Abu Dhabi Seals Deal to Host World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in 2029 Event

Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs, and Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE and the country’s Governor to the IMF, signed the agreement for the UAE.

Abu Dhabi will host the 2029 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund after the United Arab Emirates signed an agreement bringing one of the world's major economic gatherings to its capital. Finance ministers, central bank governors and representatives from 191 countries are expected to take part in discussions on growth, financial stability and development.

The agreement was signed at the close of the institutions' 2026 Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand. It marks the UAE's second time hosting the gathering, following Dubai in 2003, and gives Abu Dhabi a platform to help shape discussions about financing, investment and the pressures facing the global economy.

A hosting agreement built on international partnerships

Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs, and Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE and the country's Governor to the IMF, signed the agreement for the UAE. World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva signed on behalf of their institutions, with senior officials attending.

Al Hussaini described the agreement as a reflection of international confidence in the UAE's infrastructure, financial system and ability to organise major global events. He linked the hosting decision to the leadership's efforts to strengthen the country's economic resilience and competitiveness, expand international partnerships and deepen multilateral cooperation.

"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," he said.

Preparations will involve continued coordination with the IMF and World Bank Group on facilities and organisational arrangements. Al Hussaini said the UAE wanted the meetings to produce substantive outcomes that support international cooperation and growth across emerging and advanced economies, building on its experience in economic events, sustainable development and digital transformation.

Financial stability and digital innovation take focus

Balama said Abu Dhabi's selection reflected confidence in the UAE's banking sector and the financial, regulatory and monetary infrastructure overseen by its central bank. He presented the gathering as an opportunity for the country to take a greater role in international financial discussions.

The Central Bank plans to bring its experience in financial stability, infrastructure development and digital financial services into those conversations. Its priorities include secure digital innovation, sustainable finance and practical responses that help economies withstand change and support inclusive growth.

Banga welcomed Abu Dhabi as a host, pointing to the UAE's institutions, infrastructure and emphasis on partnership. He said the World Bank Group's focus at the Annual Meetings would be on development impact through jobs, growth and financing at scale.

Georgieva described the UAE as an important centre for ideas, finance, innovation and international cooperation, expressing enthusiasm about bringing IMF members together there in 2029 to consider the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Abu Dhabi prepares to welcome the world's economic leaders

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, said the decision recognised the emirate as a trusted centre for economic and financial dialogue. He highlighted institutional strength, regulatory certainty and investment capacity as foundations for sustainable growth.

For Al Zaabi, preparations are connected to a broader economic priority: creating conditions in which capital moves confidently, businesses can expand and investment delivers lasting value. He said Abu Dhabi looked forward to contributing to discussions on growth, investment and international economic cooperation.

The 2029 meetings will bring policymakers and economic experts together with private sector representatives, civil society, academics and the media. Their discussions will cover the global economic outlook, financial stability and policies that can support inclusive and sustainable development.

For the UAE, the agreement extends its established partnership with the IMF and World Bank Group. For Abu Dhabi, hosting offers a chance to turn its growing role in global finance into direct engagement with the people and institutions making decisions about the world economy.