UAE Government and World Economic Forum Launch Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026 in Dubai
Opening Ceremony and Attendance
The Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026 opened in Dubai on 13 October, jointly organised by the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum in cooperation with the Dubai Future Foundation. Over 700 global leaders and experts from government, business, academia, sport and culture gathered for the three‑day event, which runs until 15 October. Picture credit: Dubai Media Office. Attendees included Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Key Addresses by UAE and WEF Leaders
Delivering the opening address, His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Principal Chairman of the meeting, said the world is experiencing rapid shifts in power dynamics, technology, resources, energy and climate, urging future leaders to build resilient economies, bridge divides and strengthen trust, and stating that true leadership lies in safeguarding people’s opportunities and shaping a better future.
He added that the meeting opens a new chapter in global future leadership, bringing together leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs from 100 countries to shape a better future for humanity, and noted that the UAE Government’s strategic partnership with the World Economic Forum, launched in 2008, has evolved through milestones such as the Global Future Councils, which united more than 900 councils and around 12,000 experts and leaders and helped shape the Forum’s agenda in Davos.
Al Gergawi affirmed that the continued partnership reflects a shared commitment to anticipating future trends and developing solutions to rapid global change, outlined major global shifts in power dynamics, human capabilities and AI, and the future of resources, energy and climate, noting that they are redefining leadership and the qualities future leaders need to navigate unprecedented challenges, and identified five essential leadership qualities for future leaders: anticipating change, continuous learning and adaptation, wise use of capabilities, building partnerships and turning vision into tangible results, stressing that true leadership is measured by its impact on people’s lives and its ability to deliver lasting results for future generations.
Reflecting on 18 years of collaboration with the World Economic Forum, he said the focus must now shift from discussing the future to shaping it, calling for partnerships that drive action, opportunities that deliver results and lasting impact for future generations, and emphasising that the future depends not only on technology and resources but also on the wisdom of leaders.
Alois Zwinggi, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, praised the UAE and Dubai for their leadership in shaping the future, noting that their ambition is reflected in their institutions, infrastructure, technology and investment in young people, and said the longstanding partnership reflects a shared commitment to anticipating future challenges, adding that the meeting brings together today’s changemakers and tomorrow’s leaders.
He expressed confidence in young people’s ability to shape the future of work, harness AI to enhance human capabilities and drive sustainable progress, urged future leaders to showcase courage and imagination, asked experienced leaders to share their wisdom with humility, and called on all participants to strengthen collaboration, reminding everyone that they are partners in designing the future, and thanked the UAE Government for its leadership, partnership and support.
Partnership Background and Vision
The Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026 is one of the flagship initiatives of the strategic partnership between the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum, aiming to strengthen the role of global leaders in shaping the future and bringing together more than 700 leaders and experts from 100 countries, including ministers, senior government officials, 300 Young Global Leaders and 150 UAE government leaders.
Agenda and Strategic Themes
The gathering serves as a global platform to explore emerging transformations, assess their implications and opportunities, and develop practical solutions to future challenges.
The meeting’s agenda focuses 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.
