Overview
- The UAE and the World Economic Forum extended their strategic partnership, set a five-year plan for Dubai to host the Global Future Councils, and launched the Global Strategic Intelligence program.
- Abu Dhabi announced an advanced-technology center within the WEF’s global network, and the capital’s health department and the Forum moved to a new phase of collaboration on smart health systems and longevity.
- Mubadala chief Khaldoun Al Mubarak was appointed chair of the WEF International Business Council for a two-year term, the first leader from the Middle East to hold the role.
- Two-day tripartite talks among Russia, Ukraine, and the United States began in Abu Dhabi, with Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed welcoming the effort and citing President Donald Trump’s facilitation.
- At a UAE-hosted Davos session, IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva said about 40% of global jobs will be heavily affected by AI and called for investment in skills and digital infrastructure.