Future Mobility Forum Examines Policies, Technologies And Operations Shaping Transport

The Future of Mobility Forum, held during the World Governments Summit 2026, gathers international leaders to debate how technology, policy, and sustainability reshape transport. Discussions focus on artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, clean energy, and how future mobility networks will support quality of life in fast-growing cities worldwide.

The wider World Governments Summit 2026 runs over three days until 5 February under the theme "Shaping the Governments of the Future." More than 60 heads of state and government, 500 ministers, representatives of over 150 governments, 80 organisations, 700 CEOs, and 6,250 participants attend.

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, opens the Future of Mobility Forum. Al Tayer explains how Dubai links transport planning with wider economic, environmental, and technological goals, while also addressing the pressures from global urbanisation trends.

In the opening speech, Al Tayer states: "The world is at a pivotal moment where mobility is no longer merely about moving from one place to another, but has become a reflection of how cities live, grow, and respond to economic, technological, and environmental transformations. With more than half of the global population already residing in urban areas—and this share projected to rise to 70% by 2050—the scale of pressures, challenges, and opportunities associated with how people move continues to intensify."

The Future of Mobility Forum forms part of a global programme that brings together government representatives, senior decision-makers, and mobility specialists. Participants explore how innovative policies and technologies can guide the next phase of land and aerial transport, while supporting sustainable development aims in both established and emerging urban centres.

His Excellency Ðuro Macut, Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, delivers a main address at the Future of Mobility Forum. Other sessions look at the readiness of governments for Autonomous Intelligence and the policy choices that will determine accessibility, fairness, and inclusion in future transport systems.

Future of Mobility Forum focus on AI, autonomy and sustainability

One discussion, titled "Who Decides Who Moves?", examines how regulations and governance frameworks shape inclusive mobility. Panellists consider who gains priority in future transport networks, how data informs decisions, and how authorities can balance commercial innovation with social aims and environmental responsibilities across different regions.

Another high-level panel, "Are We Ready for Aviation’s Next Shockwave?", features Anko van der Werff, CEO, Scandinavian Airlines; Deborah Flint, President and CEO, Greater Toronto Airports Authority; Roberto Alvo, CEO, LATAM Airlines Group; and Abdelhamid Addou, CEO, Royal Air Maroc. The speakers assess potential disruptions and opportunities across global air travel markets.

Future of Mobility Forum highlights Dubai’s smart systems

Al Tayer adds, "Mobility systems worldwide are undergoing a comprehensive transformation driven by advanced technologies, a firm commitment to sustainability, and bold leadership. Dubai stands among the leading cities that have translated this transformation into reality. We have moved beyond traditional transport models to adopt smart and advanced solutions, including autonomous vehicles, which are set to become an integral part of the city’s daily life."

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer said: "Sustainability plays a pivotal role in the transition towards zero-emission transport, while artificial intelligence contributes significantly to improving traffic efficiency, advancing infrastructure, and enhancing safety levels. Autonomous systems also offer strong potential to deliver safer and more inclusive mobility for all segments of society."

Future of Mobility Forum and Dubai’s future-ready network

Al Tayer notes that "Dubai does not merely keep pace with global mobility transformations—despite residents allocating more than 9% of their income to mobility—but actively contributes to shaping them through the adoption of smart and advanced solutions. We apply early foresight to anticipate future needs and have positioned Dubai as a global living laboratory for the future of mobility."

He stressed that "Dubai is preparing for a new phase in the mobility ecosystem, where a significant share of trips will be autonomous, taxis and buses will operate on clean energy, and pedestrian pathways, cycling tracks, and soft mobility options will support the vision of a 20-minute city. At the same time, we are introducing new modes of transport on the ground and in the air to further strengthen urban connectivity and enable seamless movement across the city.

Together, the Future of Mobility Forum and the broader World Governments Summit 2026 underline how governments, companies, and experts are rethinking transport. The exchanges in Dubai highlight shared priorities around safety, sustainability, autonomy, and resilience, while also showing how fast-growing cities seek practical models for future-ready mobility systems.

With inputs from WAM