WGS 2026: Dubai set to host one of the world’s most high-level summits

Dubai: Dubai hopes to host the largest edition of the World Governments Summit (WGS) in its history in 2026, with 35 heads of state and government confirmed to attend.

Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the World Governments Summit Organisation said, "WGS 2026 will be the largest edition in the history of the Summit."

Speaking at the WGS 2026 Dialogue on Friday, Al Gergawi said the scale and diversity of participation reflected Summit's growing global relevance as a platform for shaping the future of governance.

Thousands of attendees are expected with government leaders, ministers, technology pioneers, podcasters, business tycoons and much more to assess the state of governments and the world.

He added that the Summit continues to serve as a global platform for dialogue on how governments can improve quality of life amid rapid technological, economic and social change.

Al Gergawi said, "The role of government is key in organising life. There were several rapid changes, and this is why we met the designers of the future – MNCs and governments – to discuss changes that would take place over the next three years."

"We discussed ideas and redefined what the future of government work would look like, especially after Covid,"

Over the years, the summit has hosted world leaders, including Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of Türkiye, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammed Shehbaz Sharif, and several other leaders.

"Senior executives from companies such as Microsoft, IBM, Alibaba, Google, Shein, BlackBerry and Oura are expected to attend, alongside high-profile global figures.

"Hundreds of private sector leaders will participate in discussions on emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, the future of work and economic transformation."

The 2026 edition will feature more than 24 side summits and forums, including the AI Forum, AI Policy Forum, Future of Education Forum, Emerging Economies Forum, New Silk Road Forum and the Global Logistics Dialogue.

In addition, 35 ministerial meetings will take place, bringing together ministers from around the world with leading international organisations and corporations.

“Many governments use the World Governments Summit as a platform to bring their ministers together, discuss national priorities and explore future policies,” Al Gergawi said.

Meetings will include gatherings of Arab finance ministers, labour ministers, youth and sustainable development officials, as well as high-level forums with countries such as Uzbekistan, Ecuador, Kazakhstan and South Korea. A UAE–Kuwait Economic Forum and an IATA meeting on the future of aviation are also planned.