Abu dhabi: Under the patronage and in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, the Fourth International Autism Conference 2026 officially commenced here today. Organised by the Authority at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre, the conference is themed 'Autism: Innovation and Artificial Intelligence' and gathers a wide range of experts, specialists, and decision-makers from around the globe.
According to Emirates News Agency, the conference is held in collaboration with Lotus Holistic Group, ADNOC, and the Skills4Mind platform. It is strategically partnered with the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, the Department of Community Development - Abu Dhabi, and the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, alongside a broad network of international partners. This reflects a strong integration between public and private sector efforts.
Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Department of Community Development - Abu Dhabi, stated that the conference underscores a commitment to fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange among experts and decision-makers. He noted the importance of innovation, including artificial intelligence technologies, in developing early detection tools and improving diagnostic accuracy. The conference supports an integrated vision that meets the needs of individuals with autism and their families, aiming to build a sustainable ecosystem that spans from early diagnosis to empowerment in adulthood.
Abdullah Abdul Aali Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of Zayed Authority for People of Determination, affirmed the conference's role in positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for developing a sustainable ecosystem to support individuals with autism. He highlighted the Authority's focus on adopting global best practices and leveraging AI technologies in diagnosis and social inclusion. Al Humaidan noted that the conference features 152 speakers, including 86 international experts, and 160 scientific sessions, attracting around 6,000 participants worldwide.
Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei, Director-General of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, emphasized the conference as a milestone for knowledge exchange, particularly amid advancements in AI. She stressed the need for a holistic approach across education, healthcare, and community sectors, highlighting the critical role of families as partners in the rehabilitation journey.
Dr. Ghouwa Al Neyadi, Senior Vice President - National Identity, Quality of Life, and Corporate Social Responsibility at ADNOC, highlighted the importance of family in supporting individuals with autism. She stressed ADNOC's commitment to fostering inclusive work environments, aligning with the UAE's leadership vision and the Year of the Family 2026.