Dubai:The Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026 concluded today in Dubai. Organized by the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum (WEF), in collaboration with the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), the event took place under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.
According to Emirates News Agency, over three days, the meeting gathered more than 700 leaders and experts from 100 countries across more than 60 sessions and events. The outcomes of these discussions are set to influence the agenda of the WEF's Annual Meeting in Davos in early 2027.
During the closing plenary, Co-Chairs Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, and Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, alongside other speakers, reflected on the ideas, partnerships, and actions that emerged. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, attended part of the proceedings, which included participation from prime ministers, ministers, officials, and 300 Young Global Leaders.
Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi emphasized the UAE's optimistic outlook on the future and highlighted the importance of resilience and adaptability in leadership. She stressed the goal of creating lasting value through global collaboration and announced that the WEF would soon launch the Future Leaders Outlook in partnership with the UAE.
Khalfan Juma Belhoul pointed to significant outcomes from the meeting, including the launch of the Centre for Global Future Opportunities and the UAE Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution's report, "Fourth Industrial Revolution in the UAE 100 Use Cases." He highlighted the national priorities of future readiness, sustainable resilience, and global cooperation in AI usage.
The meeting also introduced several major initiatives, such as the Agentic AI Award and the Alliance for Future Generations, aiming to foster innovation and talent development. The Global Strategic Intelligence Programme and Future 20 initiative recognized outstanding young leaders driving change.
Additional activities included the unveiling of the Youth Pulse survey findings and various sessions focused on themes like AI, economic growth, and sustainable urban development. The event featured the Global Shapers Community and explored Dubai's leadership in global indicators through the Dubai-it initiative.