Davos partnership highlights UAE’s role in shaping global future strategies

ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates renewed its strategic partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF) for a further five years, encompassing the hosting of the annual Global Future Councils in Dubai, in a move that underscores the country’s growing role as a launchpad for 21st-century developmental solutions.

The extension of this collaboration, which has spanned more than 16 years and involved nearly 900 global councils, reflects the international community’s confidence in the UAE’s ability to manage complex and sensitive dialogues with neutrality and high efficiency.

Over this period, the country has transformed from an “importer” of expertise into a “provider,” with outputs from the Dubai councils increasingly shaping the agenda of the annual WEF meetings in Switzerland.

Shaping global policy

The Global Future Councils form a cornerstone of the UAE-WEF knowledge partnership, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

The meetings have evolved beyond addressing immediate crises to becoming an innovation platform for developing resilient developmental models, strengthening the UAE’s role as a genuine partner in shaping global policy.

These councils assist governments in anticipating rapid technological shifts, such as artificial intelligence, and in understanding economic trends before they materialise.

They also provide policymakers with tools to build economic systems capable of absorbing global shocks while prioritising human quality of life, ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth.

UAE’s ‘future-shaping’ diplomacy

The agreement was signed in the presence of Chairperson of Dubai’s Culture and Arts Authority Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Minister of Cabinet Affairs in the UAE Government and member of the WEF Leadership Council Mohammad al-Gergawi; WEF President Borge Brende; and Larry Fink, Chairman of BlackRock and Interim Co-Chair of the WEF Board  Larry Fink.

Gergawi highlighted that “the UAE is an active partner in shaping the global future agenda through quality projects and joint initiatives with sustainable impact,” adding that the government believes “international collaboration is a fundamental tool for shaping the future, and working with the World Economic Forum opens new horizons to develop policies and accelerate government innovation worldwide.”

Logistical excellence and strategic hosting

The UAE has built a distinguished record in hosting major international events, evolving from purely logistical management to shaping global strategic dialogues. This success stems from an approach that positions the country as an indispensable meeting point for leaders and experts.

The UAE combines professional excellence with authentic hospitality, creating a productive environment for participants. Flexible visa schemes, including cultural and golden visas, alongside streamlined customs procedures for delegations and equipment, enhance the country’s competitiveness in hosting large-scale events.

Facilities such as Abu Dhabi’s ADNEC and the Dubai World Trade Centre function as “mini smart cities,” capable of accommodating presidential summits or major technology exhibitions.

Supported by national carriers Emirates and Etihad, the UAE ensures direct access to 80 percent of the world’s population within eight hours, reinforcing its status as the ideal gateway between East and West.

Through this renewed partnership with the WEF, the UAE not only cements its position as a global innovation hub but also demonstrates its growing influence in designing resilient solutions for the challenges of the 21st century.