DUBAI, Feb. 3, 2026 (GDM) — Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, held a series of high-level meetings with regional and international leaders during preliminary events leading up to the World Governments Summit 2026.
The meetings took place as Dubai hosted a number of forums and ministerial gatherings ahead of the summit, which runs from Feb. 3 to 5 under the theme “Shaping Future Governments.” The summit has drawn record participation, including more than 60 heads of state and government, over 500 ministers and delegations from more than 150 governments.
On Monday, Sheikh Mohammed met Tshering Tobgay, prime minister of Bhutan (pictured), and his accompanying delegation. The discussions reviewed bilateral relations between the UAE and Bhutan and explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation across various sectors. The meeting also addressed the role of the World Governments Summit as a global platform for shaping proactive governance models.
The meeting was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
Sheikh Mohammed also met Arab ministers of finance attending the 10th Arab Fiscal Forum, organized by the Arab Monetary Fund in partnership with the International Monetary Fund and the UAE Ministry of Finance. The ministers praised strong Arab participation in the summit and reaffirmed the depth of UAE-Arab relations.
Discussions focused on developing shared fiscal and economic visions, addressing global financial challenges through cooperation and knowledge exchange, and enhancing financial stability across the Arab region. The forum addressed future fiscal policies, digital transformation, artificial intelligence in governance, public spending efficiency and public-private partnerships.
The meeting was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; and Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs.
During the same period, Sheikh Mohammed met Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund. The talks focused on global economic developments, emerging challenges and opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the UAE and the IMF.
Other activities included welcoming international leaders to the summit alongside UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, touring pavilions showcasing innovative government solutions and attending related events, including the World Laureates Summit.
The engagements underscore Sheikh Mohammed’s focus on positioning the UAE as a global platform for dialogue, economic resilience and forward-looking governance as the World Governments Summit continues in Dubai. (With input from Emirates Nes Agency)