UAE Central Bank Meets People’s Bank of China at Bangkok IMF Meetings

A high-level UAE financial delegation participated in the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, held in Bangkok from 12 to 18 October, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM). During the gathering, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) conducted bilateral discussions with the People's Bank of China.

The talks between the two central banks centered on expanding bilateral cross-border payment systems, financial innovation, and sustainable finance cooperation. The institutions also explored mechanisms to improve trade settlement and interbank connectivity between UAE and Chinese financial entities.

In addition to the meetings with China, CBUAE held bilateral talks with the Bank of Korea, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and the National Bank of Ethiopia. The central bank also signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Bank of Georgia covering monetary policy, banking supervision, payment systems, and financial technology.

During the summit, the UAE signed a formal agreement confirming Abu Dhabi as the host city for the 2029 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings. The meetings also marked the election of Ali Mohamed Al Hosani as the first Emirati Executive Director at the IMF. Separately, CBUAE, the UAE Ministry of Finance, and the UAE Banks Federation hosted the Annual UAE Banks Reception in Bangkok, attended by more than 600 financial sector leaders.