UAE to Host 2029 IMF and World Bank Meetings

The United Arab Emirates signed an agreement on October 18, 2026, to host the 2029 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Abu Dhabi. The signing ceremony took place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand, during the 2026 Annual Meetings, following approval by the boards of governors of both institutions in April 2026.

Signatories included UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Central Bank of the UAE Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. The event will bring together finance ministers, central bank governors, and economic experts from 191 countries to address global financial stability, sustainable development, and poverty reduction.

UAE officials stated that hosting the meetings reflects the country's commitment to international financial cooperation and its goal to integrate artificial intelligence into the event. This marks the second time the UAE has hosted the meetings, following a 2003 event in Dubai. The Annual Meetings typically rotate between Washington, D.C., and member countries every third year to engage global stakeholders on economic growth.