The Emirates Group recently hosted ForsaTEK 2026, its annual innovation event that serves as a cornerstone for groundbreaking ideas in the realms of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and the future of aviation and travel. This year’s showcase attracted industry leaders and experts, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of collaboration and forward-thinking.

Emphasizing Collaboration in Innovation

ForsaTEK 2026 featured a plethora of over 90 sessions and experiences, spotlighting more than 60 innovative technology projects designed to transition emerging ideas from theoretical research to practical applications in aviation and travel. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, remarked that the platform has evolved into a significant arena where pioneering technologies are tested and implemented, offering tangible benefits to the organization.

Sheikh Ahmed underscored the importance of a culture that encourages innovation and experimentation, explaining that ForsaTEK showcases the Emirates Group’s commitment to shaping the future of travel. Omar Sultan Al Olama, the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, expressed enthusiasm for the event’s focus, emphasizing the UAE’s capability to leverage technological advancements effectively.

Highlights of AI and Technological Advancement

The event featured insightful discussions on AI’s transformative impact on various industries, with prominent speakers like Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, and Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer. These discussions revolved around the real-world applications of AI and how these innovations can enhance operational efficiency and customer service.

An engaging live panel on human-AI collaboration introduced audiences to voices in AI like Maryam 3.0, emphasizing the importance of developing synergies between human talent and intelligent systems. Workshops led by experts, including Roy Casagranda and Majed Al Mansoori from the Museum of the Future, provided further insights into trends shaping the industry.

Launch of the Academic Research Collective

In a significant initiative, the Emirates Group unveiled the Academic Research Collective (ARC) during ForsaTEK 2026. This platform aims to connect the Group with a network of research-driven universities, fostering partnerships that facilitate applied research and real-world studies. The ARC is dedicated to nurturing knowledge transfer and advancing talent development in the aviation and technology sectors.

Strategic Partnerships and Innovative Solutions

A highlight of this year’s event was the reinforcement of the Emirates Group’s collaboration with OpenAI, initially launched at the Dubai Airshow in 2025. This collaboration empowers employees with secure access to advanced AI tools, enhancing productivity and fostering innovation throughout the organization.

Furthermore, ForsaTEK 2026 showcased a range of technological solutions such as the ARRIVE framework, which manages software engineering while ensuring human oversight. The event also highlighted initiatives like Emirates Service Delivery’s digital tools for cabin crew training and dnata Technical Services’ Smart Hub for automated inventory management, showcasing a commitment to efficiency and sustainability.

Support for Startups and Entrepreneurship

The event featured notable participation from Intelak, the Emirates Group’s incubator focused on travel and tourism. Seven startups were showcased, all aimed at developing proof-of-concept projects in line with Dubai’s entrepreneurial ambitions under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

Taking place on September 21 and 22, ForsaTEK 2026 served as an inspiring cohort of collaboration and innovation, emphasizing topics like agentic AI and robotics while demonstrating solutions tailored for improving operational efficiency and elevating customer experiences in the aviation and travel industries. With a keen eye on the future, the Emirates Group continues to position itself as a leader in technological advancements, shaping the landscape of modern travel.