By Staff Reporter
The Central Bank of the UAE opened the Middle East and North Africa Leaders’ Summit on Financial Inclusion in Abu Dhabi, marking the first time the event has been held in the country and reinforcing the UAE’s push to advance inclusive and sustainable financial systems.
The two day summit was inaugurated by Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The event is hosted in partnership with the Arab Monetary Fund and the World Bank and brought together senior officials from central banks, financial authorities, government entities, and international organisations across the region.
Held under the theme Shaping Regional and Global Agendas, the summit explores digital innovation, consumer protection, gender equity, and financial well being as key pillars of a stronger and more resilient financial ecosystem. In his opening remarks, Balama highlighted the UAE’s commitment to financial inclusion as part of its long term economic vision.
The first day saw the unveiling of the UAE National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2026–2030. Developed with the World Bank, OECD, and Arab Monetary Fund, and supported by more than 70 national stakeholders, the strategy sets a national framework to expand fair and secure access to financial services.
The plan focuses on strengthening legislation, accelerating digital transformation, promoting financial literacy, and integrating data and artificial intelligence to support innovation and policymaking. It outlines 12 initiatives, including universal financial accounts, targeted products for women, youth, and people of determination, and enhanced support for entrepreneurs and MSMEs.
The summit also featured the announcement of the regional Findex results, sessions on financial health, and confirmation that the UAE will host Global Money Week in 2026.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
