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Corporate chiefs and government leaders including US President Donald Trump swarm into Davos, Switzerland, this week, joining an elite annual meeting that promotes dialogue and economic progress.

In addition to the other GCC nations, the UAE is also taking one of its largest delegations ever to the World Economic Forum in Davos, with more than 100 ministers an d senior leaders representing both government and the private sector. Below are some of the leading CEOs opinions that matter at the global stage:  

RESHAPING LANDSCAPE

Sebastian Goeres, Chief Executive Officer, LGT (Middle East) Ltd.

A Spirit of Dialogue is an important theme for the GCC, a region that stands at the crossroads of cultures, ideas, and global capital flows. Its ability to bring together perspectives from East and West has fuelled remarkable progress, especially as new technologies and next-generation leaders reshape the landscape. Meaningful dialogue will be essential as the region continues to evolve. At LGT, we are excited to support this exchange, guided by the long-term stewardship of the Princely Family of Liechtenstein whose enduring success is built on collaboration, trust and shared purpose – principles that increasingly define the GCC’s trajectory.

LOGISTIC HUB

AbdulAziz Busbate, CEO, DHL Express Mena

At a time when global supply chains are being reshaped by technological acceleration and rising expectations for sustainability, the GCC is emerging as a dynamic logistics hub, investing in the capabilities that make trade flows smarter and greener. This year’s World Economic Forum offers a critical platform for exploring practical ways to navigate these changes and strengthen the foundations of economic cooperation. At DHL, our goal is to help people and businesses take part in global trade. Here, collaboration is key to making global systems better and ensuring that economic growth benefits everyone.

DEFINING THEME

Hasan Fardan Al Fardan, CEO, Al Fardan Exchange

A Spirit of Dialogue is a defining theme for the UAE and the wider GCC, where the future of finance is built through collaboration. The region’s most meaningful progress comes from regulators and institutions working side by side to advance open finance frameworks, accelerate real-time payments, and lay the groundwork for regulated innovation, including AED-backed stablecoins. This collaborative model has been central to building digital trust and ensuring innovation scales with responsibility. Looking ahead to 2026, dialogue will remain the cornerstone of financial progress, shaping systems that are digital by design, grounded in regulation, and built to serve people and businesses with confidence for the long term.

OPEN POLICY COLLABORATION

Michael Hunter, CEO of Holo

A Spirit of Dialogue isn’t just a theme; it’s the engine of transformation across the GCC, and especially here in the UAE. Through open policy collaboration, we’re seeing real-world outcomes: the UAE economy is projected to grow over 5% in 2026 , supported by strong non-oil activity, including real estate and tech innovation. Advanced digital frameworks are already streamlining property transactions and mortgage processing, while strategic initiatives like smart city development and AI adoption are shaping future markets. When policymakers, regulators, and innovators engage in meaningful dialogue, we unlock more efficient, inclusive, and future-ready markets, a mindset the region must carry into 2026 and beyond.