UAE Leaders & Global Gov Summit: Innovation, Partnerships & Future Visions
- Dubai is hosting the World Governments Summit 2026, which began on February 3, 2026 and runs through February 5, 2026.
- The event brings together a significant number of global leaders, including more than 60 heads of state and government, and their deputies.
- Notably, the summit has attracted 87 scientists who are recipients of the Nobel Prize and other prestigious scientific awards, bringing the total attendance to over 6,250 participants.
World Governments Summit 2026 Opens in Dubai With Record Participation
Dubai is hosting the World Governments Summit 2026, which began on and runs through . The summit, themed ‘Shaping Future Governments,’ has drawn the highest level of international participation since its inception, according to reports.
The event brings together a significant number of global leaders, including more than 60 heads of state and government, and their deputies. Over 500 ministers are in attendance, alongside representatives from more than 150 governments. The summit also convenes more than 80 international and regional organizations, global institutions, and over 700 CEOs of leading global corporations.
Notably, the summit has attracted 87 scientists who are recipients of the Nobel Prize and other prestigious scientific awards, bringing the total attendance to over 6,250 participants.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, welcomed guests participating in the summit on . Sheikh Mohamed extended a warm welcome to world leaders, heads of government, thought leaders, and guests, noting the event’s importance as a global forum for coordinating efforts and facilitating dialogue.
The World Governments Summit 2026 features 25 global forums highlighting prominent trends across vital sectors closely linked to the future of humanity. The agenda is focused on shaping a better future across five main themes: Global Governance and Effective Leadership, Societal Wellbeing and Capacity Building, Economic Prosperity and Emerging Opportunities, Urban Futures and Evolving Demographics, and Future Realities and Next Frontiers.
Several leaders have already been confirmed as speakers, including H.E. Julius Maada, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone. H.E. Daniel Noboa, President of the Republic of Ecuador; H.E. Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation; H.E. Pedro Sánchez, President of the Government of Spain; H.E. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF); H.E. Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC); and H.E. Jasem Al Budaiwi, Secretary General of the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has held meetings with a number of heads of state and government leaders taking part in the summit. Discussions have centered on enhancing cooperation between the UAE and other nations, particularly in economic, trade, and development sectors. These meetings underscore the importance of the summit in enriching global dialogue and accelerating international development.
The summit is intended to foster international cooperation and identify innovative solutions for future challenges, inspiring and empowering the next generation of governments. A session was held to discuss how universities will fare in the coming decade.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan has also been engaged in discussions with heads of governments and ministers participating in the summit, focusing on collaborative opportunities.