Under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai, the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2026 officially commenced on Tuesday (February 3, 2026) in Dubai. The summit features the high-level participation of several heads of state, government leaders, policymakers and international experts from across the globe.
During the summit’s inauguration, His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), asserted that the World Governments Summit 2026 serves as a distinguished global platform for the exchange of visionary insights and practical expertise, as well as the formulation of sustainable development solutions.
He emphasised that the summit underscores the UAE’s pivotal role in anticipating and shaping future governments, a vision reflected in the summit’s theme, to effectively navigate global challenges and achieve sustainable development. "These efforts are central to establishing a superior future for governance that ultimately contributes to the enhancement of the overall quality of life," he added.
Furthermore, HE the Secretary General underscored that each iteration of the summit curates themes and panel discussions that resonate with the various dimensions of life for populations both regionally and globally, effectively navigating the complexities of current and future transformations.
His Excellency further noted that the GCC General Secretariat will participate in the summit’s proceedings through two high-level sessions. The first, convened in collaboration with the UAE's Ministry of Finance, is titled "Economic Transformation in GCC Member States: Innovative Financing and the Role of Fiscal and Monetary Policies”, while the second session, titled "The Blue Economy: A New Pillar for Sustainable Development and Integration in GCC States”, is organised in coordination with the summit’s governing body.
HE the Secretary General further emphasised that the General Secretariat, through its specialised sectors and competent entities, maintains a steadfast commitment to participating in regional and international forums. He additionally highlighted its involvement in a dedicated session on GCC-European economic relations, titled "Where Will Trade and Capital Flow Next?”.
In conclusion of his statement, His Excellency reiterated his gratitude and appreciation to the UAE for its exceptional efforts in hosting this world-class event, expressing his anticipation for its forthcoming results and significant contributions.
