World Governments Summit 2026 Opens in Dubai, Drawing Global Leaders and Policymakers
World Governments Summit 2026 opened in Dubai on Tuesday, bringing senior officials and policy leaders to the UAE for three days of talks on government priorities and future policy design. Organisers set the event for February 3 to 5 and chose “Shaping Future Governments” as the theme.
World Governments Summit schedule and theme
The summit runs in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from February 3 to February 5, 2026. Organisers say the programme aims to support international cooperation and practical policy solutions.
Attendance and participation figures
The World Governments Summit Organization said the 2026 edition will draw more than 35 heads of state and government. It also said delegations from more than 150 governments will attend, alongside more than 500 ministers, with total participation expected to exceed 6,000 people.
Dubai’s Media Office reported higher totals that include deputies and corporate leaders. It said the summit brings together more than 60 heads of state and government and their deputies, more than 500 ministers, and representatives from more than 150 governments. It also said total participation exceeds 6,250 attendees.
World Governments Summit agenda
Organisers said the summit includes 24 global forums and 35 ministerial and high-level meetings. They also said the summit will release 36 strategic reports with knowledge partners.
The official event page lists five agenda themes. They include global governance and leadership, societal wellbeing and capacity building, economic prosperity and emerging opportunities, urban futures and demographics, and future realities and next frontiers.
Pre-opening activities and official tour
Dubai’s Media Office said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum toured pavilions and events on the preliminary day. It said the tour took place ahead of the official opening under the summit theme. It also listed several forums and meetings held during the preliminary day.
The summit continues through Thursday with sessions, forums, and ministerial meetings scheduled across the three-day programme in Dubai.
