100 leaders, experts from 80 entities gather for Dubai event

Organised by the UAE Government in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF), the second edition of the “We the UAE 2031 Strategic Intelligence Councils” launched on Tuesday in Dubai, in parallel with the Annual Meetings of the Global Future Councils and Cybersecurity 2025.

The event marks a new milestone in the UAE’s ongoing efforts to enhance government readiness and establish a pioneering model for shaping a future grounded in knowledge, adaptability, and foresight.

In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to launch the new strategic cycle of the UAE Government and adopt the concept of strategic intelligence in planning, the second edition of the “We the UAE 2031 Strategic Intelligence Councils” was launched, focusing on Strategic Optionality and the importance of adapting to global changes to enhance future readiness.

The second edition of the “We the UAE 2031 Strategic Intelligence Councils” - the first initiative of its kind in the world - focused on “Flexibility and Diversification of Strategic Options,” an approach considered to be one a key engine for developing government planning and enhancing the UAE’s readiness to face rapid changes.

The UAE Government continues to reinforce its leadership in implementing methods to forecast the future and transform challenges into opportunities. This serves to advance the objectives of the “We the UAE 2031” vision, which is built on four key pillars: fostering a more prosperous society on the global stage; consolidating the country’s position as a leading hub for the new economy; strengthening the UAE’s role as a key advocate of international cooperation; and developing a more pioneering and advanced system of governance. These efforts aim to further strengthen the UAE’s standing as an active global partner and a dynamic, influential, and attractive economic centre.

The current session of the Councils brings together more than 100 decision makers, thought leaders, experts, and officials from government entities, alongside private sector leaders in the UAE, who collectively represent around 80 entities spanning the public and private sectors, as well as academic institutions.

The event presents a collaborative platform that seeks to analyse key trends shaping the global landscape, and transform emerging risks into strategic choices and actionable scenarios aligned with the objectives of the “We the UAE 2031” vision, which strengthen the country’s capacity to lead global transformations and ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

Huda Al Hashimi, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs, said, “Guided by its visionary leadership, the UAE continues to adopt a proactive approach centred on transforming challenges into opportunities, and strives to develop adaptive government systems capable of thriving in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global environment. This ultimately enhances its competitiveness and reinforces its position as a leader on the world stage.

“The UAE is driven by its forward-looking vision and has entered a new era of governance founded on strategic intelligence – an approach that transcends traditional analysis and planning frameworks,” she added.

“This integrated institutional model enables governments to convert uncertainty into a source of resilience and sustainability, while maintaining confidence and readiness amid global transformations.”

Al Hashimi noted that strategic decision-making has become the cornerstone of a government’s ability to devise flexible and effective responses. “Nations that have confidence in their vision are best positioned to shape their future by developing robust foresight capabilities to anticipate emerging trends and seize opportunities for growth and development,” she explained.

The “We the UAE 2031 Strategic Intelligence” initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to fostering an institutional culture grounded in lifelong learning and diversifying solutions.

It prioritises the assessment of emerging risks as potential opportunities to shape the nation’s future, while examining the capabilities required to navigate a range of scenarios, and developing practical solutions to strengthen national strategies.

The initiative is structured around seven specialised councils, each with a specific focus area, namely: Economy and Tourism, Artificial Intelligence and Technology, Food and Water Security, Future of Work and Skills, Energy and Infrastructure, Trade and Investment, and Health and Wellbeing.

WAM