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AIIB Transitions Abu Dhabi Interim Hub Into Permanent Regional Office

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has formally converted its Abu Dhabi interim operational hub into a permanent regional office. The location anchors infrastructure and trade financing connecting Asia, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Africa. Capitalized at $100 billion, the Beijing-based lender will leverage the base to expand sovereign and private-sector partnerships.

Issuing authority
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
Jurisdiction
United Arab Emirates
Publication date
September 24, 2026
Stage
Final rule
Official source
www.aiib.org
Photo: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

The Beijing-headquartered Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has announced the formal transition of its interim operational hub in the United Arab Emirates into a permanent regional office in Abu Dhabi.

The base was initially established in 2023 as the multilateral lender's first international operational office outside China. It serves as an operational anchor for trade and infrastructure financing linking Asia, the Gulf, and Africa.

AIIB President and Chair Zou Jiayi stated that the permanent hub will increase institutional capacity to structure high-impact infrastructure transactions.

With $100 billion in capitalization and 111 member states, the bank plans to use the Abu Dhabi office to strengthen sovereign and private-sector partnerships across the Gulf Cooperation Council. The office will also support regional sustainable development initiatives and manage public-sector financing projects in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Sources

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