The UAE will host the IMF World Bank meetings in Abu Dhabi in 2029, bringing global finance leaders together to discuss economic growth and financial stability.
ABU DHABI: The UAE has formally signed an agreement to host the IMF World Bank meetings in Abu Dhabi in October 2029, bringing one of the world’s most important international financial gatherings back to the Emirates after more than two decades.
The agreement was signed on October 18, 2026, during the concluding proceedings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.
The UAE previously hosted the event in Dubai in 2003.
Who signed the historic hosting agreement?
The agreement was signed by Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs, and Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE.
Representing the international institutions were World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.
The signing formally confirmed the arrangements following the selection of Abu Dhabi as the 2029 host earlier this year.
According to the World Bank, the event will bring together representatives from 191 countries.
Why were the UAE and Abu Dhabi selected?
The UAE’s established financial infrastructure, international connectivity and experience hosting major global events are among the factors highlighted by officials.
The IMF World Bank meetings will provide a platform for discussing global economic challenges, financial stability, development financing and policies supporting sustainable growth.
The gathering is also expected to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s profile as a destination for international economic dialogue.
What happens during the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings?
The annual gathering brings together finance ministers, central bank governors, economists, financial institutions and representatives of civil society.
Participants discuss economic growth, financial stability, poverty reduction, development financing and international co-operation.
The meetings also provide opportunities for governments and institutions to exchange policy ideas and explore responses to emerging economic challenges.
The event generally takes place in Washington, DC, with selected member countries hosting periodically.
What have international financial leaders said?
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga welcomed Abu Dhabi’s selection, highlighting the UAE’s development as an international centre for finance and economic co-operation.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva also welcomed the agreement, acknowledging the UAE’s role in international finance, innovation and global partnerships.
UAE officials said hosting the meetings would support wider international economic engagement and provide opportunities for dialogue on financial and monetary stability.
Impact to expect
Hosting the IMF World Bank meetings in 2029 could strengthen Abu Dhabi’s international business profile while generating opportunities for hotels, aviation, events management and professional services. The gathering may also encourage financial partnerships and investment discussions, although any lasting economic benefits will depend on the outcomes of the meetings and subsequent co-operation.
