Ryan Reynolds and YouTube co-founder among first speakers announced for LiveX Abu Dhabi

Actor and entrepreneur Ryan Reynolds, along with YouTube co-founder Steve Chen and former mayors Anne Hidalgo of Paris, Enrique Penalosa of Bogota, and Sally Capp of Melbourne, are among the first speakers confirmed for LiveX Abu Dhabi 2026. The inaugural Liveability and Investment Exhibition will be held at the Adnec Centre from September 29 to October 1, with over 100 international speakers gathering to discuss six themes: liveability, culture, education, the economy, energy, and health.

Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, chairman of Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipalities and Transport, emphasized that liveability is becoming a crucial factor in attracting investment, talent, and long-term economic growth. He highlighted Abu Dhabi's commitment to creating an environment where economic opportunity and quality of life go hand in hand.

The event will also host a Investors Lounge, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Mubadala, drawing more than 1,500 investors. Additional attractions include walk-through pavilions, neighborhood masterplans, live mobility and robotics demonstrations, food and performance programming, and community initiatives.

Residents have been invited to partake in a traveling public installation to share their perspectives on what makes Abu Dhabi liveable, while children across the emirate are participating in an initiative called Imagine What's Next, where they illustrate one improvement they would make to their neighborhoods. Their artwork will be compiled into a digital mural displayed at LiveX.