His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, has affirmed that the United Arab Emirates continues to strengthen its international partnerships and expand global cooperation to help shape the future and empower the next generation of leaders.
Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God watch over him, the country remains committed to bringing nations, institutions, and emerging leaders together to address future challenges and develop innovative solutions.
His Highness emphasized the UAE’s continued commitment to constructive international dialogue and cooperation, guided by a vision that places people at the heart of development and progress while supporting efforts to create better opportunities for future generations.
His remarks came during the Annual Meetings of Global Future Leaders 2026 in Dubai, organized through a partnership between the UAE Government, the World Economic Forum, and the Dubai Future Foundation, bringing together leaders, experts, and officials from around the world.
Hamdan bin Mohammed: UAE as a Global Hub for Creating Future Opportunities
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum welcomed participants attending the Annual Meetings of Global Future Leaders, highlighting the importance of working together to develop fresh perspectives and respond to the rapidly changing challenges facing the world.
His Highness said: “We welcome the UAE’s guests from among the global future leaders, and look forward to working with them to develop visions and devise proactive solutions to the challenges facing the sectors most closely connected to people’s lives and the future of coming generations.”
His Highness explained that the meetings reflect the shared vision of the UAE and the World Economic Forum, which places particular importance on investing in young talent and preparing a new generation of global leaders capable of contributing to the future of vital sectors.
The gatherings provide emerging leaders with opportunities to learn directly from the experiences and expertise of established international leaders. They also encourage the exchange of ideas and knowledge, helping young talent develop the skills and perspectives needed to address future challenges and contribute to human progress.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum affirmed that the UAE will remain an open platform for purposeful global dialogue and constructive international cooperation, as well as a supportive and encouraging environment for international action centered on the future, with people as its ultimate goal.
This vision reflects the UAE’s commitment to building stronger connections between countries and international institutions while bringing together talent and expertise to help create a more advanced and prosperous future for all.
Dubai Brings Together More Than 700 Leaders and Experts from 100 Countries
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, attended activities held as part of the Annual Meetings of Global Future Leaders 2026 in Dubai.
The meetings are taking place from October 13 to 15 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God watch over him.
Organized in partnership between the UAE Government, the World Economic Forum, and the Dubai Future Foundation, the event focuses on strengthening the role of global leaders in anticipating future developments and addressing the challenges that may accompany them.
More than 700 decision-makers, experts, officials, and specialists from 100 countries are participating in the meetings. They include ministers and senior figures, alongside 300 young global leaders and 150 government leaders from the UAE.
The broad international participation provides an opportunity to strengthen connections between today’s leaders and those preparing to take on leadership roles in the future.
It also allows participants to share their experiences, discuss issues affecting communities around the world, and explore new ways of working together to support sustainable development.
The meetings offer an open space for dialogue between different generations of leaders, encouraging them to turn ideas into practical initiatives that improve the ability of countries and institutions to respond to global changes.
An 18-Year Strategic Partnership
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reviewed several activities and experiences featured at the Annual Meetings of Global Future Leaders, which mark an important milestone in the 18-year partnership between the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum.
The long-standing collaboration reflects a shared commitment to anticipating future developments and strengthening international cooperation to identify promising opportunities across vital sectors.
Through this partnership, the UAE continues to support international initiatives that bring decision-makers, emerging leaders, and experts together, creating opportunities to exchange knowledge and draw on global experiences in developing innovative and sustainable solutions.
Dubai’s hosting of the meetings also highlights the UAE’s position as a platform for international dialogue and cooperation, bringing together people with fresh perspectives and ideas to help shape future opportunities.
Sessions Explore Geopolitical Developments and Solutions for the Future
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended part of the future scenario planning sessions, which examined several geopolitical challenges facing the world and explored how they could develop and affect countries and communities in the years ahead.
The discussions focused on identifying proactive solutions to these challenges, while exploring opportunities to strengthen international cooperation and turn global developments into clear courses of action with positive and sustainable outcomes.
His Highness highlighted the importance of the Annual Meetings of Global Future Leaders as an international platform that empowers tomorrow’s leaders and creates opportunities for different generations to share their knowledge, ideas, and experiences.
The meetings also help participants identify new opportunities, strengthen resilience, and improve their ability to respond to changing circumstances while turning challenges into promising possibilities for future growth and progress.
Open dialogue among participants plays an important role in developing a shared understanding of the future of different sectors. It also allows leaders to benefit from a wide range of experiences when developing practical initiatives that serve communities and future generations.
Six Strategic Areas to Shape a More Sustainable Future
The agenda of the Annual Meetings of Global Future Leaders 2026 focuses on six strategic areas covering some of the most significant changes, opportunities, and challenges expected to influence the future.
These areas include artificial intelligence, technology and human capabilities; science, discovery and innovation; the economy; security and history; leadership and human flourishing; and climate, nature and sustainability.
Together, these topics reflect the importance of preparing for rapid developments across vital sectors and exploring solutions that make use of scientific and technological advances while keeping people at the center of development.
The meetings provide participants with opportunities to examine the future of these sectors from different perspectives and identify areas where international cooperation can contribute to stability, prosperity, and greater readiness for future changes.
Particular attention is also being given to leadership development and innovation, with discussions aimed at helping emerging leaders gain the knowledge, experience, and capabilities needed to take an active role in shaping the future.
Government Participation Reflects UAE’s Commitment to Empowering Future Leaders
Also attending alongside His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum were His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; and Her Excellency Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future.
Their participation reflects the significance of the Annual Meetings of Global Future Leaders and the event’s role in supporting cooperation between government institutions and international organizations.
It also underscores the importance the UAE places on exchanging experiences and knowledge in sectors closely connected to the future of development.
The participation of government leaders highlights the UAE’s commitment to providing emerging talent with opportunities to benefit from international expertise and strengthen their capabilities in innovation, decision-making, and responding to future challenges.
The meetings form part of the strategic partnership between the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum, which aims to strengthen the contribution of global leaders to future planning and the development of practical solutions to challenges facing different sectors and communities.
