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The United Arab Emirates signed the host country agreement for the 2029 annual meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund on Sunday in Bangkok. The pact was inked at the conclusion of the 2026 meetings hosted by Thailand, according to a statement from the UAE Ministry of Finance. Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, and Khaled Mohamed Balama, Central Bank of the UAE Governor, signed for the country while World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva did so for the institutions.
The UAE Ministry of Finance said the agreement underscores growing international confidence in the country’s economic and financial framework while reinforcing its position as a global hub shaping international economic stability. The 2029 gathering, set for October in Abu Dhabi, will convene finance leaders from more than 190 member countries to examine the global economic outlook along with policies for financial stability and sustainable development. It will mark the first time the capital hosts the annual meetings, which also feature seminars and side events on key multilateral issues.
The Ministry of Finance reported in April that the UAE secured the highest score in a competitive international evaluation process that led to its selection as host. That process evaluated institutional readiness, economic resilience and the ability to manage large diplomatic gatherings effectively. The formal signing on Sunday establishes the operational framework for cooperation among the UAE, World Bank Group and IMF in preparing for the event.
Minister of State 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.” He added, “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.” Those remarks were included in the official statement distributed by Emirates News Agency.
World Bank President Ajay Banga welcomed the choice of Abu Dhabi, praising what he called the UAE’s efficiency in capital flows in alignment with the bank’s efforts to mobilize private capital alongside public funding for emerging markets. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva described Abu Dhabi as “the ideal place to discuss ways to deal with rapidly changing global shifts.” Both executives attended the Bangkok ceremony alongside senior UAE officials.
The National reported that the UAE, the Arab world’s second-largest economy, has built a reputation as a trusted partner within the international financial architecture. Its partnership with the World Bank Group and IMF stretches back decades and includes contributions to initiatives supporting global development goals. The 2029 meetings are expected to further elevate Abu Dhabi’s standing as a venue for high-profile economic diplomacy.
