Miscellaneous

700 leaders to gather in Dubai for Future Leaders 2026

Dubai
700 leaders to gather in Dubai for Future Leaders 2026
A previous edition of the event (photo credit WAM)

The Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026 kicks off next Tuesday bringing together more than 700 global leaders and experts from government, business, academia, sport and culture. 

Organised by the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum (WEF), in cooperation with Dubai future foundation, the three-day meeting from October 13 will initiate strategic dialogue, experiential learning, and practical collaboration, an Emirates News Agency (WAM) report said.

The meeting is part of a long-standing partnership spanning more than 17 years between the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum, a partnership that has produced a series of specialised international forums focused on anticipating the future and shaping its agenda, and has consistently brought UAE perspectives into global dialogues, including the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos.

Continuity of a robust and longstanding partnership

Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Principal Chairman of the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders, said the meeting reflects the continuity of a robust and longstanding partnership between the UAE Government and WEF, and translates both parties' commitment to advancing international cooperation and global dialogue on the future of development.

“The meeting offers an open global platform for exchanging perspectives and identifying solutions that enable nations and leaders to respond to rapid change. It supports the development of more innovative decision-making models, the adoption of proactive approaches, and the creation of more resilient governments, competitive economies, and prosperous, future-ready societies,” said Al Gergawi.

He added that discussions will centre on the issues with the greatest bearing on the world's future, including artificial intelligence and technology, economics, geopolitical challenges, leadership, and climate and sustainability, alongside a range of issues tied to the future of societies, economies, and governments.

Tools and perspectives

He noted that the meetings outcomes will equip participating leaders with tools and perspectives to transform emerging challenges into opportunities for growth, innovation, and development.

Alois Zwinggi, President and CEO, World Economic Forum and Principal Chairman of the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders, said: “The Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders will bring emerging and established leaders together to examine the challenges and opportunities that will define the coming decades. By connecting leaders across sectors, regions and generations, the meeting will help advance practical ideas and partnerships for a more resilient future for all."

The event is structured around six core themes: Artificial Intelligence, Technology and Human Agency; Science, Discovery and Innovation; Economic Growth; Geopolitics, Security and History; Leadership, Business Innovation and Human Flourishing; and Climate, Nature and Sustainability.

The programme combines strategic dialogue with innovative formats, including ideation labs, immersive simulations, Betazone sessions, and podcast recordings, designed to help leaders move from foresight to action. Sessions will examine global transformations and the proactive policies needed to navigate rapid advances in technology, science, and innovation.—TradeArabia News Service