The United Arab Emirates concluded its outstanding participation in the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026, held in Davos, Switzerland, from January 19 to 23. The forum serves as a major global platform, bringing together over 3,000 global leaders, decision-makers, and influential figures from both the public and private sectors.

The UAE delegation was led by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. The delegation was the fifth-largest international group participating in the forum, engaging in discussions on the world’s most pressing challenges, global transformations, and emerging solutions, while also working to strengthen international partnerships across economic and developmental sectors.

The UAE’s participation was marked by a focus on developing forward-looking, development-driven strategies that draw from international best practices to help shape a more prosperous and resilient future for all.

Focused Engagement on AI, Governance, and Global Stability

The UAE participated in several high-level sessions on artificial intelligence, digital government, smart systems, and major global and humanitarian issues. These discussions covered economic and developmental sectors critical to the stability of societies and long-term sustainability—such as food security, healthcare, water resources, and humanitarian aid.

This approach aligned with the 2026 Forum theme, “Spirit of Dialogue,” and reflected the UAE’s commitment to strengthening international relations through the exchange of knowledge and successful experiences with countries and global institutions.

The strong participation also emphasized the role of the private sector, as the UAE’s delegation included over 100 individuals—ranging from senior government officials to founders and CEOs of leading national companies and private institutions.

Davos 2026: UAE Strengthens Global Cooperation and Future-Readiness

His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, stated:

“Through its participation in the World Economic Forum Davos 2026, the UAE has succeeded in promoting constructive international cooperation and the exchange of valuable experiences and insights with other nations and global institutions. The focus was on national priority areas and key sectors that support comprehensive and sustainable development. Discussions centered on identifying optimal solutions to pressing global challenges through anticipatory visions that account for rapid global changes, embrace international responsibility, and identify new opportunities for stability and prosperity.”

His Excellency added:

“The UAE’s global leadership, competitiveness, and reputation are national assets that inspire nations and peoples around the world. Our development journey offers experiences that we are proud to share with countries and leading institutions globally.”

The UAE’s private sector also had a strong presence in the forum sessions, facilitating knowledge exchange with international counterparts and organizations, establishing new regional and global partnerships, and showcasing the private sector’s vision for growth—reinforcing its vital role in sustaining the national economy.

Key Outcomes of the UAE’s Participation

Several key announcements and initiatives emerged from the UAE’s presence at the forum:

• Renewal of Strategic Knowledge Partnership with WEF:
  The UAE government and the World Economic Forum launched a new phase of their strategic knowledge partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding to host the Annual Meetings of the Global Future Councils in Dubai for the next five years. This reflects a mutual commitment to shaping future policies and enhancing global efforts to tackle economic and social challenges.

• Launch of the Global Strategic Intelligence Program:
  In collaboration with the WEF, the UAE introduced the Global Strategic Intelligence Program, a transformative initiative aimed at enabling governments and institutions to adopt proactive, flexible models that improve responsiveness to global changes and accelerate strategic decision-making.

• Partnership in Smart and Preventive Healthcare:
  The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and the WEF announced the next phase of their partnership to advance intelligent health systems and promote long, healthy lives—strengthening Abu Dhabi’s global position in preventive and personalized healthcare.

• UAE Representation in Global Economic Leadership:
  Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director and CEO of Mubadala Investment Company, was appointed Chairman of the International Business Council (IBC)—becoming the first figure from the Middle East to lead this high-level body since its founding. The IBC includes about 100 CEOs from leading global companies and plays a key strategic advisory role within the WEF.

• Establishment of Abu Dhabi Center for Advanced Technology:
  The Technology Innovation Institute, the applied research arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council, announced the launch of the Abu Dhabi Center for Advanced Technology, in collaboration with the WEF. This center will join the global network focused on Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.

• Support for UN Water Conference 2026:
  The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the WEF to enhance institutional collaboration in preparation for the United Nations Water Conference 2026, which will be hosted by the UAE later this year. The MoU underscores a shared commitment to mobilize public and private efforts to accelerate water-related progress under Sustainable Development Goal 6.

• Creation of the Abu Dhabi Center for the Future of Artificial Intelligence:
  The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and the WEF signed a partnership agreement to establish the Abu Dhabi Center for the Future of AI, furthering international collaboration in AI and reinforcing the UAE’s global role in driving innovation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

• Release of the Third Trade Technology Report:
  The UAE launched the third edition of the Trade Technology Report, which reviews the integration of advanced technologies into global supply chains. The report is part of the TradeTech initiative, launched in Davos in 2023 by the UAE Ministry of Economy, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, and the WEF.

Through its active and visionary participation at the World Economic Forum 2026, the United Arab Emirates once again affirmed its global leadership in shaping the future, advancing innovation, and building meaningful partnerships for sustainable and inclusive development.