Global AI Expert Mo Gawdat to Speak at Bahrain Fintech Forward 2026 Event

Mo Gawdat to Keynote Bahrain Fintech Forward 2026

Mo Gawdat, an internationally recognized expert in artificial intelligence and former Chief Business Officer at Google X, is poised to be a highlight at the upcoming Bahrain Fintech Forward 2026. Scheduled from October 7-8, 2026, this event will gather thought leaders to discuss pressing themes in finance and technology, under the motto “Finance in the Age of Smart Infrastructure.” Gawdat's participation comes at a pivotal moment when AI’s impact is causing widespread conversations among businesses, regulators, and the public about trust, accountability, and human oversight over these increasingly intelligent systems.

With a distinguished 27-year legacy that includes significant roles at tech giants such as IBM, NCR, Microsoft, and Google, Gawdat brings a wealth of experience. He played a vital role in driving nearly half of Google’s global operations before taking the helm at Google X. This innovative lab has spearheaded groundbreaking projects, including self-driving cars and Project Loon. Additionally, he is the founder of the One Billion Happy movement and has authored several bestsellers, such as Solve for Happy and Scary Smart. His extensive work on AI, happiness, and human potential has established him as a leading voice in advocating for the integration of human values in advanced technologies.

At the upcoming Fintech Forward, Mo Gawdat is set to participate in a panel discussion titled ‘When Intelligence Is Everywhere, What Should Humans Still Decide?’ This session aims to investigate how AI is being integrated across various industries, particularly in financial services, where intelligent systems are increasingly shaping decisions related to finance, investments, risks, and customer interactions. The dialogue will delve into the implications this shift has on judgment, ethics, and accountability, as well as addressing which areas will continue to necessitate human decision-making in a landscape where machines are becoming ever more adept at forecasting and acting on information.

Reflecting on his upcoming appearance, Gawdat remarked, “AI is no longer a distant technology; it is becoming part of the infrastructure behind our decisions, our institutions, and our financial systems. The real challenge is not merely how powerful these systems become, but whether we remain cognizant of which decisions necessitate human judgment and values. I am looking forward to participating in the Bahrain Fintech Forward 2026 to discuss these critical topics with key players shaping the financial services industry in the region.”

Bahrain’s financial services sector remains the largest in its economy, contributing 17.6% of GDP in 2025, underscoring the kingdom's position as a prominent financial hub in the Middle East. Building on over a century of industry expertise, Bahrain is continually enhancing its fintech ecosystem through innovative financial institutions and a future-ready talent pool. The Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) is hosting the Fintech Forward 2026, with support from the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), Tamkeen, the Bahrain Tourism Exhibition Authority (BTEA), and Bahrain Fintech Bay, with the program curated by Forbes Middle East. For more information or to express interest in attending FF26, please visit the official website.