Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance of the UAE, today welcomed B¸rge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), during the Annual Meetings of the Global Future Councils and Cybersecurity 2025 in Dubai. The event, organized by the UAE Government in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, is set to take place from October 14th to 16th.
According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting included several key figures such as Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Co-Chair of the Global Future Councils; Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Ohood Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future; and Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation. The discussions centered around the strategic partnership between the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum, with a focus on this year’s meeting themes including artificial intelligence, the green economy, energy transition, and food and water security.
During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed received an update on the outcomes of the meetings, notably the launch of the Cybersecurity Forum, designed to enhance global coordination in addressing digital challenges and reinforcing secure digital systems. He reiterated the UAE’s dedication to fostering global dialogue and collaboration with international organizations to develop practical solutions to global challenges, aiming to improve quality of life and promote sustainable development.
H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed also praised the Global Future Councils for their essential contribution to international cooperation and providing a platform for knowledge exchange to create a better future for societies. B¸rge Brende acknowledged the UAE’s leadership and its strong alliance with the World Economic Forum, emphasizing the nation’s role in hosting the Global Future Councils annually with renewed purpose, setting a standard for building a sustainable and prosperous future focused on human wellbeing.
The 2025 edition of the event has attracted over 700 experts from 580 organizations across 93 countries. It features 37 councils discussing six main topics: Technology, Economy, Society, Environment, Governance, and Health. Participants, including global business leaders, academics, and policymakers, will focus on shaping a sustainable future, improving community quality of life, and creating opportunities for future generations. Insights from these discussions will inform the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos.
For the first time, the Annual Meeting of the Cybersecurity Council is concurrently held with the Global Future Councils, featuring over 150 senior leaders and 90 global speakers to promote international cooperation and align cybersecurity strategies.
