The UAE has wrapped up its participation in the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, marking a strong showing focused on global cooperation, innovation and practical solutions to shared challenges.
The forum, held from January 19 to 23, brought together more than 3,000 global leaders, policymakers and business executives to discuss economic, technological and humanitarian priorities shaping the world’s future.
The UAE delegation, led by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, was the fifth-largest delegation at the forum. It included over 100 participants, comprising senior government officials alongside founders and chief executives from leading UAE companies.
Focus on Dialogue, Partnerships and Practical Outcomes
The UAE’s engagement at Davos centred on building partnerships, sharing expertise and advancing solutions across critical global sectors. Delegates participated in high-level discussions covering artificial intelligence, digital governance, smart systems, and humanitarian priorities such as food security, healthcare, water sustainability and development stability.
This approach aligned with the WEF’s 2026 theme, “A Spirit of Dialogue,” underscoring the UAE’s long-standing commitment to international cooperation and the exchange of best practices with governments and global institutions.
Government and Private Sector Engagement
A defining feature of the UAE’s participation was the strong representation from the private sector. Business leaders played a key role in discussions on innovation, competitiveness and economic growth, reinforcing the UAE’s model of close collaboration between government and industry.
Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said the UAE’s presence in Davos strengthened international cooperation and enabled the exchange of knowledge in priority sectors that support sustainable development.
He noted that discussions addressed global challenges with a forward-looking and proactive mindset, reflecting the realities of rapid global change and shared international responsibilities.
Key Outcomes from UAE Participation at Davos 2026
The UAE’s engagement at the forum resulted in several major agreements and announcements:
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Strategic Knowledge Partnership with WEF:
The UAE Government and World Economic Forum launched a new phase of their strategic partnership, including an MoU to host the Global Future Councils meetings in Dubai for the next five years. -
Global Strategic Intelligence Programme:
Introduced in partnership with WEF, the programme aims to help governments and institutions anticipate global shifts and enhance strategic decision-making. -
Advancement in Smart Health Systems:
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and WEF announced the next phase of their collaboration focused on smart health systems and healthy longevity. -
Middle East First at WEF International Business Council:
Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Group CEO of Mubadala Investment Company, was appointed Chair of the WEF’s International Business Council, becoming the first leader from the Middle East to hold the role. -
New Technology Centre in Abu Dhabi:
The Technology Innovation Institute announced the launch of the Abu Dhabi Centre for Advanced Technologies, in collaboration with WEF, focusing on Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. -
Water Cooperation Ahead of UN Conference:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed an MoU with WEF to support preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference, which the UAE will host later this year. -
AI Centre Agreement:
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence signed a cooperation agreement with WEF to establish the Abu Dhabi Centre for the Future of Artificial Intelligence. -
TradeTech Report Released:
The UAE unveiled the third edition of the TradeTech Report, highlighting the growing use of advanced technologies in global supply chains.
Positioning the UAE for the Future
The UAE’s participation at Davos 2026 reinforced its focus on building a future-ready economy through innovation, collaboration and long-term strategic planning. The agreements and initiatives announced during the forum reflect the country’s ambition to play a central role in shaping global dialogue on technology, sustainability and economic resilience.
As global challenges continue to evolve, the outcomes from Davos highlight the UAE’s intent to contribute actively to shared prosperity, stability and sustainable growth worldwide.
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