{
  "id": 15690636,
  "title": "How to make the most of Abu Dhabi 2029",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/how-to-make-the-most-of-abu-dhabi-2029",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-20T03:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/editorial/2026/10/20/imf-world-bank-abu-dhabi-annual-meetings-2029-uae-economy/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 2003, Dubai successfully hosted the World Bank and International Monetary Fund's Annual Meetings, a significant event for the UAE and the Middle East during a period of rapid economic growth. At that time, the US-led invasion of Iraq had toppled Saddam Hussein, leading to far-reaching consequences across the region. Today, the UAE remains ambitious with its future goals, as the second-largest Arab economy. However, the region is currently facing turmoil due to the ongoing conflict between Iran, the US and Israel, and Yemen's resurgence as a flashpoint for violence. The World Bank and IMF will once again convene in Abu Dhabi in three years' time, providing an opportunity for the UAE to showcase its leadership and contribute to shaping the global economic discourse. As developing countries grapple with expensive borrowing, unsustainable debt, and falling development aid, climate change, and technological disruption, it is crucial to explore innovative solutions. The UAE's strategic position as a trading hub and its engagement with multilateral and minilateral groupings like Brics give it unique connections across different economic and political systems. The 2029 meetings present a chance for the UAE to bring together the global financial elite, fostering constructive debate on the future of the global economy and its fair distribution of resources. The UAE's recent success in electing Ali Alhosani as the first Emirati executive director at the IMF signifies its growing influence in global governance. The success of the 2029 meetings will depend on the UAE's ability to give a platform to smaller economies and indebted nations, promoting a spirit of cooperative dialogue without pressuring everyone to agree. Ultimately, the UAE's ability to challenge the status quo and facilitate meaningful change will determine the long-term success of these meetings.",
  "summary": "Twenty-three years ago, Dubai hosted the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund . These important conversations took place during a pivotal year for the UAE and the wider Middle East. The country’s economic ambitions were being realised and expanded – the launch of Emirates airline being a prime example. A few months earlier, the US-led invasion of Iraq toppled Saddam…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "How to make the most of Abu Dhabi 2029",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/how-to-make-the-most-of-abu-dhabi-2029-15692526",
        "published": "2026-10-20T03:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}