The CEOs Advisory Council of the UAE Banks Federation (UBF) held its first quarterly meeting, chaired by Abdulaziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of UBF, to review the banking and financial sector’s performance, and discuss developments, initiatives, and plans of UBF to develop the financial and banking sector.
The meeting commended the Comprehensive Financial Institution Resilience Package, approved by the Board of the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE), chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of CBUAE, reaffirming UBF’s commitment to working closely with all relevant stakeholders to enhance the resilience and capabilities of the banking and financial sector, and to reinforce its stability and strength.
"Guided by the wise leadership vision, and supported by advanced strategies and policies, the UAE has consolidated its position as a leading financial and banking hub, distinguished by its ability to address challenges and transform them into opportunities for growth and prosperity," Al Ghurair said.
He added that the Comprehensive Financial Institution Resilience Package reflects the confidence, support, and commitment of CBUAE to establishing the appropriate frameworks ensuring the banking and financial sector’s stability and enabling it to fulfil its role in driving socio-economic development, and advancing the UAE’s strategic priorities.
Al Ghurair stated, "The banking and financial sector’s achievements underscore the strength and robustness of the foundations established by the UAE. We reaffirm our commitment to preserving these accomplishments and delivering a secure and seamless banking experience to all customer segments through prudent policies and procedures in risk management, business continuity, and cybersecurity, enhancing stability and readiness.” The CEOs Advisory Council praised the strong performance and achievements of the banking sector in 2025, under the close cooperation between UBF and CBUAE, which is leading the sector's efforts to support the national economy’s growth by establishing the necessary frameworks to ensure financial stability, strengthen monetary and regulatory legislation, and upgrade the financial, banking and insurance sectors.
The meeting discussed UBF’s plans to develop the banking and financial sector and maintain its leading position, stressing the importance of continuing efforts and initiatives to support Emiratisation, sustainability, governance, financial inclusion and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
It also discussed CBUAE’s efforts to launch Takamul, a company specialising in artificial intelligence and big data analytics.
Participants noted that this initiative represents a transformative step in shaping the future of financial services by leveraging AI to enhance resilience across all aspects of the national financial ecosystem, as part of the Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) programme.
They highlighted the importance of this project in developing AI-powered platforms and services, and its role in supporting and maintaining multiple infrastructures, including the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) infrastructure, Instant Payments Platform (Aani), Domestic Card Scheme (Jaywan), National Card Switch, Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system, and Open Finance (Nebras).
The meeting reviewed the latest developments and initiatives to keep pace with the accelerated developments in the global economy, digital transformation, digital infrastructure development plans, enhancing cybersecurity, raising awareness about financial crimes and advanced fraud methods and ways to combat them. It stressed the importance of doubling down efforts to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, supervisory guidelines, and following the highest standards of governance, transparency, and risk management.
Jamal Saleh, Director-General of UBF, said, "Our banking and financial sector continues its growth and development trajectory, further cementing its leading position. This reflects the effectiveness of strategies and policies of CBUAE in supporting growth and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global financial and banking hub.” He affirmed the federation's commitment to ensuring continuous development and to strengthening the resilience, robustness, and adaptability of the banking sector to keep pace with global economic changes and achieve the UAE’s strategic objectives.
Meanwhile the UAE is participating in the Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which will be held in Washington, DC, from 13th to 18th April 2026.
The UAE delegation is led by Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, and includes a number of senior government officials. The delegation will take part in meetings of the World Bank, the IMF, and the Group of Twenty.
The meetings aim to discuss a range of global economic priorities, including the outlook for global economic growth, financial stability, and efforts to enhance fiscal sustainability, as well as issues related to development finance and challenges facing the global economy.
Al Hussaini stressed that the UAE’s participation in the Spring Meetings is part of its commitment to playing an active role in supporting international efforts aimed at enhancing economic stability.
He said that the current global landscape requires intensified joint action to address global economic and financial challenges and build a more resilient and sustainable financial system.
"The UAE is committed to supporting initiatives that drive inclusive economic growth through balanced fiscal policies and innovative financing tools that help stimulate economic development at both regional and international levels," Al Hussaini said. "Through our participation, we look forward to promoting strategic partnerships with international financial institutions and exploring new avenues of cooperation, further cementing the country’s position as a global financial hub and supporting sustainable development and economic prosperity.” As part of the Spring Meetings, the ministry will take part in a series of multilateral meetings, including sessions of the G20 and BRICS, meetings of the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), and a meeting for finance ministers and central bank governors from the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan with the IMF Managing Director.
The delegation will also take part in panel discussions focusing on global economic developments and outlooks.
It will also hold a number of bilateral meetings with international partners and representatives of global financial institutions, alongside participation in several side events, including a panel discussion titled "Zero Government Bureaucracy”, as well as the signing of the World Bank Group’s Explorers Programme agreement.
WAM