The World Government Summit 2026 has opened in Dubai under the theme Shaping Future Governments. The event has brought together global leaders, policymakers and business executives to discuss how innovation, sustainability and technology are reshaping public policy. The summit is focusing on stronger government policies, international cooperation and responses to economic, social and technological challenges.
Summit Focus
The programme is centred on the future of government work, investment, public finance and leadership. More than 445 sessions are scheduled, covering governance reform, digital transformation and public sector resilience. The summit aims to generate policy ideas and partnerships for more adaptive and inclusive governance models.
Global Participation
The summit has drawn more than 6,250 participants. It includes over 60 heads of state and government and their deputies, more than 500 ministers, 87 Nobel laureates and over 700 chief executives of global companies. Representatives from more than 150 governments and over 80 international, regional and academic organisations are also attending.
IMF View on Global Economy
International Monetary Fund managing director Kristalina Georgieva said the global economy had shown unexpected resilience despite geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over trade policy. She said the IMF had upgraded its growth projections for the coming year, including for the United Arab Emirates and Gulf countries. She cited private sector adaptability, limited trade shock impact and optimism around artificial intelligence as reasons for the improved outlook.
Trade, Tariffs and AI
Georgieva said global trade had adjusted rather than collapsed despite tariff volatility. She noted that some tariffs had been reduced after negotiations and actual collections were lower than earlier estimates. She also brought into light the growing role of artificial intelligence in lifting productivity, while warning that the global environment had become more multipolar, complex and technologically demanding.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026