The United Arab Emirates reiterated its commitment to international financial cooperation this week as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, met with International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. The high-level discussion took place on the opening day of the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2026, held under the theme, ‘Shaping Future Governments,’ from February 3 to 5 in Dubai.
The meeting focused on navigating the rapidly changing landscape of the global economy, addressing major financial and monetary shifts, and exploring strategies to enhance collaboration between the UAE and the IMF. This partnership aims to bolster global economic stability and promote sustainable, inclusive growth worldwide.
Boosting Global Stability Through Dialogue
Attended by key UAE figures, including Crown Prince of Dubai H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the discussion underscored Dubai’s role as a vital nexus for global policy debates. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid emphasized that international cooperation serves as a critical foundation for maintaining stability amidst accelerating global transformations. He highlighted the WGS’s growing stature as a premier global platform dedicated to fostering constructive dialogue and exchanging insights on the economic future.
The IMF leadership mirrored this sentiment. Georgieva praised the UAE’s proactive stance in supporting global financial stability. She specifically underscored the significance of the ongoing partnership between the IMF and the UAE in managing complex economic transitions and strengthening confidence in the global financial architecture. Furthermore, Georgieva lauded the World Governments Summit as an essential international forum for addressing pressing future economic challenges.
WGS 2026: A Blueprint for Future Governance
Held annually, the World Governments Summit is designed to offer a forward-looking perspective on major global transformations across critical sectors. The 2026 iteration specifically examines emerging challenges, opportunities, and the evolving role of governmental bodies in driving sustainable development.
This year’s event is attracting unparalleled participation, solidifying its status as a major global policy conference. The summit is set to host an impressive contingent of over 6,250 participants, including more than 60 heads of state and government (or their deputies), over 500 ministers, and representatives from more than 150 nations. These attendees represent a broad spectrum of political leaders, global thought leaders, experts, and decision-makers, all converging to formulate strategies for more adaptable and resilient governance.
Key Avenues of IMF-UAE Cooperation:
- Financial Market Resilience: Collaborative efforts to monitor and strengthen global financial systems against systemic shocks.
- Sustainable Growth Policies: Sharing expertise on policies that drive long-term, environmentally conscious, and equitable economic expansion.
- Dialogue on Economic Transformations: Utilizing platforms like WGS to facilitate high-level discussions on monetary policy and financial innovation.
The convergence of global economic policymakers during the summit provides a crucial opportunity to align strategies ahead of anticipated market volatility. By facilitating open dialogue on complex monetary shifts and the integration of sustainability goals, the UAE and the IMF are focused not just on stability today, but on building a more secure and equitable global economy for the next generation. The insights generated are expected to directly influence global financial strategy and development policy throughout the coming year.