Sheikh Hamdan Opens Global Future Leaders 2026 Meeting in Dubai
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum opened the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026 in Dubai, underlining the UAE’s dedication to strengthening international ties and empowering emerging leaders to devise innovative answers to worldwide challenges.
Leadership Remarks and Vision
“His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said that the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is committed to strengthening international partnerships and empowering future leaders to develop innovative solutions to global challenges.”
“Marking the start of the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026, organised through a partnership between the UAE Government, the World Economic Forum and the Dubai Future Foundation, Sheikh Hamdan welcomed participants to the UAE and emphasised the importance of working together to develop forward-looking strategies and proactive solutions to challenges facing communities and future generations.”
“His Highness noted that the Annual Meeting reflects the shared vision of the UAE and the World Economic Forum to invest in young talent and empower the next generation of global leaders to draw on the experience of established leaders, shape the future of vital sectors and contribute fresh ideas that advance human progress.”
“Sheikh Hamdan further emphasised the UAE’s commitment to fostering meaningful global dialogue and international cooperation, while providing an enabling environment for collaboration focused on shaping a brighter future for humanity.”
Meeting Scope and Participation
The annual gathering convenes over 700 leaders and experts from across the globe to discuss forthcoming opportunities and challenges.
The Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026 stands as a flagship initiative of the strategic partnership between the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum.
It aims to strengthen the role of global leaders in shaping the future, drawing together more than 700 leaders and experts from 100 countries, among them ministers, senior government officials, 300 Young Global Leaders and 150 UAE government representatives.
The gathering serves as a global platform to explore emerging transformations, assess their implications and opportunities, and devise practical solutions for future challenges.
Programme Themes
The meeting’s programme centres on six strategic themes: Artificial Intelligence, Technology and Human Agency; Science, Discovery and Innovation; Economic Growth; Geopolitics, Security and Trade; Leadership and Human Flourishing; and Climate, Nature and Sustainability.
