Dubai has emerged as a pivotal hub for international artificial intelligence collaboration following the successful hosting of the Road to AI Impact Summit 2026. The event, jointly organized by the Embassy of India in the UAE and Symbiosis International University’s Dubai campus, convened on February 10-11 at the Dubai Knowledge Park, marking a significant milestone in bilateral technological cooperation.
The summit represents a critical component of India’s global diplomatic outreach, with Indian missions worldwide conducting similar preparatory events building toward the flagship India AI Impact Summit scheduled for February 16-20, 2026 in New Delhi. This strategic initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for establishing an inclusive, ethical, and internationally collaborative AI ecosystem that prioritizes responsible innovation and practical implementation.
Indian Ambassador to the UAE Dr. Deepak Mittal inaugurated the proceedings, emphasizing the transformative potential of AI in educational environments. “In a futuristic city like Dubai, AI is increasingly becoming a co-author in classrooms and institutions, not to replace human intelligence, but to expand human capability,” Dr. Mittal stated during his inaugural address. He highlighted the summit’s triple objective: to educate stakeholders, democratize access to AI tools, and responsibly harness technological advancements for workforce development.
The two-day program assembled distinguished academicians, policy architects, and industry pioneers from both nations. Key participants included Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro-Chancellor of Symbiosis International University; Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman, Vice-Chancellor; Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Executive Director for AMESA at QS; Dr. Rajiv Yeravdekar, Provost of Medical & Health Sciences; and Dr. Anita Patankar, Executive Director of Symbiosis Dubai.
Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar expressed appreciation for the embassy’s selection of Symbiosis Dubai as host institution, noting the university’s existing commitment to AI integration through specialized centers like the Symbiosis Artificial Intelligence Institute and the Symbiosis Centre for Applied AI. “Education must evolve alongside technology, preparing our students not just to learn, but to lead and make an impact in a rapidly changing world,” she emphasized.
The event underscores India’s expanding technological leadership and its diplomatic efforts to showcase capabilities in digital public infrastructure and ethical innovation. Simultaneously, it strengthens the growing partnership between India and the UAE—a relationship increasingly rooted in technological exchange, educational collaboration, and shared aspirations for a technology-driven future that benefits both nations and the global community.









