CBUAE Initiates 2026 Article IV Consultation with IMF
Faizan Hashmi | November 04, 2026 | 07:00 PM
ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 04th Nov, 2026) Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) and the UAE Governor to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has initiated the 2026 Article IV Consultation mission at the CBUAE headquarters in Abu Dhabi. This marks the beginning of the IMF delegation’s official visit to the country, which will run until November 17, 2026.
The opening session was attended by CBUAE's Assistant Governors and senior officials, as well as the Head of the IMF Mission and members of the delegation.
Balama emphasised the UAE’s commitment to transparency and financial stability through these consultations, as an active IMF member.
The discussions will focus on:
- The UAE’s macroeconomic and inflation outlook.
- Strengthening the banking sector resilience.
- Advancing financial infrastructure.
- Promoting innovation in financial services.
As part of the consultation, the CBUAE will conduct intensive technical meetings with:
- The IMF mission.
- Relevant federal and local government entities.
- Private sector representatives.
Balama noted the UAE’s structural resilience, backed by its advanced logistics and financial infrastructure. He highlighted the strong national economy and its ability to maintain growth.
The CBUAE believes the Article IV Consultation offers a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange with the IMF, strengthening the UAE’s position as a global financial hub and boosting investor confidence.
The consultations occur against the backdrop of a solid economic performance and a positive growth outlook for the UAE:
- Projected economic growth of 1.6% in 2026, accelerating to around 10% in 2027.
- Non-oil sector activities expanding rapidly.
- Ongoing investment in infrastructure projects.
- Increased production capacity in the oil sector.
The total assets of the UAE banking sector have exceeded AED5.7 trillion, reflecting the financial system's soundness and stability.
At the conclusion, the IMF mission will prepare a report summarising its assessment of the UAE economy, including growth outlook and key challenges.