Dubai: The Future of Mobility Forum convened as part of the World Governments Summit 2026, with the participation of His Excellency uro Macut, Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, and His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The forum brought together government representatives, executive decision-makers, and leading experts in technology and mobility from around the world to discuss the rapid changes shaping the transport sector, and to examine the role of innovation, artificial intelligence, and sustainability in redefining mobility systems for the cities of the future.
According to Emirates News Agency, the forum served as a global platform for exchanging perspectives on policies, technologies, and operational models set to lead the next phase of land and aerial transport development, in a manner that enhances quality of life and supports sustainable development. Serbia's Macut delivered a main address at the forum, while the first panel discussion addressed government readiness for Autonomous Intelligence.
Another session, titled 'Who Decides Who Moves?', addressed the role of policymaking in defining the future of inclusive transportation, and a panel discussion titled 'Are We Ready for Aviation's Next Shockwave?' featured Anko van der Werff, CEO, Scandinavian Airlines; Deborah Flint, President and CEO, Greater Toronto Airports Authority; Roberto Alvo, CEO, LATAM Airlines Group; and Abdelhamid Addou, CEO, Royal Air Maroc.
In his opening address at the forum, His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer welcomed the forum's participants and emphasized the evolving nature of mobility, stating, 'The world is at a pivotal moment where mobility is no longer merely about moving from one place to another, but has become a reflection of how cities live, grow, and respond to economic, technological, and environmental transformations.' He highlighted the increasing urban population, which is projected to rise to 70% by 2050, and the associated pressures, challenges, and opportunities in urban mobility.
Al Tayer further elaborated on the transformation of mobility systems driven by advanced technologies and sustainability initiatives. He noted that Dubai is at the forefront of these changes, adopting smart and advanced solutions, such as autonomous vehicles, which are set to become integral to daily life in the city. He underscored the role of sustainability and artificial intelligence in achieving zero-emission transport and enhancing traffic efficiency, infrastructure, and safety.
He also highlighted Dubai's proactive approach in shaping global mobility trends, despite residents allocating more than 9% of their income to mobility. The city employs foresight to anticipate future needs, positioning itself as a global living laboratory for the future of mobility. Al Tayer mentioned that Dubai is preparing for a new phase in the mobility ecosystem, with plans for autonomous trips, clean energy-powered taxis and buses, and enhanced pedestrian pathways and cycling tracks to support the vision of a 20-minute city.
The WGS 2026, which runs for three days until Feb. 5 under the theme 'Shaping the Governments of the Future,' brings together more than 60 heads of state and government and their deputies, over 500 ministers, representatives of more than 150 governments, more than 80 international and regional organizations, over 700 CEOs, and more than 6,250 participants from around the world.
