What are the conference dates and location?
Social Capital 2026 takes place March 26-28, 2026 at Heriot-Watt University, Dubai Campus, United Arab Emirates.
The virtual day will take place the day before the main conference, on Wednesday, March 25th.
Further details of the conference program can be found here.
Who are the keynote speakers?
- Robert D. Putnam – Professor of Public Policy, Harvard University
- Raj Chetty – Professor of Economics, Harvard University
- Beate Völker – Professor of Sociology, Utrecht University
Further details can be found here.
Is there financial support or travel assistance available?
Yes. Travel Grants are offered to support participants who might otherwise find it difficult to attend. More Information
Will I receive a certificate for participation?
Yes, every participant will receive a Certificate of Participation after the conference.
Will conference proceedings be published?
Yes. Proceedings, summarizing key presentations and papers will be compiled and made available after the event.
What is the dress code?
The dress code is business / business casual. We recommend smart, professional attire suitable for academic presentations, networking, and formal sessions.
What about meals during the conference?
Yes. Registered in-person participants will receive daily lunch, coffee/tea breaks, and refreshments. Please inform us in advance if you have any dietary restrictions or special requirements.
What is the local currency?
The local currency is the UAE Dirham (AED). Credit/debit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is advisable.
How can I obtain a letter of invitation for visa purposes?
Yes, if you require a Letter of Invitation for visa or travel purposes, please request it by emailing us at socialcapital2026@hw.ac.uk. Provide your full name, affiliation, passport number, date of birth, and whether the letter is for visa or other purposes.
What are the key deadlines?
- Abstract submissions: June 2 – October 3, 2025
- Notification of acceptance: October 24, 2025
- Registration opens: November 1, 2025
- Early bird deadline: January 23, 2026
What are the thematic streams / topics?
The program features 12 thematic streams covering a wide range of social capital research areas. More Information
Is virtual participation possible?
Yes. Although the main conference is not accessible remotely, there is a dedicated virtual day before the main conference with plenary sessions, concurrent sessions, and social connection opportunities. All presenters, including virtual presenters, have the option of submitting a full paper after the conference for inclusion in the conference proceedings. More Information
What about travel and accommodation?
Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation unless otherwise stated. Details of recommended hotels and special rates (if any) can be found here.
How do I reach the campus?
- By Dubai Metro: The nearest station is Dubai Internet City (Red Line), about a 10-minute taxi ride to the Heriot-Watt Dubai campus.
- By taxi / ride-hailing: Taxis are plentiful; apps such as Careem and Uber operate across the city.
What about Health and Safety?
Dubai is considered very safe. Standard travel insurance is recommended. Any COVID-19 or health advisories will be posted closer to the event.