Central Bank of UAE Hosts MENA Leaders’ Summit on Financial Health
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Central Bank of the UAE is convening regional and international leaders to advance financial health across the Middle East and North Africa.
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) is organising the MENA Leaders’ Summit on Financial Health in Abu Dhabi on 30 September and 1 October 2026, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the CBUAE.
Held in partnership with the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health, the World Bank, the Arab Monetary Fund, the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP) and the Centre for Financial Inclusion (CFI), the Summit operates under the theme “Building on Financial Inclusion: Advancing Financial Health for Resilience in MENA”.
The gathering represents a strategic shift in regional financial policy. Rather than measuring success through account numbers and transaction volumes, the Summit emphasises tangible impact on financial health—encompassing the capacity to withstand economic shocks, build long-term savings, borrow responsibly and demonstrate informed financial behaviour. Participants include central bank governors, financial regulators, international organisations, development institutions, banking and fintech leaders, alongside innovators and academic experts.
Key Announcements and Initiatives
The first day of proceedings has witnessed several significant announcements. The UAE launched its National Financial Literacy Strategy 2027–2031, a comprehensive roadmap designed to equip individuals throughout their lives and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with essential financial knowledge and decision-making skills.
Furthermore, the CBUAE has joined the CGAP Council of Governors, establishing the UAE as the first regional representative on this influential body. This distinction strengthens the nation’s engagement in global dialogue and positions the UAE as a thought leader in financial inclusion and health policy development.
The CBUAE and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) have signed a Letter of Intent to collaborate on financial health, financial sector development and digital public infrastructure governance. Additionally, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, the United Arab Emirates joined the Group of Friends for Financial Health, reinforcing its international commitment to enhancing financial wellbeing.
Innovation and Regional Cooperation
The Summit’s second day will launch the Financial Health Innovation Challenge, an open global initiative inviting practical solutions to enhance financial health for individuals and MSMEs in the UAE. Applications are open until 30 November 2026, with successful solution providers receiving support, grants and partnerships with licensed financial institutions.
Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE, stated: “Organising the MENA Leaders’ Summit on Financial Health reflects the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership to build a stable, innovative, inclusive and responsible financial sector that contributes to improving the quality of life of individuals.” He emphasised that financial health represents an investment in national economic resilience and competitiveness, whilst consolidating the UAE’s position as a leading global financial hub.
Source: WAM