Dubai Welcomes World Governments Summit 2026 as RTA Releases Traffic and Parking Guidelines

Dubai has officially kicked off the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2026, marking the largest edition of the global event to date. Running over three days under the theme “Shaping Future Governments”, the summit has drawn tens of thousands of participants, including 35 heads of state and government, senior officials, policymakers, and global leaders.

With the influx of high-level delegations and visitors, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has issued a comprehensive travel and parking advisory to ensure smooth movement to and from the Summit venue at Madinat Jumeirah.

Restricted access to Madinat Jumeirah-

To manage security and traffic flow, vehicle access to Madinat Jumeirah is restricted to authorised vehicles displaying a valid World Governments Summit access sticker. The restrictions are in effect from February 1 to 5, 2026, between 7:00am and 6:00pm.

Vehicles without the required sticker will be denied entry and redirected to the Dubai Police Academy, where official parking facilities have been arranged.

Free shuttles and dedicated parking-

The RTA has urged attendees arriving by private car to use the Dubai Police Academy parking area. From there, complimentary shuttle buses will operate continuously throughout the day, transporting visitors directly to the Summit venue.

Visitors are encouraged to review the official parking and access maps issued by the RTA to familiarise themselves with routes and designated parking zones.

Traffic congestion expected-

Due to the scale of the event, heavy traffic is anticipated on surrounding roads, particularly during morning arrival and evening departure hours. Authorities have advised attendees to:

• Use public transport wherever possible

• Allow additional travel time if driving or using taxis

• Rely on official Summit shuttle services during peak periods

Getting to the Summit-

Public transport:

Multiple RTA bus routes operate near the venue. The closest Dubai Metro station is Mall of the Emirates, with free shuttle buses running directly from the station to Madinat Jumeirah. Journey planning is available via the RTA website and the S’hail app.

Taxis and ride-hailing:

Dubai Taxi, Uber and Careem services are widely available. Designated pick-up and drop-off points are in place, although delays may occur during peak hours.

Private or rental vehicles:

Visitors with valid driving licences may rent vehicles in the UAE, though some nationalities require an International Driving Permit. Designated parking and valet services are available for eligible Summit pass holders.

Distance from Downtown Dubai-

Madinat Jumeirah is approximately 18 kilometres from Downtown Dubai, with a typical travel time of around 20 minutes under normal traffic conditions.'

About the World Governments Summit-

The World Governments Summit is a global non-profit platform focused on shaping the future of governance. It convenes world leaders, ministers, innovators, technology experts, and business executives to explore solutions to emerging global challenges.

Important reminders for attendees-

• A valid WGS badge is required to access the venue

• Badges can be collected from select hotels or on-site registration centres

• Food and beverage outlets are available throughout the venue

Authorities have thanked residents and visitors for their cooperation and urged everyone attending the Summit to follow official transport and access guidelines to ensure a smooth and timely experience.