AI Salon: AI & Human Flourishing

The AI Salon with Mo Gawdat and Jeffrey Abbott in Dubai is an evening conversation about artificial intelligence and what it means to live well alongside it. On Friday 30 October 2026, the AI Salon Dubai chapter gathers in DIFC for “AI and Human Flourishing”, with a headline talk between two well-known voices on technology and humanity, four startup pitches and plenty of time to meet people.

If you have been wondering what stays uniquely human as AI moves forward, or how technology could help people thrive rather than struggle, this is a thoughtful way to spend a Friday evening in the city.

About AI Salon with Mo Gawdat and Jeffrey Abbott in Dubai

AI Salon is a global, chapter-based community that brings people together for open conversations about artificial intelligence. Each city chapter runs its own gatherings, and this Dubai evening is part of AI Salon’s worldwide “AI & Human Flourishing” campaign. The campaign asks two big questions: what remains uniquely human as AI advances, and how can technology help humanity flourish?

The Dubai chapter is answering with a conversation between Mo Gawdat and Jeffrey Abbott. Mo Gawdat is a best-selling author, the former Chief Business Officer of Google and the founder of Emma. Jeffrey Abbott is a founding partner of Blitzscaling Ventures, the founder of AI Salon and the author of AI and The Art of Being Human. The organisers describe the talk as long awaited, and it is easy to see why.

The evening is hosted by Anton Reshetov, Aditi Chatterji and Nicky Schaub, together with DIFC Innovation Hub Coworking Spaces.

What to Expect

The programme is short and well paced, running for two and a half hours from arrival to the final round of networking.

Networking (18:30 to 19:00)

Doors open with half an hour of networking. It is a relaxed chance to meet AI founders, investors and curious guests before the formal part of the evening begins.

Chapter Introduction (19:00 to 19:10)

The AI Salon Dubai team introduces the chapter and the global campaign that ties this evening to gatherings in other cities.

Conversation with Mo Gawdat and Jeffrey Abbott (19:10 to 20:00)

The heart of the night. Mo Gawdat and Jeffrey Abbott discuss AI and human flourishing, drawing on their work in technology, investment and writing. Expect a conversation about people as much as machines.

Startup Pitches (20:00 to 20:30)

Four startups pitch to the community. Founders who would like to be one of them can apply through the form linked on the event page.

Closing Networking (20:30 to 21:00)

The evening ends with another round of networking, so you can pick up conversations sparked by the talk or the pitches.

Key Highlights

• A conversation between Mo Gawdat and Jeffrey Abbott on AI and human flourishing
• Part of AI Salon’s global “AI & Human Flourishing” campaign
• Four startup pitches to the AI Salon community
• Two networking sessions with AI founders and investors
• Hosted with DIFC Innovation Hub Coworking Spaces

Who It Is For

The evening suits anyone with a real interest in where AI is heading. Founders and investors will appreciate the pitches and the networking. People working in technology will enjoy hearing two experienced voices discuss the human side of the field. And if you have read Mo Gawdat’s or Jeffrey Abbott’s books, this is a rare chance to hear them in conversation in Dubai.

If you run an early-stage AI company, it is also worth thinking about the pitch slot. Four startups present on the night, and applications go through the form linked from the registration page.

The Venue: DIFC

The salon takes place in DIFC, Dubai International Financial Centre. The exact address is only shown to guests once they have registered, so check your confirmation for the precise location before you set off. DIFC Innovation Hub Coworking Spaces is one of the hosts of the evening.

Visitor Tips

• Register first: registration is required, and the exact address is only revealed to registered guests.
• Check your confirmation: look up the location details in good time so you know exactly where to head in DIFC.
• Arrive for 18:30: the first networking session runs until 19:00, and it is the easiest time to meet people before the talk.
• Prepare a quick introduction: with founders and investors in the room, a short line on who you are and what you are working on goes a long way.
• Founders, apply early: if you want to pitch, use the application form linked on the event page.
• Stay to the end: the closing networking session is a good time to follow up with speakers’ points and startup teams.

For an evening that mixes big questions about technology with real conversations and new connections, the AI Salon with Mo Gawdat and Jeffrey Abbott in Dubai is a strong pick. Register now, check your confirmation for the address and join the AI Salon community in DIFC on 30 October.