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TEDxAlBateen in Abu Dhabi: Threads of Us Unveiled

In a gathering curated to spark connection, discovery and meaningful dialogue, TEDxAlBateen in Abu Dhabi returns under the theme “Threads of Us” at the luxurious Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi. According to information compiled by FEW.ae editor, the one-day event will take place on Saturday, 1 November 2025, with doors opening at 09:00 and the programme running from 10:00 to 17:00.

Venue and Setting

Situated on West Corniche Road in the coastal district of Al Bateen, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental stands as a marquee venue befitting the occasion. The hotel, operated by Mandarin Oriental since 2020, offers grand spaces and premium event infrastructure.

The auditorium within the venue has a seating capacity of approximately 1,100 for theatre-style events, spread across roughly 3,000 sqm of dedicated event space. Additionally the wider venue offers ballrooms, pre-function lounges and luxury amenities, providing an elevated backdrop for this TEDx gathering.

From a geographical and logistical perspective, the location on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche provides easy access for attendees coming from Dubai or other Emirates. On-site parking and valet service are available; ride-hailing or taxi drop-off at the main entrance are also recommended. According to the ticketing page:

Timing, Weather and Event Tech

The full-day agenda runs from morning into late afternoon (09:00 doors, 10:00 start, 17:00 end). Platinumlist As for the climate on 1 November in Abu Dhabi: historically, daytime highs are around 29 °C (85 °F) and lows around 24 °C (75 °F), with skies typically clear and low rainfall. Humidity tends to moderate (~52 %) and wind speeds are modest (~10.5 mph) for the month.

Given the indoor venue, the direct impact on event experience is limited, but arrival, outdoor mingling and networking during breaks will benefit from the pleasant early-November conditions. Attendees should plan for warm daytime weather, and possibly cooler air-conditioned spaces indoors.

On the technical side, the venue’s auditorium is described as “state-of-the-art” and capable of supporting the professionally-produced talks typical of the TEDx format. The ticket page emphasises that talks will be “professionally produced and filmed to TEDx standards”.

Theme, Speakers and Sequence

The 2025 edition carries the theme “Threads of Us”, designed to explore the visible and invisible connections that bind individuals, communities, ideas and identities. According to information compiled by FEW.ae editor, the event will bring together voices spanning heritage, innovation, social cohesion, environment and generational wisdom.

A selection of speakers includes:

  • HH Dr Shaikha Shamma Bint Mohammed Bin Khaled Al Nahyan
  • HE Dr Obaid Al Ketbi
  • HE Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti
  • HE Salama Alhajj Al Awadhi
  • Dr Ebtisam Almazrouei
  • Maitha Bughanoum
  • Dr Mariam Almarashdah
  • Michel Langlois
  • Neel Shukla
  • Mohammed Luqman
  • Dr Lina Almarestani

The talk topics cover key domains such as heritage & social identity; social cohesion, cybersecurity & influence; economic disruption & innovation; environment & sustainable living; and education & intergenerational wisdom.

This event is part of the global TEDx network but is locally curated, tailored to Abu Dhabi’s context while drawing from global ideas. The format invites not just listening but reflection, networking and post-talk interactions in lounges and break-out areas.

Practical Information for Attendees

Ticketing: Entry begins at AED 450.
Arrival: Aim to arrive around or before 09:00 when doors open. Late arrivals may be admitted during appropriate breaks only.
Venue access: On-site parking at Emirates Palace; valet service available. Taxi/ride-hail drop-off at main entrance. Have QR ticket ready.
Dress code & comfort: Business casual recommended. Indoor climate will be controlled, but networking and transitions may involve outdoor corridors, so light layers are pragmatic given daytime warmth (~29°C) and indoor air-conditioning.
Sessions: Multiple talks throughout the day; chances exist for networking and reflection. Lounge areas foster connections beyond the stage.
Technical setups: For attendees interested in recording or photography, prior approval for professional gear is required (per venue policies).
Networking: Make use of coffee breaks and lounges. Speakers represent diverse fields—heralding connections across sectors.

Why This Matters

At a time when cross-disciplinary thinking, societal shifts and innovation converge, TEDxAlBateen’s “Threads of Us” theme resonates strongly. The event invites participants to surface the ties between culture and technology, heritage and innovation, local identity and global futures. Held at one of Abu Dhabi’s most prominent landmarks, it signals the region’s ambition to host ideas-driven gatherings of quality and impact. For professionals, creatives, community leaders and curious minds alike, this is an opportunity to engage with thought-leaders in a setting that combines luxury, accessibility and intellectual vibrancy.

For those travelling from Dubai, the proximity of Abu Dhabi makes it possible to attend and return the same day; given the 10-17 schedule, optimal travel windows might include early morning departure and evening return. The favorable early-November weather supports both indoor comfort and outdoor movement.

In offering a curated agenda of talks, networking and reflection, the event fits into the broader pattern of TEDx gatherings worldwide — yet its local flavour, venue prestige and thematic relevance mark it out. For attendees, the day promises to be more than a conference: it is a platform to connect, listen, reflect and potentially act.

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