FAB and IMD Summit Convenes Global Leaders to Shape Future of Banking and Economic Competitiveness
First Abu Dhabi Bank partnered with the prestigious Institute for Management Development to bring together senior figures from government, business and academia to examine the evolving drivers of economic competitiveness and the transformation of banking.
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) brought together prominent leaders from government, business, finance and academia at the FAB x IMD Competitiveness Summit 2026, held in Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the Institute for Management Development (IMD), the independent Swiss-based business school and executive education institution.
The summit examined the multifaceted factors shaping the next phase of global economic competitiveness and banking transformation. Discussions centred on how the foundations of competitiveness are evolving in the context of rapid technological change and persistent global uncertainty, with particular emphasis on economic resilience, government effectiveness, institutional strength and sustained strategic investment.
Participants explored the increasingly vital role of innovation and artificial intelligence in driving future economic growth. The forum drew upon insights from the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, which evaluates 70 economies across 341 criteria encompassing Economic Performance, Government Efficiency, Business Efficiency and Infrastructure.
The United Arab Emirates demonstrated exceptional performance in the ranking, securing 5th position globally, whilst achieving 1st place in Economic Performance and 4th position in Government Efficiency. These achievements underscore the Emirates’ standing among the world’s most competitive economies and its leading position within the region.
The summit examined how the drivers of competitiveness continue to evolve, with strong institutions, policy effectiveness and long-term investment becoming increasingly critical to economies’ capacity to attract capital, encourage innovation and navigate uncertainty. Participants discussed strategies for strengthening economic resilience whilst remaining receptive to investment, innovation and international opportunity, and how adaptability can support sustainable development through periods of technological and economic transition.
A significant focus of the dialogue centred on the future of banking and financial services. Discussions explored the sector’s shift towards client-led business models, the expanding influence of artificial intelligence and automation, and the importance of integrating digital capabilities with human-centred support. Participants examined how emerging regulation, digital assets and innovative technologies are shaping the next generation of banking, and the capabilities financial institutions must develop to maintain relevance as technology and customer expectations continue to advance.
The summit reflects FAB’s commitment to facilitating high-level discourse on the forces reshaping economies, industries and financial services, whilst supporting the UAE’s strategic objective to remain at the forefront of global competitiveness and economic transformation.
Source: WAM