A Closer Look: How Dubai's World Governments Summit set the stage for change

In A Closer Look, The National provides an in-depth take on one of the main stories of the week

Pressing issues facing the planet – from the wide-ranging impact of conflict in Gaza to the climate change crisis – were on top of the agenda at Dubai's World Governments Summit this week.

More than 25 world leaders, technology trailblazers, industry experts and even Nobel laureates came together to help shape the debate on the future of global governance.

President Sheikh Mohamed described the event as the UAE's "responsible invitation to the whole world" to join the dialogue – and the international community answered the call.

There was plenty of action to go along with the talk too, including an agreement to help limit global temperature rises and plans to launch air taxi services in Dubai by 2026.

Here, host Nick Webster hears from The National's John Dennehy on the key developments and announcements that emerged from a three-day summit aiming to change the world for the better.

UAE teams up with Cop29 and Cop30 hosts to keep crucial 1.5ºC target within reach

World Governments Summit 2024 – in pictures

The Joby Aviation aircraft will cut the journey from Dubai Airport to Palm Jumeirah from 45 minutes to 10 minutes. Dubai Media Office

Vertiports will allow the aircraft to land in city locations. Dubai Media Office

The initial network will include four vertiports located by Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina. Dubai Media Office

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, inspects the Joby Aviation aircraft. Dubai Media Office

The vertiport certification and approval process has begun with the authorities in the UAE. Photo: Skyports

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, inspects Joby Aviation's aircraft. Dubai Media Office

Sheikh Mohammed witnesses the signing of the agreement between Dubai RTA and Joby Aviation. Dubai Media Office

Cases of coronavirus in the GCC as of March 15

Saudi Arabia – 103 infected, 0 dead, 1 recovered

UAE – 86 infected, 0 dead, 23 recovered

Bahrain – 210 infected, 0 dead, 44 recovered

Kuwait – 104 infected, 0 dead, 5 recovered

Qatar – 337 infected, 0 dead, 4 recovered

Oman – 19 infected, 0 dead, 9 recovered

Background

• Road to reform: How Saudi Arabia lifted the ban on women drivers

• Lifting of Saudi driving ban will be felt across GCC borders

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Key findings of Jenkins report

Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."

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