In Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, UAE Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, held talks with Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, on the opening day of the World Governments Summit 2026, which runs from 3–5 February under the theme “Shaping Future Governments.”
Also present at the discussion were Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, UAE Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, along with Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
The meeting was further attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the World Governments Summit Organisation, and Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs.
The discussion covered the latest shifts in the global economy and major financial and monetary challenges, as well as opportunities to deepen collaboration between the UAE and the IMF to bolster worldwide economic stability and promote sustainable, inclusive growth.
Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that global cooperation is essential for maintaining economic stability and managing fast-paced changes. He also noted that the World Governments Summit has become a premier international forum for productive dialogue and the exchange of ideas about the economy’s future.
Kristalina Georgieva praised the UAE for its contributions to global economic stability, stressing the importance of the UAE–IMF partnership in responding to economic changes and strengthening confidence in the global financial system. She also lauded the World Governments Summit as a key venue for discussing upcoming economic issues.
The World Governments Summit 2026 includes sessions on significant global shifts across important sectors, providing forward‑looking insights into forthcoming challenges, opportunities and how governments can drive sustainable development.
The event is expected to draw in excess of 6,250 attendees, such as more than 60 heads of state and government and their deputies, over 500 ministers, and delegates from upwards of 150 governments, together with leading global thinkers, specialists and policymakers.
