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ABU DHABI, May 7, 2026 – The World Bank and the United Arab Emirates signed a partnership framework to support the UAE in advancing its investment climate reforms and strengthening its position as a global destination for foreign direct investment. The partnership focuses on further enhancing the predictability, transparency, and international competitiveness of the UAE’s investment environment, in line with the country’s strategic priorities.
Under this partnership framework with the UAE Ministry of Investment, the World Bank will deploy its global knowledge and expertise to support a comprehensive investment reform agenda, with a focus on strengthening the institutional foundations that attract and sustain high quality investment, while positioning the UAE to capture emerging opportunities in an evolving global investment landscape.
"This partnership reflects the World Bank's commitment to supporting the UAE in building a world-class investment environment," said Boutheina Guermazi, World Bank Director for Strategy and Operations for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan region (MENAAP). "By combining global expertise with locally tailored solutions, we aim to help the UAE attract and retain high-quality investment that drives inclusive and sustainable economic growth."
H.E. Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment added: "Building on the longstanding collaboration between the UAE and the World Bank, anchored in the 2019 framework agreement with the Ministry of Finance, this partnership reaffirms our ambition to position the UAE as a strategic gateway for global investment. Entering the world's top 10 FDI destinations in 2024 was a milestone, and our ambition is to double annual FDI by 2031 to reach US$65 billion. We remain committed to an investment climate that is ever more transparent, agile, and competitive."
This partnership directly supports the UAE's broader national objectives, including those articulated under its National Investment Strategy, to position the country as a global hub for investment, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
Ashraf Al-Saeed
From the UAE Ministry of Investment
About The World Bank
The World Bank Group has a bold vision: to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. In more than 100 countries, the World Bank Group provides financing, advice, and innovative solutions that improve lives by creating jobs, strengthening economic growth, and confronting the most urgent global challenges. For more information, please visit www.worldbank.org, www.miga.org, and www.ifc.org.
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