The World Governments Summit 2026 opened in Dubai on February 3 with record global participation under the theme “Shaping Future Governments,” WAM reported. The event has attracted more than 45 heads of state and government, over 15 deputy heads of state, more than 500 ministers and representatives from over 150 governments for a total of more than 6,250 decision-makers.
This year’s summit surpasses all prior editions in leadership attendance, according to WAM. The Emirates News Agency placed the speaker count at over 450, drawn from among heads of state, ministers, experts and thinkers. Participation also extends to more than 700 CEOs of major corporations, the agency’s coverage added. Over 80 international and regional organisations have sent delegates to the gathering in Dubai.
The agenda includes more than 445 sessions along with 25 global forums and over 45 ministerial and high-level meetings, WAM detailed. Organisers will release 36 strategic reports prepared in cooperation with international knowledge partners during the three-day event. The third edition of the Global Ministers Survey is also scheduled for launch at the summit, the news agency reported. These components aim to generate shared strategies on governance challenges.
Mohammed Al Gergawi, secretary-general of the World Governments Summit, described the scale of the event in advance of its opening. “The World Governments Summit 2026 marks an unprecedented milestone, featuring the largest leadership gathering in its history,” he said according to the official summit website. Al Gergawi’s statement emphasised the gathering’s role in convening diverse stakeholders to address rapid global shifts.
The World Governments Summit organisation has hosted the annual event in Dubai since 2013, its website states. Earlier editions typically drew around 4,000 participants, a figure that this year’s record attendance has substantially exceeded. The summit has grown into a platform that brings together governments, international bodies, private-sector leaders and academics to discuss future-oriented policies.
Several awards will be presented during the proceedings, WAM reported. Recognitions include the Best Minister Award, the Most Reformed Government Global Award, the Dubai International Best Practices Award for Sustainable Development and the Global Teacher Prize. Media coverage involves more than 840 journalists and 44 media partners documenting the sessions and announcements.
