WGS 2026 kicks off in Dubai with 150+ countries. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed & IMF’s Georgieva discuss 3.7% regional growth and UAE’s 80% non-oil GDP success.
DUBAI, UAE — The World Governments Summit (WGS) 2026 officially begins its three-day program tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3. Under the theme ‘Shaping Future Governments’, this year’s summit has recorded its highest-ever participation levels. It features delegates from over 150 countries and 45 heads of state.
On the “Day 0” preliminary sessions today, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, led a series of high-level diplomatic and economic meetings.
WGS 2026 Economic Outlook and UAE Partnership with IMF
On the sidelines of the preliminary forums, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The meeting focused on the partnership between the UAE and the IMF to support global economic expansion and sustainable development.
During the discussion, the IMF highlighted that the Arab world’s economy is forecasted to grow by 3.7 percent in 2026. Georgieva commended the UAE’s economic diversification strategy. She noted that non-oil sectors now contribute approximately 80 percent of the nation’s GDP, which provides a resilient model for the region.
At the same time, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum met with Arab Ministers of Finance following the 10th Arab Fiscal Forum. These discussions emphasized fiscal sustainability and the digital transformation of public finance systems.
Bilateral Diplomacy and Dubai Strategic Ties
The preliminary day also served as a venue for critical bilateral meetings. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid met with several prominent leaders, including:
- Evika Siliņa, Prime Minister of Latvia.
- The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan.
- Kuwaiti Trade Representatives, as part of the “UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever” week. This reinforces the deep-rooted economic and fraternal ties between the two nations.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi ‘Irro’ also arrived in Dubai today. This marks his second consecutive appearance at the summit. President Irro expects to deliver a keynote address during the main event. He will detail Somaliland’s progress in state-building and democratic governance while he seeks further international cooperation in security and trade.
World Governments Summit 2026 Agenda and Five Pillars
The official opening tomorrow initiates a massive program of 445 sessions and 450 global speakers. The summit acts as a global laboratory for government policy and focuses on five primary strategic pillars:
- Global Governance and Effective Leadership focuses on multilateral cooperation.
- Societal Wellbeing and Capacity Building develops human-centric public services.
- Economic Prosperity and Strategic Investments tracks the next generation of global trade.
- Urban Future and Evolving Demographics covers smart city infrastructure and population shifts.
- Future Realities and Emerging Frontiers explores the role of AI and deep technology in governance.
Artificial Intelligence Forum and Innovation
During a tour of the summit’s exhibition platforms, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid reviewed the latest innovative projects from UAE government entities. These platforms show the practical application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics. They aim to streamline government operations and improve the citizen experience.
The Artificial Intelligence Forum and the Government Experience Exchange Forum are both scheduled for the opening day tomorrow. These forums host tech leaders and ministers. They will discuss the regulatory frameworks necessary for the rise of generative AI while they ensure ethical standards and data privacy.
World Laureates Summit and Public Policy
This year’s summit incorporates the World Laureates Summit. It brings together over 80 Nobel Prize winners and international award-winning scientists. This participation bridges the gap between scientific research and political decision-making. It ensures that future policies stay grounded in data and technological reality.
Notable speakers for the Day 1 sessions include:
- Santiago Peña Palacios, President of Paraguay.
- Đuro Macut, Prime Minister of Serbia.
- Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, Chief Minister of Sierra Leone.
- Prof. Adam Riess, Nobel Laureate in Physics.
WGS 2026 Media Coverage and Knowledge Reports
The global significance of the 2026 summit is clear from the presence of more than 840 international and regional journalists. The organization plans to publish 36 strategic reports throughout the event. These reports provide governments with insights on climate change mitigation and the future of the digital economy.
The launch of the 3rd edition of the Global Ministers Survey is also expected tomorrow. It offers a unique insight into the priorities of decision-makers worldwide as they navigate a period of rapid global transition.
Dubai continues to lead the global conversation on governance. The UAE stands as the premier global platform for the modern era. As the main summit kicks off tomorrow, the international community looks to Dubai for concrete global policy and enhanced international cooperation.
