Abu Dhabi forum weighs AI impact

Abu Dhabi opened the third International Dialogue of Civilisations and Tolerance Conference 2026 on Wednesday, bringing policymakers, academics, faith leaders, media figures and technology specialists together for a three-day examination of how new media and artificial intelligence are reshaping families and communities.

The event, held from 3 to 5 June at Space42 Arena in Al Raha Beach, is being convened under the theme “The Impact of New Media and AI on Family and Community”. Organisers expect more than 4,500 participants from over 120 countries, with more than 200 speakers taking part in sessions designed to link technological change with social cohesion, interfaith understanding and digital responsibility.

The conference is presented by the Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies and the Abrahamic Family House, with partnerships involving the Emirates Journalists Association, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities and Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau. Its opening comes during the UAE’s Year of the Family, giving the event a policy setting that places family stability, digital literacy and responsible innovation at the centre of public discussion.

Conference sessions are expected to address the role of social media platforms in shaping identity, values and community behaviour, alongside the use of artificial intelligence in education, communication, media production and public discourse. The agenda also covers misinformation, algorithmic influence, AI-generated content, online safety, digital parenting and the emotional impact of technology on children and young adults.

Three main platforms will frame the programme: Proud of the Emirates, Media and Artificial Intelligence, and Family and Society. The format includes keynote speeches, specialised dialogue sessions, round tables and interactive discussions aimed at producing practical recommendations for policymakers, educators, media institutions and community organisations.

The Abu Dhabi gathering reflects growing concern over the speed at which generative AI tools, short-form video platforms and personalised content feeds are altering relationships inside households and across societies. While these technologies have widened access to information, education and cross-cultural communication, they have also raised concerns over screen dependency, misinformation, privacy, synthetic media and the weakening of trust in public information.

The conference places tolerance and coexistence within that digital context, arguing that social harmony can no longer be discussed without addressing the systems through which people now receive news, form opinions and build communities. Participants are expected to examine how families can use technology constructively while protecting children and vulnerable groups from manipulation, polarisation and harmful content.

Abu Dhabi’s role as host also strengthens the emirate’s position as a venue for international dialogue on social policy, technology governance and intercultural exchange. The Abrahamic Family House, which brings together a mosque, church and synagogue in one complex, has become a key symbol of the UAE’s emphasis on coexistence and interfaith engagement. Its involvement gives the conference a wider civilisational dimension beyond technology policy alone.

The inclusion of media professionals is significant as newsrooms and digital publishers confront the effects of AI-generated text, images and video on credibility and public trust. The rapid spread of automated content has intensified pressure on journalists, regulators and technology companies to strengthen verification systems, disclose synthetic content and protect audiences from coordinated manipulation.

Academic participation is expected to focus on research-backed approaches to digital literacy, family wellbeing and ethical technology design. Universities and research centres are increasingly examining how algorithmic systems affect attention, identity formation and emotional development, particularly among younger users. These concerns have moved from specialist debate to mainstream policy as governments weigh rules on online safety and artificial intelligence.

The conference also includes recognition through the Tolerance Personality Award and the Tolerance Foundation Award, honouring contributions to dialogue, human understanding and cultural rapprochement. These awards are intended to highlight individuals and institutions working to reduce social division and promote constructive engagement across communities.