UAE Touts Diversification at IMF, World Bank Bangkok Meetings
UAE delegation presents diversification record at IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, with central bank governor citing 2027 GDP growth forecast near 10 percent.
The story in focus
The UAE is presenting its economic diversification and financial policy experience at the 2026 IMF and World Bank Group annual meetings in Bangkok. Central Bank governor Khaled Mohamed Balama said in the UAE keynote that GDP growth is expected to accelerate to around 10 percent in 2027, supported by non-oil activity and oil capacity after the OPEC withdrawal.
- UAE delegation is participating in the 2026 IMF and World Bank Group annual meetings in Bangkok
- CBUAE governor Khaled Mohamed Balama forecast GDP growth accelerating to around 10 percent in 2027
- The UAE is preparing to host the 2029 World Bank Group and IMF annual meetings in Abu Dhabi
Forecast puts 2027 growth near 10 percent
In the UAE's keynote address, Central Bank of the UAE governor Khaled Mohamed Balama said the country's growth outlook remains positive, citing a diversified economy and resilient structure. He forecast GDP growth accelerating to around 10 percent in 2027.
Balama attributed the expected performance to rapid expansion of non-oil activities, continued infrastructure investment and higher oil production capacity following the UAE's withdrawal from OPEC. The growth figure was presented as a forecast, not a confirmed outcome.
Diversification pitch and 2029 preparation
According to the UAE state news agency, the delegation is using the Bangkok meetings to highlight investment in human capital and technology, digital innovation and financial inclusion, and to support international economic and financial dialogue.
The delegation is also holding coordination meetings with relevant government entities ahead of Abu Dhabi's hosting of the 2029 World Bank Group and IMF annual meetings. The agency said the talks aim to exchange expertise, draw on international best practices and strengthen organisational readiness.
When is the UAE scheduled to host the IMF and World Bank Group annual meetings?
The UAE is preparing to host the 2029 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the IMF in Abu Dhabi, according to the report. Coordination meetings are being held in Bangkok to build institutional readiness for the event.
Sources & further reading
- UAE showcases economic, financial experience at IMF, World Bank Group annual meetings in Bangkok ↗wam.ae
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