The 3rd International Dialogue of Civilisations and Tolerance Conference opened in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday under the theme “The Impact of New Media and AI on Family and Community,” convening government officials, religious leaders, academics, and media professionals from more than 120 countries. Organisers said attendance exceeded 4,500 participants.
The conference is hosted by Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies and the Abrahamic Family House, with Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities as knowledge partner and the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau as destination partner.
“Instilling societal values and fostering dialogue within the family is a fundamental contribution to strengthening social cohesion and building more stable and understanding communities,” Dr. Abdulla Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chancellor of Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies said in a statement.
The Organisation of Tolerance Award 2026 went to BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi. The award was received by Brahmavihari Swamiji, Head of the Mandir, who also addressed the opening ceremony alongside Elder Adelson de Paula Parrella of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“This conference comes at a pivotal global moment marked by unprecedented digital transformation, making the need for inspiring dialogue that strengthens human understanding more urgent than ever. The world is experiencing a profound shift in which human awareness, patterns of thinking, and social relationships are being reshaped by new media and artificial intelligence. This places upon us a shared responsibility to ensure that humanity remains at the center and ultimate purpose of this progress. Universities and academic institutions play a pivotal role in preparing generations equipped with sound critical thinking skills and capable of engaging with digital transformations without compromising values and identity. In doing so, they draw inspiration from the UAE model, which is founded upon tolerance, coexistence, and investment in people as the cornerstone of development and stability,” Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities added.
“The convening of our conference coincides with the UAE’s celebration of the ‘Year of the Family 2026’, reaffirming a fundamental truth: the family will always remain the primary institution for building human character, regardless of how technology evolves or tools change,” Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, Chief Executive Officer of TRENDS Group explained.
“Artificial intelligence is becoming the new educator of future generations through new media platforms. If we fail to equip our children with the awareness needed to understand the nature of this transformation, they risk becoming mere echoes of algorithmic data designed to target their instincts rather than their minds,” Dr. Firas Habbal, President of Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies said.
The conference runs across three platforms: Proud of UAE, AI and Media, and Family and Community. The opening panel focused on soft power, digital tolerance, and interfaith narratives, featuring speakers from UNESCO, the UAE’s Department of Community Development, and the Italian Embassy. The first day also included roundtable sessions, cultural programming, and the signing of memoranda of understanding between academic and research institutions.
The event continues for three days, with further panel discussions and working sessions involving policymakers and specialists from across the world.
