Over 700 Global Leaders Convene in Dubai for Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026
The UAE and World Economic Forum host a prestigious three-day gathering bringing together innovators, policymakers and visionaries to shape solutions for tomorrow's most pressing challenges.
Dubai will welcome more than 700 distinguished global leaders and experts from October 13 to 15 for the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026, a prestigious convening organised by the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum in partnership with Dubai Future Foundation. This three-day gathering represents the latest chapter in a partnership spanning more than 17 years between the UAE Government and the Forum, a collaboration that has consistently elevated Emirati perspectives within the most influential global dialogues.
The meeting will draw together an extraordinary assembly of leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, academics, policymakers and members of the World Economic Forum’s next-generation communities. Together, they will engage in strategic dialogue, experiential learning and practical collaboration, exploring critical themes including technological disruption, geopolitical complexity, economic resilience, innovation and sustainable development. The agenda reflects a shared commitment to building more resilient, inclusive and prosperous futures across the globe.
Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Principal Chairman of the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders, emphasised that the gathering underscores the continuity of the robust partnership between the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum. “The meeting offers an open global platform for exchanging perspectives and identifying solutions that enable nations and leaders to respond to rapid change,” he stated. “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.”
Discussions will centre on issues of profound significance for global futures, encompassing artificial intelligence and technology, economics, geopolitical challenges, leadership, and climate and sustainability, alongside issues tied to the future of societies, economies and governments. The meeting’s outcomes are designed to equip participating leaders with tools and perspectives to transform emerging challenges into opportunities for growth, innovation and development.
Six Core Themes and Innovative Formats
The Annual Meeting 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.
Alois Zwinggi, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum and Principal Chairman of the Annual Meeting, noted that “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 gathering will bring together government leaders, business executives, international organisations, experts, academics and innovators from around the world, alongside members of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders, Global Shapers and Social Innovators communities. Notably, the meeting will also feature young Arab leaders from the Great Arab Minds initiative, strengthening Arab talent’s contribution to global dialogue and future-focused solutions.
Hosting this prestigious meeting further reinforces the UAE’s position as a global hub for dialogue, innovation and future readiness, building on its distinguished record of convening international stakeholders and empowering the next generation of global leaders.
Source: WAM