From December 4–5, 2025, the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit will take place at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Now in its seventh edition, the summit will bring together policymakers, investors, philanthropists, business leaders, and representatives from civil society to discuss current challenges and opportunities under the theme “Progress with Purpose: Advancing Meaningful Partnerships.”
The event is being organized at a time when countries are navigating multiple pressures, including climate change, geopolitical uncertainty, rapid advances in technology, and shifting economic conditions.
The summit aims to provide a platform where these issues can be examined from different perspectives and where participants can explore ways of working together to address them.
Regional Context
The focus on the Middle East and Africa reflects the regions’ demographic, geographic, and economic significance.
Both regions have large youth populations, growing investment activity, and increasing participation in international cooperation.
At the same time, they face structural challenges such as employment creation, climate vulnerability, and the need for stronger institutions.
By bringing together a range of actors, the summit intends to examine how regional developments connect with global debates and to highlight where partnerships might contribute to shared objectives.
Key Areas of Discussion
Over the two days, discussions will cover several broad themes that affect both regional and global contexts. These include:
- Technology and Innovation: Understanding how advances such as artificial intelligence are influencing industries and daily life, and considering their implications for employment and regulation.
- Capital Access and Economic Opportunity: Exploring barriers and opportunities for financing across different sectors, including small and medium enterprises.
- Health and Medical Research: Reviewing ongoing medical research and the role of partnerships in addressing healthcare challenges.
- Sustainability and the Environment: Considering how countries are responding to environmental pressures, including climate adaptation and renewable energy.
- Security and Risk: Assessing economic and political risks that shape investment and cooperation.
- Policy, Politics, and Regulation: Looking at governance frameworks that influence trade, finance, and cross-border collaboration.
These topics are expected to be addressed through panels, presentations, and moderated conversations.
Participation and Speakers
The summit typically features a mix of participants, including government officials, business executives, academics, and non-profit leaders.
According to the Milken Institute, the goal is to provide an environment where these groups can exchange views and experiences.
Speakers are drawn from both the Middle East and Africa, as well as from other parts of the world.
Their contributions are expected to offer comparative insights on how different regions are approaching similar issues.
Outcomes and Opportunities
While the event does not commit to specific outcomes, it is designed as a space for building professional connections and examining options for cooperation.
Participants may identify opportunities for joint projects, investment, or policy engagement.
Organizations also have the possibility to become sponsors, which provides visibility and networking access.
For attendees, the summit offers structured discussions on defined topics, along with informal opportunities for dialogue.
For governments and businesses, it may provide a chance to observe how global trends intersect with local realities in the Middle East and Africa.
Practical Information
- Dates: 4–5 December 2025
- Venue: St. Regis Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Organizer: Milken Institute
- Theme: Progress with Purpose: Advancing Meaningful Partnerships
Registration for the event is open. A fact sheet is available for those seeking more detailed information on the agenda and areas of focus.
Sponsorship opportunities are also listed for organizations that wish to engage more directly with the summit.
About the Summit
The Milken Institute’s Middle East and Africa (MEA) Summit serves as a vital platform for convening influential leaders from various sectors, including business, finance, policy, health, and philanthropy, to address critical global and regional issues.
This high-level forum facilitates discussions on pressing challenges and opportunities facing the Middle East and Africa, encompassing economic development, technological innovation, geopolitical complexities, public health crises, climate change, and investment prospects.
Ultimately, the summit aims to foster collaboration and develop solutions through meaningful dialogue, while also promoting investment and driving positive change within the region.
About the Milken Institute
The Milken Institute is a nonprofit think tank founded in 1991, with offices in the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
It focuses on research and convening activities that connect capital, policy, and innovation to practical solutions in areas such as health, finance, philanthropy, and regional development.
The institute is widely known for its global conferences, including the annual Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles and regional forums like the Middle East and Africa Summit, which bring together leaders from government, business, and civil society to examine pressing challenges and opportunities
