World Laureates Summit highlights AI, sustainable development in UAE

DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates on Sunday inaugurated the World Laureates Summit in Dubai, the largest gathering of its kind globally, bringing together over 100 Nobel laureates and recipients of other prestigious international scientific awards, alongside leading researchers from top institutions worldwide.

The summit coincides with the World Governments Summit 2026, with a joint day dedicated to bringing scientists together with heads of state, ministers and leaders of international organisations to exchange ideas and innovations that address complex global challenges.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, speaking at the opening, emphasised that scientists are “key partners in shaping the future” and that investment in knowledge and research is the path to confronting global challenges. He highlighted the UAE’s commitment to remain a global hub for ideas and innovation, linking scientific outputs to societal needs, supporting research and developing emerging technologies to promote peace and sustainable development.

Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum underscored that science represents the wealth of nations and that scientists are “the makers of humanity’s future.” He said the UAE provides an environment where ideas can transform into tangible achievements and stressed that investing in knowledge is essential for building a better future for coming generations, cementing the country’s position as a global centre for science, knowledge and innovation.

Addressing urgent global challenges

The summit comes at a time of growing economic, social and political pressures worldwide, making multi-disciplinary scientific dialogue increasingly vital to generate innovative and sustainable solutions. The event offers an international platform for scientists and policymakers to foster strategic thinking, develop science-based policies and ensure sustainable resource management for future generations.

Senior officials and prime ministers attended the opening, alongside representatives of major research institutions, participating in panels covering fundamental sciences and emerging technologies. Speakers stressed that the summit bridges scientific discovery with policymaking, enhancing cooperation between governments, scientists, industry and finance, thereby enabling research to translate into practical development and innovation projects.

Science as a partner in policymaking

President Sheikh Mohamed highlighted that the role of scientists today extends beyond research centres; they are active partners in decision-making and policy development. The UAE works to link scientific innovation with societal needs, focusing on supporting research and fostering innovation to achieve sustainable development and promote global peace.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid noted that the summit brings together over 100 Nobel laureates from diverse fields to emphasise the importance of valuing science and scientists as fundamental pillars of civilisation. He highlighted the summit’s goal of enabling innovators to turn seemingly impossible ideas into reality and reaffirmed that investing in human capital is central to sustainable development and future-building.

Strategic investment in knowledge

Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the World Governments Summit Mohammed Abdullah Al-Gergawi emphasised that building nations depends on human capital, not resources alone, and that investing in knowledge and research represents the greatest investment for the future. He said the UAE provides a global hub for intellectual dialogue, where knowledge and research offer the shortest path to prosperity, highlighting the importance of collaboration to build strong and innovative societies.

Gergawi said the summit comes at a pivotal moment amid global transformations marked by political shifts, rapid technological advancements and unprecedented innovation. He added that scientists’ participation sends a message of hope to the world, demonstrating humanity’s capacity to choose reason and wisdom to improve global outcomes.

UAE to host World Laureates Association

Prof Roger Kornberg, Nobel laureate in Chemistry, announced that the World Laureates Association will establish a new base in the UAE, enhancing the country’s status as a global hub for scientific collaboration and innovation. Kornberg highlighted the summit’s unique value in connecting scientific discovery with decision-makers, noting that dialogue between scientists, governments and industry accelerates the application of scientific results to development and emerging technologies.

Executive Director and Secretary-General of the World Laureates Association Wang Hou added that the summit recognises science and knowledge as drivers of human progress. He noted that the collaboration between the World Governments Summit and the World Summit of Scientists has enabled a rare forum for dialogue between scientific and political leaders, reflecting the UAE’s belief that investment in human intellect is the path to sustainable development and global prosperity.

The summit features an elite group of laureates who are recipients of the Nobel Prize, Turing Award, the Wolf Prize, the Lasker Award, the Fields Medal and the Breakthrough Prize, alongside other recipients of prestigious international scientific awards. Its agenda covers strategic scientific topics, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum sciences, nanotechnology, biotechnology, genomics, data science, nuclear physics, material sciences and neuroscience, highlighting the scope and significance of the discussions.

Specialised forums will explore AI, transformative technologies, renewable energy, scientific discovery, life sciences, space and quantum physics and youth empowerment, underlining the role of fundamental sciences in governance, the economy and the responsible development of emerging technologies, while promoting international scientific collaboration in a complex geopolitical environment.

The summit confirms the UAE’s continued efforts to consolidate its position as a global centre for science and knowledge, attracting talent and innovation, supporting sustainable development and advancing global stability through human-centred investment and the practical application of scientific innovation.

Presidential honour for Gergawi

On the occasion of the summit, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed awarded Mohammed al-Gergawi the Order of the Union, one of the UAE’s highest civilian honours, recognising his tireless efforts in advancing government work and contributing significantly to national development.

Sheikh Mohamed praised Gergawi’s dedication and described him as an exemplary model of national talent, while Gergawi expressed pride and gratitude for the recognition, noting that it motivates continued service to achieve the leadership’s vision for a thriving future.