The Globalist – Talks Begin in Dubai for the World Governments Summit (February 3, 2026)
Episode Overview
This episode of The Globalist dives into the major events shaping global headlines: the start of the World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai, the Singapore Airshow, new U.S.-India trade deals, Japan’s regional tourism strategy, and the inaugural Singapore Space Summit. Broadcasting live from London and featuring correspondents reporting from Dubai, Singapore, Madrid, and Tokyo, the show explores how world events, policy, and diplomacy intersect at pivotal gatherings with far-reaching impact.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. World Government Summit in Dubai
Atmosphere & Significance
- Tom Edwards, Monocle’s Head of Radio, reports live from the summit’s bustling grounds, noting the unique convergence of global leaders, policymakers, and thought leaders.
- The UAE, especially Dubai, is praised for its skill in convening diverse stakeholders for dialogue, even under tense regional circumstances.
Quote
"One of the amazing things about WGS...is convening, convening people. All different points of view, different perspectives, big corporates, governments, policymakers. And what's really powerful is people are happy to chat."
—Tom Edwards (05:44)
Regional Tensions & Diplomatic Backdrop
- Insman Rashid, Gulf Correspondent, underscores the summit’s precarious timing amid increased U.S.-Iran tensions and the regional impact of ongoing trilateral talks between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia hosted by the UAE.
- The UAE aims to solidify its role as a “mediator in chief,” facilitating crucial, often improbable diplomatic conversations.
Quote
"[The world] government summit falls on a pretty precarious backdrop... But, the UAE will want to stamp its foot on the ground and say, 'Look, we are mediator in chief. We're the ones who can bring everyone around the table.'"
—Insman Rashid (10:12)
Summit Vibe & Early Takeaways
- Andrew Tuck, Editor-in-Chief, highlights the immense opportunity for informal and formal discussions, mentioning the surprising accessibility of high-ranking government officials.
- Notes a “can do” atmosphere, with panels tackling AI, the pace of change, and the importance of maintaining human connection in an increasingly digital future.
Quote
"There's just been a panel now about why we need to keep writing and the value of holding on to human contact... maybe there’s a bit of kind of humanism coming into the conversations."
—Andrew Tuck (14:10)
2. Singapore Airshow: Defense, Commerce, and the Rise of Space Tech
Focus and Significance
- Ryan Finnerty, U.S. Defense reporter for Flight Global, explains that while the airshow is military-centric, commercial aviation and emerging technologies like drones and electric aircraft are gaining ground.
- Chinese companies, especially COMAC and AVIC, are boosting their presence, showcasing next-generation fighter jets and seeking international customers.
Quote
"AVIC is always interesting because much like COMAC on the commercial side, China is really seeking to expand its export market for military aircraft... It’s a potential generational change in how air combat operations are conducted."
—Ryan Finnerty (31:44, 34:12)
Trends in Defense Aviation
- Shift towards uncrewed, autonomous fighter jets ("collaborative combat aircraft") is a major development, with the U.S., Australia, and Turkey at the forefront.
- Singapore plays a unique balancing act: welcoming both Western and Chinese defense firms due to its non-aligned status, fostering a rare venue for East-West engagement.
Quote
"You’ll hear that acronym [CCA] thrown around. This is really where a lot of the focus is in military aviation... a potential generational change in how air combat operations are conducted."
—Ryan Finnerty (34:22)
Atmosphere
- Despite global geopolitical tensions, the air show environment is described as harmonious and multicultural, a platform for building connections and signaling capabilities rather than explicit power plays.
Singapore’s Ambitions in Space
- As the airshow wraps up, attention shifts to the first Singapore Space Summit, emphasizing the mainstreaming of space technology in economic policy and national infrastructure.
3. Japan’s Regional Tourism Revitalization
Policy Expansion
- Michael F. Sheridan (Temple University, Japan): Japan is broadening subsidies to support local towns in preserving culture and infrastructure, aiming to attract tourists away from overburdened hotspots like Kyoto and Tokyo.
Quote
"This will help boost the local economy, preserve community identity, and encourage youth to stay or return, which is vital for the future of tourism in Japan."
—Michael F. Sheridan (53:11)
Tactics & Impact
- Subsidies will fund everything from historic building restoration to local festival support, aligning with the goal of reaching 60 million visitors annually by 2030.
- Experimental measures, such as accommodation taxes or tweaking transport data on digital maps, are tested to distribute tourist traffic more evenly.
4. Global Tourism Trends: Insights from Fitur, Madrid
Voices from the Fair
- Ministers and tourism officials from Uruguay, Peru, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Brazil tout their nation’s unique culture, nature, and emerging tourism strategies.
- Several highlight recent geopolitical shifts (notably in the U.S.) as opportunities to draw new travelers seeking alternative destinations.
Memorable Moments
- Personal insights and anecdotes abound, particularly regarding lesser-known destinations and the importance of sustainability and authentic experiences.
Quote
"Ecuador is not a mass tourist country...we are moving to regenerative tourism where visitors have the obligation to leave the place in a better shape than they found it."
—Mateo Estrella, Vice Minister of Tourism, Ecuador (1:02:40)
5. Business & Economic News
U.S.–India Trade Deal
- Vicky Price, economist, discusses the new agreement: U.S. tariffs drop to 18% for Indian goods, in return for India halting Russian oil imports and expanding U.S. energy/agriculture buys.
- Seen as highly transactional, reflecting a broader pattern of negotiation under current U.S. leadership.
Quote
"It just shows how important trade is... For India, given its position now in the world, it is important, and for the U.S. it’s good news. The lowering of tariffs really calmed things down in gold and Asian stocks."
—Vicky Price (1:10:05)
Financial Outlook (UK)
- Anticipation over the Bank of England’s interest rate decision; recent inflation has clouded the possibility of a rate cut despite underlying growth needs.
6. Singapore’s National Space Agency Launch
Key Takeaways
- Singapore debuts its own space agency, focusing on leveraging microelectronics, AI, and a science-savvy workforce to attract commercial and international space players.
- The agency, headed by Ngheem Lee Ma, will regulate the sector and position Singapore as a regional hub for space business—not through launches, but through technology, data, and industry.
Quote
"Satellites are now considered part of a critical infrastructure for any country... And Singapore is right in the middle of some difficult geography."
—Tira Schubert, Royal Astronomical Society Fellow (1:20:22)
Industry Context
- With global investment in space tech soaring, Singapore aligns itself for a share of a projected $1.8 trillion sector by 2035.
Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)
- "There's a tremendous can-do atmosphere. Are you confident it will deliver?"
—Tom Edwards (14:34) - "Maybe there’s a bit of kind of humanism coming into the conversations."
—Andrew Tuck (14:10) - "China is really seeking to expand its export market for military aircraft… That's a potential generational change in how air combat operations are conducted."
—Ryan Finnerty (31:44) - "The luxury in Ecuador is the luxury of not having mass tourism but having authenticity, biodiversity, and of course a country that is very open to receiving visitors."
—Mateo Estrella, Ecuador (1:03:55) - "This is really significant because Singapore is a knowledge-based country in a way that no other country in the world is... It’s why so many companies come and invest in Singapore."
—Tira Schubert (1:21:00)
Key Timestamps for Important Segments
- 05:00 – 15:00: On-the-ground impressions and context from Dubai World Government Summit
- 25:20 – 39:45: Singapore Airshow insights, global defense and aviation trends
- 49:45 – 56:25: Japan’s tourism policy expansion
- 58:00 – 1:05:00: Global tourism voices from Fitur, Madrid
- 1:07:50 – 1:13:50: Economic & business news; U.S.–India trade, UK rates
- 1:16:50 – 1:23:00: Singapore Space Summit and launch of National Space Agency
Conclusion
This episode of The Globalist stitches together live reporting and expert commentary on diplomacy, trade, tourism, and technology. It captures the real-time interplay of global events—whether the convening power of Dubai during fraught times, technological milestones in aviation and space, or local responses to the fast-evolving shape of tourism and business. The mood is cautiously optimistic, with recurring themes of innovation, strategic adaptation, and the complex dynamics of leadership in a fragmented world.