The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, has left for an official visit to Dubai, United Arab Emirates to lead the Maldivian delegation at the 2026 World Governments Summit, which is taking place from 3 to 5 February in the UAE city.
The annual World Governments Summit brings together senior government officials, international organisations and thought leaders to discuss frameworks for future governance, innovation and global cooperation. Now in its second decade, the event serves as a global platform for policymakers and public-sector leaders to exchange insights on governance, technology, economic resilience and social wellbeing.
The 2026 Summit is being held under the theme Shaping Future Governments and, organisers say, will be the largest edition in the event’s history. It is expected to attract more than 6 000 attendees including over 35 heads of state and government, more than 500 ministers, global business leaders, and representatives of international institutions. Sessions will span an extensive agenda covering topics such as global governance and leadership, societal wellbeing and capacity building, economic prosperity, urban futures and emerging frontiers.
Highlighting its increasing international stature, the 2026 Summit will also host a series of specialised fora, including the World Laureates Summit, which brings together Nobel laureates and other distinguished scientists to integrate scientific perspectives into policy dialogue for the first time at the event. Discussions are expected to address artificial intelligence, climate challenges, education, sustainability and economic transformation, reflecting the complex pressures facing governments globally.
Dr. Khaleel’s delegation is composed of senior officials from various Maldivian government institutions, underscoring the country’s commitment to active engagement in global governance dialogue. The Maldives’ participation comes amid efforts by the Foreign Ministry to foster stronger international partnerships and contribute to global policy discourse on innovation, sustainable development and governance reform.
The government has characterised its presence at the Summit as a demonstration of the close bonds between the Maldives and the United Arab Emirates, rooted in shared values and mutual respect. Officials have also emphasised that the engagement will provide opportunities to further bilateral cooperation and enhance the Maldives’ role in international initiatives addressing shared challenges.
