UAE president: Human happiness at heart of World Governments Summit

ABU DHABI – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan praised the World Governments Summit 2026, which concludes on Thursday in Dubai, highlighting its pivotal role in advancing global dialogue on the future of governance and reinforcing human wellbeing as a central objective of public policy.

Sheikh Mohamed emphasised that the summit reflects the UAE’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and shaping forward-looking government models capable of delivering sustainable development and improving quality of life worldwide. He underscored that the ultimate aim of such efforts is “human happiness everywhere”

In a post on social media platform X, the UAE president said he had attended part of the summit’s activities, noting that the country continues to play a key role in “enhancing global dialogue on developing government work and envisioning future governments for sustainable development and human happiness everywhere.”

He added that the summit’s global stature had been firmly established thanks to the vision and sustained efforts of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

 “Thanks to the vision of my brother Mohammed Bin Rashid and his continuous efforts, the Summit's global standing has been solidified, becoming an international forum for innovative ideas and an effective platform for decision-makers from various countries around the world,” Sheikh Mohamed said.

Held under the theme “Shaping Future Governments,” the summit brought together heads of state, prime ministers, senior officials and international delegations, reinforcing the UAE’s growing position as a global hub for policy innovation and strategic dialogue.

On the sidelines of the event, Sheikh Mohamed met several world leaders and heads of government participating in the summit, which has evolved into one of the most prominent international platforms for exchanging ideas on governance, development and global cooperation.

The summit reflects the UAE’s strategic ambition to position itself as a centre for intellectual exchange and policy leadership, consistent with its broader approach to strengthening international dialogue on governance and sustainable development. Through ambitious initiatives and forward-looking strategies, Abu Dhabi and Dubai have increasingly emerged as meeting points for new ideas and policy frameworks designed to address the complex challenges of the 21st century.

Participants viewed the summit as an important forum for sharing expertise, developing public policies and promoting innovation, with the aim of advancing sustainable development and improving living standards. Over time, the gathering has evolved beyond an annual event into a global engine shaping discussions on how to build resilient, inclusive and human-centred governments.

This approach aligns with the UAE’s broader philosophy that development is not an end in itself, but a means to achieve human happiness and wellbeing. The country’s emphasis on integrating economic progress with social development has helped position it as a model in a rapidly transforming region, where improving quality of life and securing a better future for coming generations remain central policy goals.

Discussions at the summit also highlighted how the UAE has institutionalised the concept of strategic foresight, enabling it to play a growing diplomatic role in addressing complex global challenges. These include the aftermath of climate summits, restructuring global supply chains and balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.

Participants agreed that global challenges, from climate change and pandemics to economic crises, require coordinated international responses based on cross-border partnerships, knowledge-sharing and collective action.

Against this backdrop, the World Governments Summit has reinforced the UAE’s position not only as a convening power but also as a key contributor to shaping future governance models, with human wellbeing placed firmly at the centre of global policy thinking.