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The United Arab Emirates has signed the agreement to host the 2029 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Abu Dhabi.
Signed at the conclusion of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group in Bangkok, Thailand, the agreement reflects growing international confidence in the UAE’s economic and financial ecosystem. It also reinforces the country’s position as a global financial hub and strategic partner in supporting the stability of the international economic system and shaping its future direction.
The agreement was signed by H.E. Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, and H.E. Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE and the UAE Governor to the International Monetary Fund.
Representing the two international institutions, H.E. Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, and H.E. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, also signed the agreement in the presence of a number of senior officials.
Deepening International Confidence and Strategic Partnerships
Commenting on the occasion, H.E. Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, said the signing of the agreement to host the 2029 Annual Meetings translates the UAE leadership’s vision into action by advancing the resilience and competitiveness of the country’s economic model, expanding international partnerships and promoting multilateral cooperation.
“The signing of the agreement marks a significant milestone, reflecting the international community’s enduring confidence in the UAE’s readiness, the efficiency of its infrastructure and financial system, and its ability to host major international events of strategic importance,” he said
“By hosting this landmark gathering, the UAE is committed to providing a global platform that brings together financial sector leaders and decision-makers from around the world to explore ways of advancing financial and monetary stability and developing mechanisms for development finance.”
Al Hussaini added that the UAE’s selection to host these global meetings builds on the country’s successful track record in hosting major economic events and its direct role in supporting sustainable development and digital transformation.
He reaffirmed that the UAE would continue coordinating and cooperating with the IMF and the World Bank Group to put in place all the facilities and organisational capabilities required to ensure the success of the 2029 Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi.
This, he said, would help deliver substantive outcomes that advance international economic cooperation, serve the aspirations of people and support the growth of emerging and advanced economies alike.
A Resilient Financial System and Global Leadership
For his part, H.E. Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE and the UAE Governor to the International Monetary Fund, said: “Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the 2029 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund reflects the UAE leadership’s efforts to reinforce the country’s global leadership and the competitiveness of its financial system on the international stage, while reaffirming the UAE’s position as a global hub for shaping the future of the international financial system.
“This selection is a testament to international confidence in the strength of the UAE’s financial and banking sector and the efficiency of the financial, regulatory and monetary infrastructure overseen by the Central Bank, further enhancing the UAE’s ability to play a pivotal role in advancing the multilateral financial agenda.”
He added: “Through this strategic hosting, the Central Bank of the UAE looks forward to leading international efforts to advance global financial and monetary stability, accelerate secure digital innovation and drive the transition towards sustainable finance.
“We are committed to providing a leading global platform that brings together central bank leaders, decision-makers and international financial institutions to discuss practical and innovative solutions that enhance the resilience of the global economy in the face of change and support inclusive and sustainable growth.”
Through this hosting, the Central Bank of the UAE will bring the UAE’s expertise in financial stability, financial infrastructure development and innovation in digital financial services to the global discussion, reinforcing its role as a key partner in designing practical solutions to address global economic challenges and support pathways towards inclusive and sustainable growth.
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