UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum welcomed international guests to the World Governments Summit 2026 in Dubai, which ran for three days starting February 3, 2026, under the theme “Shaping Future Governments,” according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM). The event was anticipated to attract more than 60 heads of state and government along with over 500 ministers, representatives from more than 150 governments, more than 80 international organisations, over 700 CEOs and 87 prominent scientists for a total exceeding 6,250 participants.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed extended a warm welcome to the world leaders, heads of government, thought leaders and guests participating in the summit. He described the event as having become “a vital global forum for coordinating efforts and facilitating constructive dialogue that translates into tangible action for the benefit of all,” according to WAM. The remarks underscored the summit’s established role in global policy discussions.
The World Governments Summit was established in 2013 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to serve as a global knowledge exchange platform for governments, according to the official summit website. It has grown substantially since its launch, attracting increasing numbers of high-level figures with each edition. WAM archives from the 2024 summit placed attendance by more than 25 heads of state and government, illustrating the event’s expanding reach.
This year’s record participation included deputies, ministers and representatives from over 150 governments alongside more than 80 international and regional organisations. The gathering also featured over 700 CEOs from leading global corporations and 87 scientists recognised with Nobel Prizes and other prestigious awards. Such breadth of attendees supported comprehensive exchanges on governance innovation.
Discussions at the summit focused on shaping future governments amid technological, economic and social shifts, as outlined in the official programme. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has long positioned the annual event as a catalyst for proactive approaches to emerging challenges. Dubai’s role as host aligns with the UAE’s broader emphasis on fostering international collaboration.
Strategic partners for the summit have historically included the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, UNESCO, the OECD and the World Economic Forum, the summit organisation reported in prior years. These alliances have helped integrate diverse perspectives into the dialogue. The 2026 edition built upon that foundation with its largest attendance to date.
The UAE leadership’s welcome highlighted the country’s commitment to platforms that promote constructive global engagement. Preparatory sessions in the lead-up addressed key themes that fed into the main proceedings. Outcomes from such forums have in the past informed policy development across participating nations, according to organisers.
