Abu Dhabi Strengthens Its Global Leadership in Autism Support by Hosting the 4th International Autism Conference 2026 with Growing International Participation

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, from 25 to 28 April


Abu Dhabi continues to reinforce its position as a leading global hub for supporting and empowering People of Determination by organizing the 4th International Autism Conference 2026, taking place from 25 to 28 April at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center. The conference is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed Authority for People of Determination, with wide international participation from experts, specialists, and decision-makers.

The conference is organized by Zayed Authority for People of Determination in collaboration with Lotus Holistic Group, ADNOC, and the global platform Skills4Mind, and in strategic partnership with the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, alongside a wide network of international partners. This reflects a model of integrated collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Growing Success and Strong Indicators from Previous Editions
The fourth edition builds on the growing success of previous editions. The third edition in 2025 recorded outstanding indicators, with more than 2,000 participants from 15 countries, confirming the conference’s expanding international presence and its establishment as a global platform specialized in autism.

The UAE led participation with 1,360 attendees, alongside more than 400 international participants from across continents, reflecting the conference’s growing global impact and presence on the international scientific events map.

The fourth edition focuses on building on these outcomes by expanding international participation, enhancing the use of artificial intelligence in diagnosis and rehabilitation, launching advanced training programs, and developing evidence-based service models to achieve sustainable impact extending from individuals to families and society.

Six Strategic Pillars to Advance the Autism Ecosystem
The conference covers six key pillars: artificial intelligence and innovation, scientific research, social inclusion, inclusive workplaces, excellence in healthcare, and inclusive education.

The program includes a specialized scientific conference, hands-on workshops, an AI training bootcamp, and an innovation exhibition showcasing the latest technological solutions.

Year of the Family 2026… Empowerment Starts from the Family
The conference coincides with the UAE’s declaration of 2026 as the “Year of the Family,” emphasizing the central role of the family as a key partner in the journey of rehabilitation and empowerment, and reflecting a national direction linking service quality with family stability.

Al Humaidan: A Global Platform Delivering Tangible Impact
H.E. Abdullah Abdul Aali Al Humaidan, Director General of Zayed Authority for People of Determination, affirmed that the outcomes of the third edition reflect the conference’s success in achieving tangible impact. He noted that participation exceeding 2,000 attendees and the wide professional diversity demonstrate its transformation into a globally influential platform in advancing autism services.

He stated:
“We are building on previous achievements by expanding the use of artificial intelligence, strengthening international partnerships, and translating conference outcomes into practical applications that improve quality of life.”

He added:
“We focus on achieving sustainable impact through cross-sector integration, empowering families, and developing evidence-based services that enhance the comprehensive empowerment ecosystem.”

Amina Al Hidan: Interdisciplinary Integration Enhances Solution Quality
Amina Al Hidan, CEO of the International Autism Conference and CEO of Lotus Holistic Group, stated that the fourth edition builds on a well-established scientific and societal journey aimed at developing an integrated system supporting individuals with autism and their families according to global best practices.

She highlighted that the 2025 campaign “Smile… Your Smile Makes Them Happy” evolved into a national movement promoting awareness, inclusion, and empowerment.

She also noted that selecting actress Jumana Murad as Autism Ambassador 2026 reflects her ability to convey humanitarian messages effectively and portray the realities of autism families, contributing to raising community awareness.

She added that the conference aims to transform this awareness into impactful initiatives and sustainable solutions starting from the family and extending to society, within a vision that combines science, humanity, and innovation.

AI and Innovation at the Core
Dr. Taha Reda, Founder of Skills4Mind and Director General of Data and AI Strategy, and Head of the AI and Innovation track, stated that the conference will highlight the role of AI in supporting individuals with autism through early detection tools, personalized learning, and enhanced communication and emotional support, promoting independence and social inclusion.

He emphasized the importance of responsible governance and transparency in deploying these technologies to ensure reliability and sustainable human impact. The conference will bring together global experts, researchers, and companies, alongside launching a specialized AI bootcamp by Skills4Mind.

A Transformational Leap in 2026
The 2026 edition is expected to attract over 3,000 participants from more than 25 countries, featuring leading international experts and speakers. It will also include the launch of high-impact initiatives and training programs, alongside expanding the innovation and technology exhibition.

Data Reflecting Expanding Global Impact
Professional participation indicators from the third edition showed strong sectoral diversity, with over 480 education specialists, more than 400 healthcare providers, and over 380 therapists from various disciplines.

In terms of stakeholder representation, 78% were direct service providers, 12% represented family and community support entities, and 10% were leaders and policymakers—reflecting strong integration across all stakeholders.