Dubai’s knowledge calendar gets a one-day special before the main event returns next year. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will host a special edition of the Knowledge Summit on November 24 at Grand Hyatt Dubai, under the theme of knowledge navigating crises in a changing world, WAM reported on October 5 via ME News 247.

What happens at the special edition

The one-day format is built around two set pieces: honouring the winners of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award, and launching the Global Knowledge Index 2026 with a review of its findings on the state of knowledge and development worldwide. The announcement was made at an MBRF press conference in Dubai attended by MBRF chief executive Jamal bin Huwaireb and Dr Hany Torky of the UNDP Knowledge Project, according to Mid-East Info.

Panel discussion on stage at an international conference
The event will honour Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award winners.

And the full summit returns in April 2027

The special edition is a bridge to the main event. The 11th edition of the Knowledge Summit is scheduled for April 2027, with a full programme of panel sessions bringing together thinkers, experts and decision-makers on using knowledge to navigate change and support sustainable development.

What the Global Knowledge Index measures

The Global Knowledge Index, produced under the UNDP-MBRF Knowledge Project, benchmarks countries on the sectors that make up a knowledge economy, from education and research to technology and the wider enabling environment. The 2026 edition’s findings will be reviewed at the special edition, which makes the day relevant beyond the awards ceremony itself: education and innovation policymakers across the region use the index to compare performance and set priorities. The hosts describe the special format as a chance to take stock of where the knowledge landscape stands before the full summit’s deeper programme in April.

Attending at Grand Hyatt Dubai

Grand Hyatt Dubai sits by Dubai Creek in the Healthcare City area, a short hop from Dubai International Airport and the Creek parks. Delegates extending their stay can use our places to visit in Dubai guide, the Museum of the Future guide and hotels near DXB to plan around the day, and check the Dubai Metro guide for the nearest stations.

Grand Hyatt Dubai hotel exterior near Dubai Creek
The full 11th Knowledge Summit follows in April 2027.

FAQs

When and where is the Knowledge Summit special edition?

November 24, 2026 at Grand Hyatt Dubai, organised by MBRF and UNDP.

What is the theme?

Knowledge navigating crises in a changing world.

What launches at the event?

The Global Knowledge Index 2026, alongside the honouring of Knowledge Award winners.

When is the next full Knowledge Summit?

The 11th edition is scheduled for April 2027.