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AIIB Transitions Abu Dhabi Interim Hub Into Permanent Regional Office

The Beijing-headquartered Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has turned its UAE interim operational hub into a permanent regional office in Abu Dhabi. The hub connects infrastructure and trade financing across Asia, the Gulf, and Africa. The $100 billion institution aims to deepen sovereign and private-sector partnerships across the GCC.

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) announced the formal transition of its UAE interim operational hub into a permanent regional office in Abu Dhabi. First launched in 2023, the hub was the multilateral lender's first international operational office outside China.

According to the bank, the Abu Dhabi office anchors trade and infrastructure financing between Asia, the Gulf, and Africa. AIIB President and Chair Zou Jiayi stated that the permanent hub will enhance institutional capacity to structure high-impact infrastructure transactions.

Capitalized at $100 billion and comprising 111 member states, the bank plans to utilize the Abu Dhabi office to deepen 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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