Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, recently convened with the Bahraini delegation attending the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. The high-level meeting, held on January 21, 2026, focused on strengthening the enduring cooperative ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain, particularly through enhanced economic and developmental collaboration. The discussions centered on strategies for sustainable growth, modernizing government operations, and bolstering economic resilience in both nations.
The gathering underscored the deeply rooted fraternal relationship shared by the Gulf states, emphasizing a long history of alignment and close coordination across various sectors. Sheikha Latifa stressed the critical necessity of continually advancing bilateral partnerships, specifically highlighting avenues within economic policy and development initiatives designed to serve the mutual interests and future aspirations of their respective populations.
Key Areas of Bilateral Cooperation
Attending the session were prominent figures, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a Board Member of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, and His Excellency Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs. Their presence signaled the significance of the dialogue and the high-priority both governments place on regional synergy.
The comprehensive discussions at Davos covered several strategic pillars crucial for navigating the evolving global economy:
- Sustainable Economic Policies: Exploring frameworks that guarantee long-term, environmentally conscious growth, moving beyond reliance on traditional resources.
- Government Model Development: Analyzing and potentially adopting advanced operating models to enhance the efficiency and agility of government services.
- National Economic Resilience: Devising mechanisms to ensure economies can withstand global shocks and maintain stability.
- Innovation and Governance: Exchanging successful international experiences and best practices regarding institutional transformation and fostering robust governance structures.
The focus remained on translating global insights gained at the WEF into actionable strategies that benefit the region. By leveraging shared knowledge and expertise, the UAE and Bahrain aim to solidify their positions as leading economic hubs in the Middle East.
Future Implications for Regional Development
This bilateral meeting during the prestigious World Economic Forum serves as a clear indication of the UAE and Bahrain’s commitment to integrated regional development. By collaborating on cutting-edge themes like innovation and sustainable strategy, both nations are setting a strong precedent for Gulf cooperation in a rapidly changing world.
The discussions on leveraging successful global experiences suggest a proactive approach toward adopting international standards in efficiency and transformation. For businesses and investors operating in the region, the emphasis on enhancing economic resilience and improving governance translates into a more stable and predictable operating environment. As both nations continue to implement these shared strategies, the coming years are expected to bring increased joint ventures and closer policy alignment, ultimately benefiting the broader regional economy and enhancing opportunities for their citizens.