The World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund are hosting their 2029 Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi: a decision confirmed by a vote from their Boards of Governors.
This marks the first time since 2003 that the meetings will occur in the UAE, underscoring the country’s growing prominence in global financial discussions.
The Annual Meetings serve as a pivotal platform for central bankers, finance ministers, private sector leaders, and various stakeholders to deliberate on critical issues impacting the global economy. Topics of focus typically include financial stability, job creation, and poverty alleviation.
The meetings are generally conducted biennially at the World Bank and IMF headquarters in Washington, D.C., with one session hosted by a member country every third year.
Scheduled for October 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, the subsequent Annual Meetings will feature an official signing ceremony, formalising Abu Dhabi’s role as the host for 2029. Both institutions have expressed strong anticipation for the event, viewing it as an opportunity to foster international cooperation and dialogue.
As the UAE prepares for this significant occasion, discussions during the upcoming Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., will focus on the global economy, strategies for job creation, and assistance for nations impacted by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
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