Sheikha Latifa Hosts ‘Women Leading the Future’ Majlis at Global Future Leaders Meeting 2026

Dubai, The Gulf Observer: H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), hosted the “Women Leading the Future” Majlis as part of the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026, held in Dubai from October 13 to 15.

Organised through a strategic partnership between the UAE Government, the World Economic Forum and the Dubai Future Foundation, the gathering brought together 29 women leaders from 22 countries, representing diverse fields, including government, entrepreneurship, science, technology, finance and culture.

The Majlis provided a platform for discussions on the choices, responsibilities and collaborative efforts required to create opportunities for future generations, with particular emphasis on women’s contributions to public leadership, innovation, investment, culture and social change.

During the gathering, Sheikha Latifa highlighted the growing role of women in advancing scientific and technological progress and shaping the future. She underscored the importance of bringing together diverse perspectives as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies continue to transform industries, workplace practices and everyday life.

She also reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to investing in women’s capabilities and equipping them with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to contribute meaningfully to shaping the future and driving positive, sustainable change within their communities.

Emphasising women’s contributions across different sectors, Sheikha Latifa noted their role in fostering integration between disciplines, leveraging technology to unlock new opportunities, advancing sustainability and strengthening social cohesion.

She stressed that shaping humanity’s future is a shared responsibility that requires broader participation and the empowerment of countries, communities and institutions to contribute to developing practical and sustainable solutions to emerging challenges.

Participants exchanged perspectives on the future of leadership and the role of women in guiding institutions, developing sectors and advancing ideas that will shape the next generation. Drawing on their professional experiences, they explored ways to support informed decision-making, expand participation in leadership processes and strengthen cross-sector partnerships to achieve lasting impact.

Held under the strategic partnership between the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum, the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026 brought together more than 700 leaders and experts from 100 countries. Participants included ministers, government officials, 300 Young Global Leaders and 150 UAE government leaders.

The meeting served as an international platform for dialogue on emerging transformations and future opportunities, fostering collective efforts to develop practical responses to the challenges ahead.