Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed hosts ‘Women Leading the Future’ majlis at Global Future Leaders meeting
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), has hosted a special majlis titled ‘Women Leading the Future’ as part of the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026. The event, held in Dubai from 13 to 15 October 2026, brought together 29 women leaders from 22 countries, representing government, entrepreneurship, science, technology, finance and culture.
A gathering of global women leaders
The majlis was organised through a partnership between the UAE Government, the World Economic Forum and the Dubai Future Foundation. Attendees discussed the choices, responsibilities and collaboration needed to shape opportunities for the next generation, with a particular focus on women’s contributions to public leadership, innovation, investment, culture and social change.
Discussions on leadership and innovation
Sheikha Latifa highlighted the growing role of women in advancing scientific and technological progress and shaping the future. She stressed the importance of bringing together diverse perspectives as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies transform industries, working practices and everyday life. She also underlined the UAE’s belief in investing in women’s capabilities and equipping them with the knowledge, skills and experience to contribute effectively to shaping future directions and driving positive, sustainable change in their communities.
Sheikha Latifa noted the important roles women play across sectors and their contributions to fostering integration across diverse fields and disciplines, harnessing technology to create new opportunities, advancing sustainability and strengthening social cohesion. She emphasised that shaping humanity’s future is a shared responsibility that requires broadening participation and empowering countries, communities and institutions to contribute to the design and development of practical, sustainable solutions to the challenges of tomorrow.
Role of women in shaping the future
Participants exchanged insights on the future of leadership and women’s role in guiding institutions, developing sectors and advancing ideas that will influence the next generation. Drawing on their experiences, they considered how leaders can make more informed choices, broaden participation in decision-making and build partnerships across sectors to achieve lasting impact.
A platform for international dialogue
Held under the strategic partnership between the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum, the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026 brings together more than 700 leaders and experts from 100 countries, including ministers, officials, 300 Young Global Leaders and 150 UAE government leaders. The meeting provided a platform for international dialogue on emerging transformations and opportunities, supporting collective efforts to develop practical responses to future challenges.
