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World Government Summit 2022: Leaders converge in Dubai to address most urgent global challenges
Government officials and experts from around the globe are convening in Dubai this week at the World Government Summit 2022 (WGS2022) to address some of the most urgent issues and challenges currently facing humanity, the Wam reported.
State leaders, senior government officials, heads of international organisations, and global experts will participate in dozens of sessions to discuss and highlight global challenges and their potential solutions.
The sessions will also focus on future developments in various sectors and how to leverage them to benefit societies and help build a sustainable world for future generations, according to the report.
The WGS2022, held at Expo 2020 Dubai on March 29-30, will host more than 4,000 individuals from 190 countries. An illustrious group of speakers, including senior government officials, heads of international organisations and bodies, heads of international companies and prominent private sector leaders will participate in more than 110 sessions and 15 global forums.
A group of leaders from international organisations will participate in the sessions.
The leaders of regional organisations will also be there at the event.
More than 50 leaders from governments outside the UAE will participate in the sessions, including presidents, prime ministers, ministers, senior officials in international organisations and bodies, experts, scientists, heads of private companies, thinkers and futurists.
WGS2022 will host more than 110 sessions, in addition to 15 global forums that discuss the most prominent future trends in vital sectors. WGS2022 also coincides with the conclusion of the activities of Expo 2020 Dubai, making it the largest global gathering of its kind and the most important event on the agenda of decision makers in more than 190 countries.
Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the World Government Summit, said that the agenda of the World Government Summit 2022, is full of plenary and interactive sessions that explore the future of the world in a number of key sectors.
He continued: “The World Government Summit, under the theme ‘Shaping Future Governments’, continues to consolidate its international position as the main global event for developing the applications and innovations of future government models, and for advancing inspiring ideas and experiences.”
This year’s edition of the World Government Summit features a comprehensive range of themes and topics via 110 strategic sessions, through which the government of the UAE, along with leaders of other governments and experts will seek to achieve unified goals.
During WGS2022, the winner of the highly anticipated Best Minister Award winners will be announced.
WGS2022 will feature 15 global forums, organised in partnership with international organisations, global technology leaders, pioneering companies, and non-government organisations, to identify and highlight crucial trends in vital sectors, as well as inform policies, strategies and plans to advance the preparedness of governments.
At WGS2022, 20 in-depth knowledge reports will be published, commissioned in partnership with key global research institutions. The reports will address vital topics on the agendas of world governments, such as economic diversification, knowledge economies, health, education, technology, leadership, sustainable development, environmental challenges, and climate change.
The 12th Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial will open on October 7 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, bringing together 272 Arab and international artists and featuring 681 artworks across a programme of 93 events.
Running through November 15, the Biennial will transform venues across Sharjah into spaces dedicated to Arabic calligraphy, contemporary art and cultural dialogue. Locations include Calligraphy Square, Sharjah Art Museum, House of Wisdom, University of the Arts Sharjah and 1971 – Design Space.
The programme was announced by Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of the Directorate of Cultural Affairs at Sharjah’s Department of Culture and Director of the Biennial, during a press conference attended by Abdullah Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah’s Department of Culture, participating artists and media representatives.
(Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of the Directorate of Cultural Affairs at Sharjah’s Department of Culture and Director of the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial, speaks during the press conference announcing the 12th Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial. Photos by Muhammad Sajjad)
Balance takes centre stage
Held under the theme Balance, the 12th edition explores one of the fundamental principles of Arabic calligraphy: harmony between proportion, precision, letters and space.
Al Qaseer said the Biennial’s continued development has helped strengthen the international presence of Arabic calligraphy, while creating new opportunities for artists to connect the traditional art form with contemporary artistic practices.
The Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial was established in 2004 under the patronage and support of the Ruler of Sharjah and has since developed into an international platform for calligraphers, artists and researchers. Sharjah’s Department of Culture says the 12th edition will feature local, Arab and international participation.
26 exhibitions, 61 workshops
The Biennial programme includes 26 exhibitions and 61 art workshops, alongside lectures, seminars and visual presentations.
The participating artists represent countries across the Arab world, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Bahrain, Oman, Libya, Yemen and Tunisia. International participation includes artists from Italy, Sweden, China, Canada, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Germany, Turkey, Indonesia and other countries.
The 681 works span traditional calligraphy, modern and contemporary lettering, installations, murals and Islamic ornamentation.
Major exhibitions include Hilya Sharifa, Balance and Pioneers at Sharjah Art Museum. The museum will also host photography exhibitions exploring the relationship between the Arabic letter, visual culture and photography.
At House of Wisdom, Bymizan: From the Dot to the Meaning will examine the journey of the Arabic letter from its foundational dot to its completed visual and semantic form.
Other exhibitions will be presented at Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy and Islamic Ornamentation, Emirates Fine Arts Society, 1971 – Design Space and University of the Arts Sharjah.
International seminar on Arabic calligraphy
House of Wisdom will also host an international seminar titled Arabic Calligraphy Between Authenticity and Global Pioneering. The programme will bring together researchers, academics and artists to discuss the evolution of Arabic calligraphy and its place within contemporary global art.
The Biennial is expected to welcome around 100 guests, including media professionals, lecturers, calligraphers and workshop facilitators.
Three calligraphers to be honoured
The 12th edition will honour three prominent figures in Arabic calligraphy: Khalifa Elshimy of Egypt, Belaid Hamidi of Morocco and Ali Al Hammadi of the UAE. The three artists were previously announced among the honourees for the 2026 edition.
The Biennial will also present awards for outstanding works in its General Exhibition, including the Grand Prize, awards for traditional calligraphy, modern and contemporary calligraphic arts, and a special jury award for an Emirati calligrapher.
The General Exhibition itself reflects the Biennial’s focus on both heritage and innovation, bringing together traditional approaches alongside modern lettering and installation-based works.
With its international participation and extensive exhibition and educational programme, the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial 2026 aims to reaffirm Arabic calligraphy as a living art form—rooted in heritage while continuing to evolve within the global contemporary art scene.
Tributes have poured in after the son of former Chelsea star Eddie Newton was found dead alongside his friend following a hike in the UAE, where temperatures soared to 50C.
Cassius Newton, 34, and his friend Aran Martinson, 33, were found by rescuers on July 18 after setting out on a hike in the mountainous Wadi Naqab region.
The pair, from Dorset and Essex respectively, both lived and worked in the UAE. Their bodies were discovered between 3km and 4km from their vehicle.
According to a report, Chelmsford area coroner Michelle Brown said their provisional causes of death included cardiac and respiratory arrest.
Cassius, a non-league footballer, was the son of former Chelsea midfielder and coach Eddie Newton, who spent more than a decade with the club.
His wife was in the UK when she became concerned after Cassius failed to contact her following the hike and reported him missing.
The two men had been living at a luxury resort in Ras Al Khaimah.
Tributes after desert tragedy
Tributes poured in after the deaths.
Aran’s wife described him as “incredibly driven, hardworking and ambitious”, saying he had recently begun a new chapter in his career and was excited about the future.
Blackfield & Langley Football Club paid tribute to their former player, saying: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of former player Cassius Newton; our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
National League club Eastleigh, where Cassius had previously played, said it was “deeply saddened” by his death.
Chelsea connection
Cassius’ father Eddie Newton played for Chelsea from 1990 to 2001 and famously scored in the club’s 1997 FA Cup final victory.
The former midfielder also represented Cardiff City, Birmingham City, Oxford United and Barnet.
After retiring as a player, Newton moved into coaching, working as assistant manager at MK Dons and West Brom before returning to Chelsea.
He later served as assistant manager under Roberto Di Matteo and Rafael Benítez.
(With inputs from BBC, The Sun)
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