UAE showcases investment, innovation strategy at Davos 2026

ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates is participating at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos with one of the largest and most diverse delegations at the gathering, underlining the country’s ambition to play a central role in shaping global economic and development debates at a time of mounting geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

The UAE delegation, led by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, brings together more than 100 ministers, senior government officials and private sector leaders for the forum, which runs from January 19 to 23 in the Swiss resort town. It marks the UAE’s continued high-level engagement with Davos as a platform for international cooperation, policy coordination and long-term economic planning.

As the fifth-largest national delegation at the forum, the UAE’s presence reflects a strategic focus on future-oriented sectors, including artificial intelligence, digital transformation, advanced technologies and public-private collaboration. Officials say the participation aligns with national priorities aimed at strengthening economic competitiveness, deepening international partnerships and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for trade, investment and innovation.

Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammad bin Abdullah al-Gergawi said the UAE’s engagement at Davos demonstrates its commitment to constructive international cooperation and to sharing expertise in areas where the country has established global leadership, while also drawing on international best practice. He noted that the scale and diversity of the delegation reflect the UAE’s emphasis on economic priorities and emerging sectors that will shape future growth.

This year’s forum theme, “Spirit of Dialogue,” closely mirrors the UAE’s diplomatic and economic approach, which places dialogue at the heart of international relations and multilateral engagement. Emirati officials have repeatedly highlighted dialogue as a tool for addressing shared global challenges, from climate change and technological disruption to declining trust in global governance systems.

At Davos, the UAE is expected to take part in key discussions on rebuilding trust in investment, strengthening global trade frameworks and advancing economic governance. These sessions draw on the country’s experience as a stable business environment and a bridge between regional and global markets, supported by regulatory clarity and long-term policy planning.

Technology and artificial intelligence will feature prominently in the UAE’s agenda, with the delegation contributing to debates on digital government, smart regulation and the use of advanced technologies to improve public services and economic productivity. Emirati officials are expected to highlight how AI and data-driven governance can support sustainable development, attract investment and enhance quality of life.

Alongside economic priorities, the UAE’s participation places strong emphasis on global humanitarian and development issues, including food security, health, water and humanitarian action. This balanced approach reflects a broader strategy that links economic growth with social stability and global responsibility, positioning the UAE as a reliable international partner amid global volatility.

The UAE Pavilion at Davos will once again carry the theme “Impossible is Impossible” for the fourth consecutive year, showcasing the breadth of the national economy across energy, trade, finance, industry, technology and the digital economy. Its programme includes high-level sessions, meetings and media engagements designed to highlight Emirati success stories, encourage partnership-building and explore solutions to shared global challenges, particularly in energy transition and climate finance.

Private sector participation remains a central feature of the UAE’s engagement, with national companies and business leaders playing an active role in discussions across the forum. Their presence reinforces the UAE’s emphasis on collaboration between government and business as a driver of resilience and long-term growth.