UAE leaders inaugurate World Laureates Summit

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the World Laureates Summit on Sunday.

Running for three days, the World Laureates Summit brings together more than 100 scientists, including Nobel laureates, winners of major global scientific prizes, and leaders of research institutions.

The event coincides with the World Governments Summit 2026, with a joint day bringing together scientists, heads of state, ministers and international decision-makers.

Other senior leaders in attendance included senior leaders in attendance including Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.

During the opening, the leaders were briefed on discussions involving scientists from a wide range of disciplines, reinforcing the summit’s role as an international platform for long-term thinking and multidisciplinary cooperation. The focus is on how basic sciences can help address mounting global challenges amid economic, social and political pressures.

Sheikh Mohamed said scientists are essential partners in shaping the future, stressing that investment in knowledge and research is key to navigating global change. He said the UAE would continue to serve as a global platform connecting thinkers, innovators and policymakers in support of sustainable development.

He added that science lies at the heart of the UAE’s vision for the future, noting that nations which prioritise knowledge are best placed to lead global transformation. The summit, he said, reflects the UAE’s commitment to building a scientific ecosystem that enhances quality of life and supports long-term prosperity.

Sheikh Mohammed described science as the true wealth of nations, saying civilisation advances when scientists are empowered to turn ideas into reality. He said the UAE aims to remain a global hub for knowledge, innovation and talent, driven by its belief that investing in people is the foundation of sustainable development.

Opening the summit, Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the World Governments Summit, said the UAE’s vision is built on people and knowledge rather than resources alone. He noted that rapid advances in fields such as artificial intelligence and life sciences are reshaping how science itself is conducted, requiring greater collaboration across disciplines.

He said the summit is taking place at a pivotal moment for humanity, marked by technological acceleration, geopolitical shifts and economic uncertainty, adding that scientists have a critical role to play in shaping policy and guiding decision-making.

The President of the World Laureates Association, Roger Kornberg, announced plans to establish a new association base in the UAE, positioning the country as a global hub for scientific collaboration. He described the summit as unprecedented in scale, bringing science into direct dialogue with government, industry and finance.

The summit, organised in partnership between the World Governments Summit and the World Laureates Association, features high-level forums and discussions on artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum science, energy, climate, and emerging technologies, with a strong emphasis on responsible innovation and international cooperation.