• Khaled Mohamed Balama: We are cementing the UAE's position in shaping the future of the global financial system, thanks to the strength of our financial sector, the advancement of our regulatory frameworks and our leadership in innovation.

  • Strategic bilateral talks with China, Korea and Singapore to strengthen financial connectivity and develop digital currency projects and artificial intelligence applications.

  • The UAE Banks' Annual Reception drew a broad international attendance of more than 600 global financial sector leaders and monetary policymakers.

  • Signing of the agreement to host the IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi in 2029, marking the start of a new phase of preparations to host the global financial event.

A Central Bank of the UAE delegation, led by Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank and the UAE's Governor at the International Monetary Fund, concluded its participation in the 2026 Annual Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group in the Thai capital, Bangkok. The meetings featured high-level talks and an expansion of strategic partnerships, strengthening the UAE's role in shaping global financial and economic policy.

The participation reflected the UAE's strategic drive to strengthen its influential presence in the global financial system and to showcase its experience in financial innovation, digital transformation and sustainable finance, while expanding international partnerships and consolidating its position as a global financial centre that helps develop innovative solutions to future economic and financial challenges.

Over a week of intensive work, the Governor and the accompanying delegation, which included the Assistant Governors, senior officials and experts, took part in a number of key sessions and meetings. These included the meeting of central bank governors and finance ministers of the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAP) region, meetings of the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), and the ministerial meeting of G20 central bank governors and finance ministers. They also attended the GCC-Asia Economic Forum and a working meeting of central bank governors with the IMF Managing Director and the World Bank Group President to coordinate views amid global changes.

Growth targets and structural resilience

The delegation played a prominent part in the meeting of MENAP central bank governors and finance ministers with the IMF, where Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE, delivered the UAE's main address, presenting the country's pioneering model of structural resilience and its proactive policies to diversify the economy and adopt advanced technology.

In his address, the Governor said the UAE is a prominent model of structural resilience, having successfully diversified its economic base, adopted sound frameworks and policies, and stepped up sustained investment in human capital, advanced technology and artificial intelligence. He added: “The UAE economy has maintained exceptional resilience, supported by strong fiscal buffers, low public debt ratios and large sovereign assets that strengthen investor and market confidence.”

The delegation also took part in the meeting of central bank governors and finance ministers of the Group of Twenty-Four (G24) to discuss ways to strengthen international cooperation, support financial sector resilience, counter inflation and global economic volatility, and achieve financial inclusion.

Cross-border bilateral cooperation

On the bilateral front, the Governor and the accompanying delegation held a series of high-level strategic meetings to deepen financial partnerships and develop digital payments infrastructure. The Governor met Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the People's Bank of China, and they discussed strengthening financial connectivity to support bilateral trade. The delegation also held bilateral meetings with the Bank of Korea (the central bank of the Republic of Korea) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore to discuss using artificial intelligence to support inclusive economic growth, central bank digital currency (CBDC) projects, and the exchange of supervisory knowledge to protect customers and build a secure digital economy. The Central Bank of the UAE and the National Bank of Georgia also signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen financial and supervisory cooperation.

UAE Banks' Annual Reception

In one of the highlights of the visit, the Central Bank, together with the Ministry of Finance and the UAE Banks Federation, organised the UAE Banks' Annual Reception 2026 in Bangkok, with the participation and sponsorship of 26 government entities and national banking institutions. The reception drew a notable international attendance of more than 600 global banking leaders, central bank governors and finance ministers, and hosted intensive bilateral meetings between the CEOs of UAE banks and their international counterparts to explore joint economic and investment opportunities.

The road to “Abu Dhabi 2029”

Crowning the outcomes of the visit, the meetings saw the official signing of the agreement for the UAE to host the IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi in 2029. Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE and the UAE's Governor at the IMF, signed the agreement with the IMF Managing Director and the World Bank Group President, in the presence of senior international officials and representatives of financial and economic delegations.

The Central Bank delegation held joint meetings with expert teams from the IMF and the World Bank Group to deliver an exceptional edition of the meetings in Abu Dhabi that helps build a global financial system able to adapt to future challenges and reinforces the UAE's pivotal role as a strategic partner in shaping financial and economic policy worldwide.

Commenting on the success of the participation, Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama said: “Guided by the vision of our wise leadership, we are cementing the UAE's position as an influential partner in shaping the future of the global financial system, thanks to the strength of our financial and banking sector, the advancement of our regulatory and supervisory frameworks, and our leadership in financial innovation. Our participation in these meetings allowed us to advance our strategic partnerships and strengthen cooperation on developing financial infrastructure and cross-border payment solutions. Signing the agreement to host the Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi in 2029 is a milestone that reflects international confidence in the UAE. We will continue to build on these partnerships to enhance the sector's competitiveness and its ability to keep pace with global shifts, consolidate monetary and financial stability, and support sustainable economic growth, strengthening the UAE's presence as a leading global financial centre.”