The United Arab Emirates has cultivated a robust strategic partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF), commonly known as Davos, over the past few decades. This collaboration has significantly influenced the UAE’s economic, social, and political landscapes, positioning the nation as a pivotal player on the global stage. This paper delves into the historical evolution of this partnership, examines key outcomes supported by quantitative data, and explores the UAE’s regional and international roles within this alliance. Furthermore, it provides insights into the future trajectory of this partnership, underpinned by current trends and strategic initiatives.
The World Economic Forum, established in 1971, has evolved into a premier platform for public-private cooperation, bringing together leaders from business, government, academia, and civil society to address global challenges. The UAE’s engagement with the WEF reflects its strategic vision to integrate into the global economy and to influence international discourse on critical issues. This paper aims to provide a detailed examination of this partnership, highlighting its historical context, key achievements, and future prospects.
Historical Context of the UAE-WEF Partnership
The UAE’s relationship with the WEF dates back to the late 20th century, coinciding with the nation’s rapid economic development and its ambition to diversify beyond oil revenues. Recognizing the WEF’s role as a catalyst for global dialogue and collaboration, the UAE actively participated in annual meetings held in Davos, Switzerland. Over the years, this engagement has deepened, with the UAE hosting several WEF regional summits and contributing to various global initiatives.
Emirati Leadership at Davos
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has consistently played a significant role at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, with Emirati leaders contributing to global discussions on economic growth, sustainability, and technological innovation. In the latest session held from January 20 to 24, 2025, the UAE’s delegation, led by H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, actively engaged in various high-level dialogues.
- Prominent Contributions of Emirati Figures
The UAE’s delegation comprised over 100 government officials and private sector leaders, reflecting the nation’s commitment to fostering international partnerships and contributing to global development.
H.H. Sheikha Latifa participated in key sessions, highlighting the UAE’s achievements in cultural development and exploring the intersection of arts, culture, and technology. She met with notable figures, including Nobel Laureate and Interim Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Professor Muhammad Yunus; former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra; and Hilde Schwab, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, to exchange insights on priority areas.
His Excellency Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs, played a pivotal role during the forum. He emphasized the UAE’s dedication to building strong international partnerships and fostering sustainable development. Al Gergawi highlighted the increasing presence of UAE national and private sector companies at Davos, underscoring their integral role in achieving national goals and showcasing the UAE’s supportive business environment.
A significant milestone during the forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the UAE government and the World Economic Forum to establish the Global Regulatory Innovation Platform (GRIP). This initiative aims to develop future-ready legislative frameworks and promote international collaboration on flexible governance models. The signing ceremony was attended by H.H. Sheikha Latifa, H.E. Mohammed Al Gergawi, and Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum.
Over the years, several prominent Emirati figures have represented the nation, contributing to global discussions on economic development, sustainability, and innovation. Below is a table highlighting some of these key participants and their years of participation:
Key Outcomes of the Partnership
The UAE-WEF partnership has yielded several notable outcomes across various sectors:
- Economic Development and Diversification
Through its collaboration with the WEF, the UAE has attracted significant foreign direct investment (FDI), bolstering its non-oil sectors. According to the UAE Central Bank, FDI inflows reached approximately $20 billion in 2023, a substantial increase from $10.3 billion in 2018. This growth is attributed to the UAE’s proactive participation in WEF forums, where it showcased its investment-friendly environment and strategic initiatives.
- Technological Innovation and Digital Transformation
The partnership has facilitated the UAE’s advancement in technology and innovation. In 2017, the UAE launched the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in collaboration with the WEF, focusing on artificial intelligence, blockchain, and precision medicine. This initiative has positioned the UAE as a regional leader in digital transformation, with the nation ranking 25th globally in the 2024 Global Innovation Index.
- Sustainable Development and Climate Action
The UAE has leveraged its WEF partnership to champion sustainability initiatives. Notably, the UAE’s state companies and funds have been linked to almost $200 billion in global investments, primarily in green energy, in the year leading up to the COP summit.
This underscores the UAE’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its role in shaping global climate policies.
- Human Capital Development
Engagement with the WEF has enabled the UAE to prioritize education and workforce development. The nation has implemented various programs in line with WEF recommendations to enhance skills and employment opportunities, contributing to a more competitive and diversified economy.
The UAE’s Regional and International Role in the Partnership
The UAE has emerged as a key regional player through its WEF partnership:
- Regional Leadership
By hosting WEF regional summits and engaging in Middle East-focused initiatives, the UAE has positioned itself as a leader in addressing regional challenges, fostering economic cooperation, and promoting stability.
- International Influence
On the global stage, the UAE’s active participation in WEF activities has amplified its voice in international policy discussions, enabling it to contribute to shaping agendas on issues such as global trade, climate change, and technological governance.
Future Prospects and Predictions
Looking ahead, the UAE-WEF partnership is poised to strengthen further:
- Enhanced Collaboration in Emerging Technologies
The UAE is expected to deepen its collaboration with the WEF in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and biotechnology, aligning with its vision to become a global hub for innovation.
- Leadership in Sustainable Development
Building on its substantial investments in green energy, the UAE aims to lead regional efforts in sustainable development, leveraging WEF platforms to promote renewable energy adoption and climate resilience.
- Strengthening Human Capital
The UAE plans to continue its focus on education and skill development, working with the WEF to prepare its workforce for future challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving global economy.
The strategic partnership between the UAE and the World Economic Forum has been instrumental in advancing the nation’s economic diversification, technological innovation, and sustainable development goals. Through active engagement and collaboration, the UAE has solidified its position as a regional leader and an influential global actor. As the partnership evolves, it is anticipated to yield further benefits, contributing to the UAE’s long-term vision of prosperity and global integration.
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