Bangkok:Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), will lead the CBUAE delegation at the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group. The meetings are scheduled to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, from October 12 to 18, 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event will gather financial and economic policymakers from around the globe. The CBUAE delegation, which includes Assistant Governors and senior officials, seeks to advance several strategic objectives. These include promoting digital transformation and artificial intelligence to support economic growth, developing a financial system resilient to climate change, and enhancing financial inclusion.
The meetings will also serve as a platform to explore economic and investment opportunities amid current geopolitical developments and to discuss global social transformations. The UAE delegation aims to showcase the nation's leadership in financial innovation and green finance, as well as to develop innovative financing solutions that bolster financial stability and sustainable development both regionally and internationally.
Additionally, the CBUAE plans to emphasize its leadership in adopting advanced fintech solutions to strengthen the digital economy. The delegation's agenda features participation in key international meetings, including the G20, MENAP, and G24 meetings, as well as the Annual Meetings Plenary Session, the International Monetary and Financial Committee meeting, and the GCC-Asia Economic Forum.
The delegation will highlight the UAE's economic developments, growth outlook, and experience in promoting financial stability and fintech innovation. This includes projects related to advanced payment systems and central bank digital currencies, aimed at enhancing the UAE's competitiveness.
Strategic and bilateral meetings with central bank governors, international financial leaders, and regulatory authorities are also planned, focusing on cooperation in financial services innovation and cross-border payment infrastructure. High-level events on economic cooperation will further solidify the UAE's standing as a key financial hub in the global economy.
Khaled Balama emphasized the UAE's commitment to building an advanced financial sector that drives digital innovation and sustainable finance. He noted that through this international platform, the UAE aims to demonstrate the strength of its financial system and regulatory frameworks while exploring ways to enhance technological transformation and cross-border payment infrastructure.