Alan Gow, Professor of Psychology at Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh delivered a keynote address at the Social Capital 2026 Conference, highlighting the importance of social connections for improved brain health outcomes. Professor Gow is a leading authority on brain health, cognitive ageing, and dementia‑related cognitive decline, whose research focuses on lifestyle and social factors that can reduce the risk and impact of age‑related cognitive disorders. In his address, he explains how social connections and leisure activities support sustained thinking skills throughout life and help reduce the likelihood of age-related cognitive decline. The keynote was followed by a panel discussion on mental health featuring leading global experts in healthcare and well-being, including Dr Ahmad Al Khayer, CEO of the Cambridge Health Group; Giulia Slater, Researcher in Economics and Wellbeing at STATEC Research in Luxembourg; and Shupikai zebron, Regional Programme Coordinator and Senior lecturer at Zimbabwe Open University. They also explored how older adults can prioritise healthy ageing to preserve their independence and quality of life. As Day 2 progresses, stay tuned for sessions on entrepreneurship, governance, social capital and AI, and more. Click here for the complete programme: socialcapital2026.com/progra… #HWUDubai #SCC26 #SocialCapital2026

Wishing everyone a very happy New Year from all of us at Heriot-Watt University Dubai! We look forward to another year of learning, innovation, and impact.