Dubai: The UAE and the World Economic Forum will bring together 700 experts from 93 countries for the 2025 Global Future Councils, focusing on collaboration to tackle technological disruption, geopolitical tensions, and environmental crises, while launching new initiatives like the Global Regulatory Innovation Platform.
The UAE Government and the World Economic Forum (WEF) have jointly announced the 2025 edition of the Global Future Councils, a significant event set to unfold in Dubai from October 14 to 16. This initiative marks a crucial commitment to fostering global dialogue and future-oriented collaboration, aiming to address pressing international challenges.
This year’s councils will gather 700 experts from over 580 organisations across 93 countries, constituting a formidable think tank focused on generating strategic thought leadership on issues such as technological disruption, geopolitical tensions, and environmental crises. Highlighting the shared vision of the UAE and the WEF in embracing inclusive, forward-thinking solutions, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Co-Chair of the Councils, remarked on over five decades of partnership centred on open dialogues that place humanity at their core.
Børge Brende, President of the WEF, emphasised the councils’ unique cross-disciplinary approach, which merges insights from various fields to identify promising avenues for future cooperation. This collaborative spirit is not only expected to fuel innovative ideas but also to turn discussions into actionable strategies that address the complexities of the modern world.
The evolution of the Global Future Councils over the past 16 years has been noteworthy; they have brought together more than 6,600 thought leaders and played a substantial role in shaping major global events such as the Davos Forum and the Sustainable Development Impact Meetings. Ruqayya AlBlooshi from the UAE Prime Minister’s Office underscored the UAE’s significant role in mobilising global networks that influence nearly $8 trillion in economic activity, a testament to the nation’s pivotal position in the international landscape.
Providing further context, the establishment of the Global Regulatory Innovation Platform (GRIP) in January 2025 demonstrates the UAE and WEF’s ongoing commitment to human-centred policy-making. This initiative aims to create flexible governance frameworks to better navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape. According to the agreement signed in the presence of key figures from both entities, this platform is designed to encourage international collaboration on regulatory innovation—an increasingly vital endeavour in today’s interconnected world.
Additionally, the UAE is actively engaging in enhancing sustainability efforts through the launch of the third edition of the Global Councils on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative aims to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs by fostering international collaboration and exchanging best practices, particularly in the context of the 2030 Agenda.
In October 2024, an additional facet of this commitment was showcased with the introduction of the ‘We the UAE 2031 Strategic Intelligence Councils’. This initiative serves as a platform for around 120 stakeholders each year to explore how global trends align with the UAE’s national vision, further solidifying its ambition to become an influential global partner and economic hub.
The upcoming 2025 councils signal not just a continuation of collaborative efforts but indicate an intensified push towards translating dialogue into substantive impact. This aligns with the overarching theme of the Global Future Councils to break down silos and foster cross-sector dialogue, which is increasingly necessary in our complex global environment. As discussions begin, there remains a palpable sense of optimism that these councils will pave the way for innovative solutions that can effectively tackle the myriad challenges facing humanity today.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://focus.hidubai.com/uae-and-world-economic-forum-launch-2025-global-future-councils-in-dubai/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2025/january/23-01/uae-government-and-wef-sign-partnership-to-launch-and-develop-global-regulatory-innovation-platform – In January 2025, the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum (WEF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Global Regulatory Innovation Platform (GRIP). This platform aims to design human-centered legislation in response to rapid technological advancements, providing a supportive environment for regulatory innovation and promoting international collaboration on flexible governance models to address future challenges and opportunities. The agreement was signed by Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, UAE Minister of State and Secretary-General of the Cabinet, and Alois Zwinggi, Managing Director of the WEF, in the presence of Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the WEF.
- https://fcsc.gov.ae/en-us/Pages/Press-Release/13-02-2025-2.aspx – In February 2025, the UAE Government launched the third edition of the Global Councils on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during the 12th World Government Summit in Dubai. Chaired by H.E. Ohood Bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, the councils aim to accelerate SDG implementation, address global issues, and strengthen the development agenda through the SDGs in Action Forum. The initiative fosters experience exchange and best practices in sustainability to promote international collaboration and drive progress towards the 2030 Agenda and beyond.
- https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/government-news/uae-government-world-economic-forum-launch-we-the-uae-2031-strategic-intelligence-councils-y3d1q75m – In October 2024, the UAE government, in partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF), launched the ‘We the UAE 2031 Strategic Intelligence Councils.’ This initiative brings together around 120 stakeholders annually to examine how global trends can support the UAE’s national vision, aiming to position the UAE as a global partner and influential economic hub. The launch was announced during the 2024 Annual Meeting of Global Future Councils in Dubai, in the presence of H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy & Remote Work Applications.
- https://www.businesstoday.me/news/global-future-councils-2023-concludes-with-vision-for-tackling-worlds-challenges/ – The Global Future Councils 2023 Annual Meeting concluded in Dubai, where discussions provided future visions and directions for addressing humanity’s major challenges. H.E. Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Co-Chair of the Global Future Councils, emphasized the UAE’s commitment to building a better future through international partnerships. The two-decade-long partnership between the UAE government and the World Economic Forum reflects a shared understanding of the importance of enhancing efforts and international cooperation to develop future forward-looking visions.
- https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/10/global-future-councils-network-dubai-what-to-expect-amgfc24/ – The World Economic Forum’s Global Future Councils consist of 30 councils focused on developing interdisciplinary solutions to challenges ranging from cybersecurity and artificial intelligence to the green transition and water security. Council members, from over 80 countries, come from academia, business, government, international organizations, and civil society. The councils aim to provide strategic insights, scientific evidence, forward guidance, and multidisciplinary understanding of major issues through three pillars: fresh ideas and innovative thinking, grounding in expertise and evidence, and an interdisciplinary and systems approach.
- https://www.weforum.org/press/2024/10/world-experts-gather-in-dubai-to-tackle-global-crises-and-drive-collective-action/ – Members of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Councils gathered in Dubai to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges, share innovative insights, and fast-track solutions aimed at driving positive global change. Amid a rapidly shifting global landscape of geopolitical tensions, climate emergency, and economic inequality, the meeting provided a crucial space for collaborative, innovative thinking. The GFC network, representing 80 countries and diverse sectors and disciplines, is uniquely positioned to break down silos, foster cross-sector dialogue, and build the multisectoral partnerships needed to sustainably address the complex issues facing the world.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative references events scheduled for 2025, such as the Global Future Councils from October 14 to 16, 2025, and mentions recent initiatives like the Global Regulatory Innovation Platform launched in January 2025. Dates and roles, such as Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi as UAE Minister and Co-Chair of the Councils, match current info, indicating high timeliness. The presence of real-time announcements and new initiatives confirms the content is current rather than recycled or outdated.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The quotes from Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi and Børge Brende appear to be original statements linked closely to this announcement. The earliest known references to these exact quotes align with the announcements in January and October 2025 press releases from the UAE government and WEF. No earlier distinct sources were found, suggesting these are direct original quotes rather than repeated from prior publications.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative is hosted on Focus HiDubai, a regional news platform; while it covers official announcements, it is less internationally renowned than top-tier outlets like Reuters or BBC. However, supporting references include official UAE government press releases and the World Economic Forum’s own communications, which are highly credible. The combined sourcing from official entities adds reliability despite the primary platform’s moderate profile.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The described initiatives, such as the 2025 Global Future Councils, the launch of the Global Regulatory Innovation Platform, and the ‘We the UAE 2031 Strategic Intelligence Councils’ are plausible given the UAE’s recent track record in global economic and regulatory innovation roles. The integration with the WEF and focus on international collaboration and sustainable development goals is consistent with known policy trends. While some details await direct verification, there is no indication of implausibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is up-to-date, referencing 2025 events and recent government initiatives. Quotes appear original and contemporaneous with the announcements. The information is corroborated by official UAE government and WEF releases, lending credibility, despite the moderate profile of the main hosting platform. The claims reflect plausible developments aligned with known UAE and WEF strategic priorities, supporting a high-confidence positive assessment.
