Abu Dhabi to Host the 3rd edition of the International Dialogue of Civilizations & Tolerance Conference 2026
In alignment with the UAE’s wise leadership vision in declaring 2026 as the “Year of the Family,” and in line with its commitment to promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, and cohesive societies, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi will host the 3rd edition of the International Dialogue of Civilizations and Tolerance Conference 2026.
The conference will be held under the theme:
“The Impact of New Media and AI on Family and Community”, from 3 to 5 June, 2026.
Presented by Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies, in partnership with Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi and Main partner Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (USA), and Destination partner Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau.
The 3rd edition builds upon the success of the 1st and 2nd editions, continuing its role as a leading international intellectual and dialogue platform. The conference aims to promote the values of tolerance, coexistence, and intercultural dialogue in the context of rapid digital transformation and new media, while exploring how artificial intelligence technologies impact family and society and shape both individual and collective awareness.
It also examines their implications on family relationships and social identity, particularly among younger generations, emphasizing the ethical use of these technologies to strengthen social cohesion, safeguard family values, and combat misinformation.
The conference brings together distinguished representatives from governments, academic institutions, international organizations, and private sector partners, within a shared vision to foster civilizational dialogue, enhance mutual understanding, and reinforce the values of tolerance and coexistence in an era of unprecedented digital transformation. It further underscores the UAE’s commitment to supporting constructive global dialogue and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading international hub for digital coexistence and cross-cultural collaboration.
H.E. Dr. Abdulla Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chancellor of the Board of Trustees of Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies, stated:
“Hosting this conference for the third time in Abu Dhabi reflects the UAE’s commitment to protecting the family as the cornerstone of society, and to raising awareness of the growing impact of new media and artificial intelligence on societal values. When managed with awareness and responsibility, technology becomes a powerful tool for strengthening social cohesion and promoting a culture of tolerance and coexistence”.
Dr. Seppe Verheyen, Director of Interfaith Institute Department at the Abrahamic Family House, stated: “As artificial intelligence becomes an increasingly present force in how we think, communicate, and relate to one another, the question is no longer what AI can do, but what it should serve. At its core, innovation must remain anchored in human dignity, empathy, and mutual respect. In a world shaped by algorithms, it is our shared values that must guide technology, ensuring it strengthens families, deepens understanding across cultures, and sustains peaceful coexistence within our societies.”
Dr. Fawaz Habbal, Director-General of the Center, also commented on the selection of this year’s theme as the central focus of the conference, noting that rapid digital developments are reshaping patterns of social interaction and creating new challenges that require both institutional awareness and ethical responsibility in dealing with modern technologies. He emphasized that investing in digital culture plays a crucial role in guiding these transformations positively, enhancing societies’ ability to adapt while preserving their cohesion amid rapid change.
The conference will address a number of key themes that reflect the depth of digital transformation and its direct impact on family and society, including:
Digital parenting in the age of artificial intelligence and strategies to promote healthy family dynamics, besides the role of social media in shaping identity and family values, along with its associated challenges and opportunities as well as the relationship between artificial intelligence and society, and ways to balance innovation with ethical responsibility, along with mechanisms to combat digital misinformation in order to protect families and communities, and the impact of artificial intelligence on emotional intelligence and human relationships, as well as the role of technology in promoting tolerance and building inclusive digital societies.
It will also explore the ethics of AI-generated content and its implications for families, the role of virtual communities in strengthening family cohesion, and the importance of digital literacy as a tool for building inclusive and resilient societies. Additionally, it will examine the impact of artificial intelligence and digital gaming on socialization within the family.
The conference is expected to feature more than 100 speakers from around the world, representing governmental, diplomatic, academic, media, and cultural sectors. It is also anticipated to attract over 4,500 participants from more than 120 countries, along with extensive media coverage across more than 160 media platforms.
This strong international presence highlights the conference’s growing prominence as a leading intellectual platform dedicated to shaping the future of family and society in the age of new media and artificial intelligence, while reinforcing the values of tolerance and human coexistence in the digital era.
