January 23, 2026 5:35 PM

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UAE & World Economic Forum agree to host annual meetings of GFCs in Dubai, boosting their strategic knowledge partnership

The UAE and the World Economic Forum have agreed to host the annual meetings of the Global Future Councils in Dubai for the next five years, marking a new phase in their strategic knowledge partnership.
 
The agreement was formalised through a memorandum of understanding signed during the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, attended by global leaders, policymakers and experts. The move underscores a shared commitment to strengthening international cooperation, addressing socio-economic challenges and supporting governments in building more resilient development models.
 
The Global Future Councils are a cornerstone of cooperation between the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum, with insights from their deliberations later feeding into the official agenda of the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos. The partnership builds on a 17-year legacy in which around 900 councils have convened more than 12,000 experts and officials from around the world to address critical global issues.
 
Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said the partnership reflects the country’s vision of “forging effective global partnerships rooted in action and positive impact,” adding that the councils provide an advanced model for transforming global challenges into development opportunities and reinforcing the UAE’s role as a hub for shaping future solutions.
 
Over the years, the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum have built a long-term strategic partnership focused on cooperation, integration and shaping future-oriented global strategies. The partnership supports national and international objectives by leveraging innovation, technology, AI and Fourth Industrial Revolution solutions across key sectors.