World Governments Summit: World leaders gather in Dubai to discuss future governance strategies

DUBAI, UAE. February 05, 2026

Now in its twelfth edition, this year's summit is expected to be the largest so far, with more than 35 world leaders and representatives from over 1-hundred international organizations in attendance.

The World Governments Summit 2026 is underway in Dubai. The event brings together heads of state, ministers, policy-makers, and business leaders from across the globe. Now in its twelfth edition, this year's summit is expected to be the largest so far, with more than 35 world leaders and representatives from over 1-hundred international organizations in attendance. CGTN's Nadia Swan has more. 

At a time of grave geopolitical tensions and rapid technological change, governments are under growing pressure to adapt, innovate and cooperate. This week in Dubai, leaders from around the world are gathering to debate and discuss what the future of governance should look like.

This year's summit is centred on the theme Shaping Future Governments, with a strong focus on global governance, artificial intelligence, smart mobility and sustainability. Leaders and experts are exploring how governments can remain resilient and responsive as global challenges become increasingly complex and interconnected, from technological disruption to climate change and economic uncertainty. Cooperation in many sectors between China and the Gulf states however, is flourishing.

SALEM AL SHAMSI, Executive Vice President of International Relations, Dubai Chambers "There are many sectors where we've seen success. In a couple of them, including, automotive, in recent years. We believe that, digital economy is something that has a future. Dubai has been working on having this infrastructure and the policies to excel in that part. There is a positive outlook towards, the, relationship and economic ties between both nations."

One of the key themes emerging from this year's summit is the deepening economic and technological partnership between China and the Gulf region, particularly in future-focused industries.

DR. LIU FENG, Chairman, Beijing Racobit Electronic Information Technology "I think the aviation industry is a key area for China and the GCC cooperation with greater growth opportunities in both traditional aviation and the new aviation tech. EVTOL is a new aviation tech. That's a great fit for GCC short distance travel. China currently has a world class EVTOL technologies."

From artificial intelligence and clean energy to logistics and aviation, both sides see significant room for collaboration as governments and industries look to future-proof their economies.

ADNAN KAZIM, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airlines "We always believe that aviation and airline, remain to be the focal, connectivity and link between any country that you need. The tourist sector is, again, an important market, I think, between the United Arab Emirates and, we have many families traveling from GCC, to China. And likewise, we see from China as well, coming to, to Dubai and to the GCC. So, yes, China always remains to be quite an, a strategic an important and thanks to the relationship that the two countries are holding."

NADIA SWAN Dubai "The message from the World Governments Summit is clear - future governments will be defined not just by policy, but by partnership, innovation, and their ability to respond to a rapidly changing world. Nadia Swan, CGTN, Dubai, United Arab Emirates."

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