intelligence, and other scientific fields. Additionally, the summit will offer immersive experiences and unveil technological innovations transforming scientific research into tangible realities.
For the first time in Dubai, the STARS Summit will host the annual open labs of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Senseable City Lab. These discussions will focus on the future of cities, AI-powered urban systems, and intelligent mobility, highlighting cutting-edge research in urban technology.
Khalifa Al Qama, Chief of Research, Development, and Innovation at DFF, stated that the summit marks the first initiative in the STARS programme. The programme will continue throughout the year, supporting the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Ecosystem and strengthening the emirate's position as a leading global hub in these fields. It aims to foster collaboration across disciplines, support research development, and highlight discoveries with real-world impact.