Dubai is poised to become the epicenter of global discourse on cybersecurity and critical emerging issues as it prepares to host a significant joint gathering of the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils (AMGFC) and the Annual Meeting on Cybersecurity (AMC). This confluence of high-level meetings, scheduled from October 14-16, will bring together over 600 experts, leaders, and stakeholders to confront the escalating complexities of the global risk landscape.

A World at a Crossroads

The timing of these meetings in Dubai is particularly poignant. The world is navigating a period of profound geo-economic and geopolitical shifts, exacerbated by the relentless pace of technological advancement, most notably in artificial intelligence (AI). These developments are not only creating unprecedented opportunities but are also exposing critical vulnerabilities. Cyber threats, disinformation campaigns, and the amplification of global interdependencies are becoming increasingly sophisticated and pervasive, demanding a coordinated and strategic response from the international community.

The Global Future Councils: A Think Tank for Transformative Ideas

The Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils (AMGFC) operates as a dynamic think-tank, comprising 37 thematic councils. These councils are dedicated to identifying and disseminating transformative ideas with the potential for significant positive global impact. Their diverse issue areas span critical domains such as cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure, artificial general intelligence (AGI), information integrity, the future of jobs, frontier technologies, and next-generation computing. By convening thought leaders and specialists, the GFCs aim to foster innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges.

The Centre for Cybersecurity: Driving Global Action

Complementing the work of the GFCs, the World Economic Forum's Centre for Cybersecurity serves as an independent and impartial platform. Its core mission is to reinforce the strategic importance of cybersecurity and to drive global public-private collaboration in addressing systemic cybersecurity challenges. The Centre acts as a crucial nexus for dialogue, policy development, and the implementation of practical solutions to enhance global cyber resilience.

AMGFCC: A Unique Collaboration for 2025

The joint gathering, officially termed the Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils and Annual Meeting on Cybersecurity (AMGFCC), represents a unique collaboration designed to tackle the interconnected nature of modern threats. More than 600 experts and leaders will convene to explore how emerging technologies, including AI and quantum computing, are fundamentally redefining the global risk landscape. These technologies, while offering immense potential for progress, also introduce new vectors for cyberattacks and necessitate a re-evaluation of existing security paradigms.

The AMGFCC will be co-chaired by a distinguished group of leaders from diverse fields and regions. Among them are Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications of the UAE; Dario Leandro Genua, Secretary of Innovation, Science and Technology of Argentina; Victoria Nuland, Professor in the Practice of International Diplomacy at Columbia University, USA; David Bach, President of IMD Business School, Switzerland; Sylvia Earle, Creator of Mission Blue Foundation, USA; and Robert M. Lee, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Dragos, USA. Their collective expertise will guide the discussions towards actionable outcomes.

The event will also host a select group of business, government, civil society, and media stakeholders. Approximately 47% of all participants are women, ensuring a rich diversity of perspectives in the deliberations. The cyber experts attending will focus on building a shared understanding of the evolving cybersecurity landscape and fostering collaboration to identify key actions that promote resilience. Other GFC members will contribute to curated sessions on cybersecurity, offering insights into this critical cross-cutting challenge. A central theme will be how the councils are adapting their work in response to the technologies of the Intelligent Age and their intersection with council mandates, which range from governance and security to sustainability and economic growth.

Dubai as a Global Hub for Cybersecurity Dialogue

Dubai's selection as the host city for these critical meetings underscores its growing prominence as a global hub for dialogue on technology, security, and international cooperation. The city has recently been the venue for other significant cybersecurity-focused events, including Intersec 2025 and GISEC Global 2025. These events collectively highlight the region's commitment to addressing the complex challenges posed by the digital age and its ambition to lead in shaping a secure and innovative future. The UAE's own advancements in cybersecurity, including its #1 ranking in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, further solidify its position as a leader in this domain.

The discussions at the AMGFCC are expected to delve into the intricate relationship between AI and cybersecurity. Reports indicate that while a significant majority of organizations view AI as a game-changer in cybersecurity, a substantial portion also warns that generative AI is arming hackers with new attack vectors. Crucially, only a small percentage feel confidently equipped to respond, highlighting a critical gap in preparedness. This urgency is particularly acute in the Middle East, where cyber risk mitigation is a top operational priority for many organizations as they accelerate their digital transformation.

Addressing Emerging Threats and Fostering Resilience

The agenda for the AMGFCC will likely encompass a broad spectrum of emerging threats, from advanced ransomware attacks that disproportionately target critical sectors like government and energy, to the pervasive dangers of misinformation and deepfake scams. The event aims to move beyond mere discussion, focusing on co-developing actionable ideas and informing decision-making at all levels. The emphasis on public-private collaboration, innovation, and talent development will be crucial in building a robust defense against these evolving threats.

The discussions will also touch upon the broader implications of technological advancements on societal structures, economic growth, and geopolitical stability. The convergence of cybersecurity, AI, and geopolitics presents a complex web of challenges that require a holistic and collaborative approach. By bringing together a diverse group of global experts in Dubai, the World Economic Forum aims to foster the necessary dialogue and partnerships to navigate these challenges and shape a more secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital future for all.

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Dubai Summit: Cybersecurity and Critical Global Issues at the Forefront