In a significant step reflecting deep-rooted collaboration and a shared vision for the future, the Government of the United Arab Emirates and the World Economic Forum (WEF) have announced the launch of a new phase in their comprehensive strategic partnership.
The announcement took place during an official ceremony held as part of the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and was attended by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.
The renewed agreement aims to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and expand its scope to include dynamic new areas that support global development, drive innovation, and enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The agreement was signed by His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Member of the Forum’s Board of Trustees, and Børge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum. The signing was also witnessed by Larry Fink, Chairman of BlackRock and Interim Co-Chair of the WEF Board of Trustees, along with several high-ranking officials from both sides.
A 25-Year Legacy of Strategic Collaboration
H.E. Al Gergawi emphasized that the strategic partnership between the UAE and the WEF reflects the national vision and priorities of the country under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, and the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him.
He noted that this long-standing collaboration, which spans over 25 years, has helped shape global discourse focused on people and the future. Through continuous cooperation, the UAE and the WEF have built platforms to address critical challenges and pioneer forward-thinking solutions in key sectors.
Shared Vision for the Future
Børge Brende highlighted that the UAE–WEF partnership is built on mutual trust, ambitious goals, and a joint commitment to shaping future-ready cooperation models. He added that the new agreement not only enhances ongoing collaboration but also provides flexibility to adapt and innovate in response to emerging opportunities.
Key Pillars of the Strategic Partnership
The renewed partnership focuses on several key areas, including:
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Public-Private Sector Collaboration: Expanding joint efforts to address urgent economic and societal challenges.
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Global Future Councils: Renewing the commitment to host and co-organize these councils for the next five years, bringing together global experts to forecast and shape the future of critical sectors.
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Innovation and Future-Oriented Projects: Collaborating on the Global Program for Organizational Innovation and other initiatives in water, energy, and emerging technologies.
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Fourth Industrial Revolution Centers: Accelerating adoption of advanced science and technology through specialized centers and initiatives.
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Active UAE Participation in Global Events: Ensuring high-level engagement from the UAE in flagship WEF events such as the Annual Meeting in Davos, the Annual Meeting of the New Champions, and various ministerial-level forums.
A Model for Global Cooperation
This renewed agreement underscores the UAE’s position as a key global partner in building resilient, innovative, and inclusive solutions for the future. The strategic partnership with the WEF continues to serve as a global model for how governments and international organizations can work hand-in-hand with the private sector to co-create a better future for all.
