• The central bank brings together decision-makers to lead dialogues on innovation and sustainable finance and to strengthen UAE banks' cross-border partnerships

In an event that reflects the strategic position of the United Arab Emirates in the international financial system, the Central Bank of the UAE, in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and the UAE Banks Federation, is hosting the Annual UAE Banks Reception 2026 in the Thai capital, Bangkok, on October 15.

The reception is a global gathering held on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group (12–18 October 2026). It is aligned with the meetings' main themes, particularly strengthening global financial stability, supporting sustainable finance and accelerating the digital transformation of financial systems.

The reception draws high-level attendance from officials, decision-makers and finance and business leaders from around the world, led by finance ministers, central bank governors and heads of global financial markets, along with a select group of chief executives of major financial and investment institutions and fintech companies.

The event enjoys broad sponsorship and participation from more than 26 entities and institutions, including government bodies and regulators, global financial markets, and financial and technology institutions licensed in the UAE. This strengthens the standing of the country's financial and banking system in the global digital finance landscape as an active force capable of creating flexible business opportunities in sustainable finance, digital innovation and payments infrastructure development.

The list of strategic partners, sponsors and participants includes leading institutions driving the UAE's financial and economic landscape, foremost among them Abu Dhabi Global Market and the Dubai International Financial Centre, along with the country's major banks, financial institutions and fintech companies, including: First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Mashreq, Commercial Bank of Dubai, National Bank of Fujairah, National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah Islamic Bank, Bank of Sharjah, Ajman Bank, HSBC, Al Masraf (Arab Bank for Investment and Foreign Trade), Emirates Investment Bank, United Arab Bank, Invest Bank, Emirates Islamic, Citibank, Deem Finance, Wio Bank, Zand Bank, Al Maryah Community Bank and Ruya Community Islamic Bank.