Abu Dhabi hosts the Global Risk Understanding Forum October 2026
ABU DHABI, 15 December / WAM / The Center for Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi announced that the capital, Abu Dhabi, will host the ninth edition of the Global Forum for Understanding Risks 2026 (UR26), which is organized in cooperation with the Global Fund for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) of the World Bank, with the aim of enhancing international cooperation and exchanging knowledge in the fields of crisis management, disaster risk reduction, and supporting societal and institutional preparedness.
The forum’s activities will be held over a period of five days at the ADNEC Center in Abu Dhabi, between October 19 and 23, 2026. The cooperation and partnership agreement to organize the forum in Abu Dhabi was signed between the Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Center of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the Global Fund for Disaster Events and Recovery (GFDRR), in the presence of His Excellency Matar Saeed Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Center and Ousmane Dion, Vice President of the World Bank for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The Forum is a unique international platform that brings together decision-makers, experts, researchers and civil society representatives from various countries of the world to discuss ways to understand the increasing risks facing societies, economies and infrastructure, and to enhance preparedness and adaptation through innovative solutions and cross-border cooperation.
It is expected that more than 1,500 specialists will participate in the forum, along with a number of entities and companies from the governmental and private sectors, international organizations and academic institutions, to discuss pivotal issues such as climate change, natural disasters, artificial intelligence in emergency response, capacity building, cadre development, and policy integration.
The forum includes dialogue sessions, interactive workshops, and technical exhibitions that showcase the latest global innovations in the fields of early sensing, data analysis, and the use of advanced technology to reduce risks.
His Excellency Matar Saeed Al Nuaimi stressed that hosting the Global Risk Understanding Forum 2026 represents a pivotal milestone in Abu Dhabi’s journey towards consolidating its position as a leading center for preparedness and proactiveness, and also reflects international confidence in its role as an essential partner in global efforts to reduce disaster risks and enhance crisis management on advanced scientific and technological foundations.
He added: “The forum is considered a strategic opportunity to strengthen international partnerships and exchange experiences with entities and experts from various parts of the world, which contributes to the development of more integrated and effective systems for managing emergencies, crises and disasters. We are also keen to employ the latest applications of artificial intelligence and data analysis to support decision-making and enhance the readiness of vital sectors, based on our commitment to the Abu Dhabi government’s vision of building an integrated system capable of facing future challenges efficiently and professionally.”
Ousmane Dion praised the pioneering role played by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the fields of innovation, anticipating the future, and enhancing the ability to adapt, stressing that hosting the Global Forum for Understanding Risks 2026 would enhance regional and global cooperation in the field of risk management.
He said: “We are pleased that Abu Dhabi is hosting the Global Risk Understanding Forum 2026, in a step that confirms the expansion of the risk understanding community to the Middle East and the region, as this event is an important milestone for building a stronger and more effective partnership.
He stressed that investing in enhancing flexibility and adaptability is essential to protect lives, improve livelihoods, preserve development gains, and consolidate stability that supports sustainable growth and provides job opportunities. At the World Bank, we are proud to support risk management efforts by investing more than $7.5 billion annually to help countries anticipate risks, prepare for them, and respond more quickly and effectively.”
Hosting the Global Risk Understanding Forum 2026 (UR26) highlights the advanced role of the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Center in leading the international dialogue on developing forecasting and response tools, and reflects the emirate’s commitment to a proactive approach based on science, technology and international cooperation.
The forum also embodies a shared vision to build a more prepared and sustainable world by uniting efforts to understand risks, exchange knowledge, and enhance societal and economic resilience in the face of future challenges.
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