Knowledge Summit 2025 records major success with over 35,000 attendees
The 10th edition of the Knowledge Summit, organised by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), concluded in Dubai with an impressive turnout of more than 35,000 participants attending both physically and virtually. Held under the theme ‘Knowledge Markets: Developing Sustainable Communities’, the Summit brought together leading global experts, policymakers, and academics to explore the future of knowledge-driven development.
This year’s Summit featured 58 sessions and activities led by over 200 speakers, offering a comprehensive platform for discussions on sustainable development, innovation, and the transformative role of knowledge in shaping resilient future communities. The event also highlighted Dubai’s and the UAE’s growing status as an international centre for knowledge, innovation, and talent.
His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, described the 10th edition as a milestone in the Summit’s decade-long journey. He noted that the event reaffirmed the leadership’s vision of placing knowledge at the core of future progress, enabling meaningful dialogue on the evolution of knowledge markets and the increasing impact of data and advanced technologies on sustainable development.
H.E. Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States, praised the Summit’s exceptional quality and the growing global relevance of the MBRF–UNDP partnership. He stressed the importance of transitioning to knowledge- and data-driven economies to address global challenges and enhance quality of life.
At the conclusion of the Summit, several key recommendations were announced, including greater investment in scientific research and innovation, adoption of flexible policies to strengthen the knowledge economy, and expanding initiatives to equip youth with future-ready skills. The Summit also called for stronger international cooperation among knowledge institutions and increased data sharing between governments and academic entities to support long-term sustainable development.
During the event, the results of the Global Knowledge Index (GKI) 2025 were released. Switzerland ranked first globally, followed by Singapore and Sweden. The United Arab Emirates led the rankings in the Arab region, ahead of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The GKI received notable attention as a reliable benchmark for evaluating national knowledge performance and guiding future policy strategies.
