Under the patronage and presence of Khalid bin Zayed, the launch of the Fourth International Autism Conference 2026 in Abu Dhabi

Under the patronage and presence of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, the work of the Fourth International Autism Conference 2026 was launched today in Abu Dhabi, which is organized by the Authority at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center, under the slogan “Autism: Innovation and Artificial Intelligence”, with wide participation of experts, specialists and decision makers from various countries of the world.

The conference is organized in cooperation with the Lotus Holistics Group, ADNOC, and the Skills4Mind platform, and in strategic partnership with the Department of Health, the Department of Community Development, and the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, in addition to a wide network of international partners, in a model that reflects the integration of efforts between various governmental and private sectors.

Shams Ali Al Dhaheri, Head of the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi, said: “The International Autism Conference, which is being held for the fourth time, embodies a continuing commitment to enhancing dialogue and exchanging experiences between experts and decision makers, and supports the development of more integrated visions that respond to the needs of individuals with autism and their families,” stressing that innovation, including artificial intelligence techniques, has become an enabling factor in developing early detection tools, improving the accuracy of assessment and enhancing the quality of services, while emphasizing that these technologies remain in the service of humanity and contribute directly to Improving his quality of life.

Al Dhaheri added, in his speech at the opening session of the conference, that “The Emirate of Abu Dhabi places the autism issue among its strategic priorities, through a comprehensive vision that focuses on the person, and works to build an integrated system that accompanies the individual and the family through the various stages of life, starting from early diagnosis, through comprehensive education, family support and rehabilitation, all the way to empowerment in adulthood and beyond,” explaining that this trend aims to enhance the independence of individuals and support their active participation in society.

He pointed out that the Department of Community Development, in cooperation with its partners from government agencies, the private sector and the third sector, is leading efforts to unify initiatives and enhance integration between various sectors, which contributes to the transition from separate initiatives to a more coordinated and sustainable system.

He stressed that this approach reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to developing evidence-based policies and building an integrated model that achieves a tangible and sustainable impact on the lives of individuals and their families.

For his part, Abdullah Abdul Ali Al Humaidan, Secretary General of the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, stressed that “The Fourth International Autism Conference 2026 reflects the advanced global position that the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has established as a global center for developing an integrated and sustainable system to support and empower people with autism spectrum disorder, by adopting the latest global practices, promoting innovation, and harnessing artificial intelligence techniques in the fields of diagnosis, rehabilitation, and community integration, which contributes to improving the quality of life and promoting active participation in “Society.”

He added in his speech that this conference embodies a qualitative shift in the course of cognitive and applied work, indicating that the real challenge is no longer in accessing knowledge, but in transforming it into practical solutions that make a tangible impact on the quality of life of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families.

Abdullah Al-Humaidan pointed out that the current indicators reflect the scale of this development, as 152 speakers, including 86 international experts, are participating in the conference, in addition to presenting more than 160 scientific and applied sessions, and attracting about 6,000 participants from various countries of the world, 3,000 in person and 3,000 remotely, stressing that this growth, compared to only 700 participants in the first edition in 2023, reflects increasing international confidence. At the conference.

He stressed that these numbers enhance the conference’s position as an influential global platform that contributes to the transfer and application of knowledge, and consolidates Abu Dhabi’s role as a leading center for research and innovation in the field of autism, pointing out that the Authority continues, in cooperation with its partners, to translate the conference’s outcomes into qualitative applied initiatives, the most prominent of which is the launch of the “Moj” Center for Early Intervention, which reflects the UAE’s approach to transforming knowledge into sustainable practical impact.

For her part, Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei, Director General of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, confirmed that the Fourth International Autism Conference 2026 represents a turning point for exchanging knowledge and anticipating the future of services related to autism spectrum disorder, especially in light of the rapid transformations in the fields of artificial intelligence and innovation, which open new horizons towards more accurate diagnosis, more effective rehabilitation, and enhancing individuals’ independence and quality of life.

She added that dealing with autism spectrum disorder requires a comprehensive vision based on integration between education, health, family and society, stressing the importance of strengthening partnerships and investing in scientific research and developing early intervention programs, which contributes to improving the quality of life, empowering individuals and their families, and enhancing their active participation in society.

She pointed out that empowering people with autism spectrum disorder cannot be achieved without the active role of the family as a major partner in the rehabilitation journey, especially in light of the “Year of the Family,” which enhances the building of a more aware, inclusive and sustainable society.

For her part, Dr. Ghuwaya Al Neyadi, Senior Vice President – National Identity, Quality of Life and Social Responsibility at ADNOC, stressed that supporting and empowering people with autism spectrum disorder, especially children, represents an integral part of efforts to enhance quality of life, noting the importance of the role of the family as a primary partner in the journey of rehabilitation and support, which contributes to building a more cohesive and inclusive society.

She added that ADNOC is keen, through its programs and initiatives, to provide a more comprehensive work environment and enable individuals to achieve their potential, in line with the directives of our wise leadership and the “Year of the Family 2026” in the UAE, and enhances the values ​​of inclusion, solidarity and shared responsibility.

She pointed out that participating in such conferences represents an opportunity to exchange experiences and propose innovative solutions that support the development of services provided, stressing the importance of partnerships between the government and private sectors in achieving a sustainable impact that reflects positively on the quality of life of individuals and their families.