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The Annual Meetings of Future Global Leaders concluded in Dubai on October 15, 2026, after three days of sessions involving more than 700 experts and officials from 100 countries.
Dubai Event Bridges Gap Between Decision Makers and Future Leaders
Held at Madinat Jumeirah from October 13 to 15, the Annual Meetings of Future Global Leaders 2026 served as a platform to bridge the gap between current decision-makers and the next generation. The event, which included over 60 interactive sessions, is a cornerstone of the 18-year partnership between the UAE government and the World Economic Forum. Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chair of the Annual Meetings of Future Global Leaders, noted that the event helps translate ideas into initiatives, aiming to carry the outcomes generated in Dubai to the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Switzerland to help shape the 2027 agenda.
According to Ohood Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, the meetings prioritized enabling a new generation of leaders capable of anticipating and adapting to future shifts with flexibility.
New Initiatives: Global Future Opportunities Center and AI Awards
The event also introduced the International Innovation Challenge and the Assistive AI Award, a joint initiative between the World Economic Forum and Dubai Municipality. These initiatives aim to empower many "global changemakers" from 150 countries to develop innovative solutions supported by artificial intelligence.
Empowering the Future 20 Leaders
The meetings highlighted the “Future 20” list, which recognizes 20 young global leaders under the age of 30. He noted that empowering these leaders requires an international system built on education, training, and mentorship.
The selection process for the "Future 20" and other leadership tracks is part of a strategy to connect institutional expertise with the agility of young innovators. The World Economic Forum previously selected Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan as one of the 100 most influential young global leaders in 2023.
Strategic Pillars for 2026 and Beyond
The agenda focused on six strategic pillars designed to address global challenges and opportunities:
- Assistive AI, Technology, and Human Capabilities: Exploring the integration of AI in daily life and workforce evolution.
- Science, Discovery, and Innovation: Focusing on how new technologies can address societal challenges.
- Economy: Discussing global trade, supply chains, and economic resilience.
- Geopolitics, Security, and Trade: Addressing the impact of global shifts on market stability.
- Leadership and Human Flourishing: Defining the skills required for future governance and corporate success.
- Climate, Nature, and Sustainability: Connecting environmental action with industrial and economic growth.
Participants, including 300 young leaders and 150 UAE government officials, worked through these themes to prepare for the future, utilizing the meetings as a space to test innovative projects and translate them into actionable partnerships.
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