UAE signs agreement to host 2029 World Bank Group, IMF Annual Meetings

The UAE has signed the agreement to host the 2029 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the 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.

The agreement was signed by Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, and 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, Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, and Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, also signed the agreement in the presence of a number of senior officials.

Commenting on the occasion, Al Hussaini said the signing " translates the UAE leadership’s vision into action by advancing the resilience and competitiveness of the country’s economic model". 

“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 added.

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.

Meanwhile, Banga shared that “The UAE has built institutions and infrastructure with a spirit of bold ambition and partnership, cementing its role as a global hub for economic dialogue."

"Abu Dhabi is a fitting host for the Annual Meetings where our focus is on development impact, and delivering jobs, growth, and financing at scale,” she added. 

For her part, Georgieva said, "We look forward to coming together there in 2029 to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead and help shape a better future."

The meetings are set to bring together finance ministers, central bank governors, policymakers and economic experts, private sector representatives, civil society, media, and academics from 191 countries to examine the challenges and opportunities facing the global economy.

It will also focus on the outlook for growth and financial stability, and future policies capable of supporting inclusive and sustainable development.

The formal signing builds on the UAE’s longstanding partnership with the IMF and the World Bank Group, and marks the country’s second time hosting the Annual Meetings, following Dubai in 2003.