Mo Gawdat to Lead Discussions on AI at Bahrain Fintech Forward 2026
Mo Gawdat, the renowned AI expert and former Chief Business Officer of Google X, is set to take center stage at the upcoming Bahrain Fintech Forward 2026. Slated for October 7-8, 2026, at the Exhibition World in Bahrain, this event will gather leading figures in the financial services sector to deliberate on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in finance under the theme 'Finance in the Era of Smart Infrastructure.'
Gawdat is not just an authority in AI; he has a rich history in technology, having contributed to global projects at major firms including IBM, NCR, Microsoft, and Google. His vast experience includes launching several of Google's international operations and overseeing innovative projects like self-driving cars and Project Loon. Mo is also a bestselling author, known for titles such as 'Solve for Happy' and 'Scary Smart.' His work has positioned him as a prominent voice advocating for the integration of human values in advanced technologies.
During his keynote at the Fintech Forward event, Gawdat will lead an insightful discussion titled 'When Intelligence is Everywhere, What Should Humans Decide?' This conversation will focus on the rapidly growing integration of AI across various sectors, particularly in financial services where intelligent systems are increasingly influencing decisions related to money, investment, and customer interactions. The session aims to tackle pivotal questions surrounding ethics, accountability, and the importance of human judgment as machines become more adept at predicting outcomes and making decisions.
Reflecting on his anticipated participation, Gawdat shared, "AI is no longer a distant technology; it is becoming part of the infrastructure that underpins our decisions, institutions, and financial systems. The true challenge lies not only in the capabilities of these systems but in our clarity regarding which decisions demand human judgment and values. I look forward to discussing these vital topics at Fintech Forward 2026 in Bahrain with key stakeholders shaping the financial services landscape in the region."
Bahrain continues to solidify its position as a financial hub within the Middle East, contributing 17.6% to the GDP as of 2025. This underscores the Kingdom's commitment to enhancing its fintech ecosystem through innovative financial institutions and a skilled talent pool ready for future challenges. The event is organized by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), supported by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), Tamkeen, and Bahrain Fintech Bay, with programming managed by Forbes Middle East. For more details and registration, interested participants can visit the event's website.