DUBAI - United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Earlier today (Feb. 4), the Premier Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, participated in a series of high-level engagements at the World Governments Summit 2026, contributing to global discussions on artificial intelligence (AI), economic preparedness, the future of investments, and international cooperation in a multipolar world.
As part of the Summit programme, Premier Burt participated in a closed-door roundtable titled “Leveraging AI and Enhancing Countries’ Preparedness” with other participants, including Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, and H. E. Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The discussion examined the penetration of AI across productive sectors, policy priorities for innovation, labour market impacts, and financial system risk management.
Premier Burt also participated in the “Future of Investment” roundtable, which focused on intelligent capital, including the use of data, AI, and advanced analytics to transform investment decision-making, risk management, and market access. In his contributions, the Premier positioned Bermuda as a global testing ground for responsible financial innovation, drawing on its role as the world’s leading risk jurisdiction.
On the margins of the Summit, Premier Burt and Minister Hayward met bilaterally with H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, to discuss economic cooperation, investment, and innovation. H. E. Al Marri shared some lessons learned by the UAE in achieving its rapid and sustained economic growth.
Premier Burt engaged in a fireside chat entitled “How Do Nations Choose Partners in a Multi-Polar System?” The discussion focused on how countries navigate strategic partnerships amid shifting geopolitical, economic, and technological dynamics. He highlighted that, for Bermuda, diversification is a strategic priority, noting efforts to deepen engagement within CARICOM while expanding partnerships across Africa and the Middle East. The Premier emphasised that trust, shared values, and high regulatory standards are the foundation of durable partnerships, and that diversification of economic relationships reduces vulnerability to external policy shifts and economic shocks, particularly for small and globally connected economies.
Through his engagements at the World Governments Summit, Premier Burt reaffirmed Bermuda’s role as a forward-looking, globally connected jurisdiction, committed to innovation, high regulatory standards, and building resilient international partnerships.