CBUAE and World Bank Partner on Financial Inclusion Initiatives in the UAE
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has signed an agreement with the World Bank Group to work together on financial inclusion, financial literacy, and consumer protection initiatives across the country. The partnership is designed to support broader efforts to strengthen access to financial services and improve consumer outcomes in the UAE’s financial sector.
According to the announcement, the collaboration will place particular emphasis on digital fraud prevention principles and the development of more effective dispute resolution mechanisms for the banking and insurance sectors. These areas have become increasingly important as financial services continue to expand digitally and consumer protection expectations rise alongside adoption.
The two organisations are also preparing to host the second edition of the Regional Summit on Financial Health and Inclusion, which is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi in September 2026. The summit is expected to bring together stakeholders focused on financial health, inclusion, and policy development in the region.
Fatma Abdulla Al Jabri, Assistant Governor for Financial Crime, Market Conduct and Consumer Protection at the CBUAE, said the agreement reflects the central bank’s commitment to advancing financial inclusion, financial literacy, and consumer protection as key pillars of a more informed and responsible financial society.
She added that the regulator is working with public- and private-sector entities to develop the National Financial Literacy Strategy, with the aim of supporting a more sustainable financial ecosystem for individuals and businesses.
Ousmane Dione, Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan at the World Bank Group, said the agreement reinforces the depth of the institution’s partnership with the CBUAE. He noted that both organisations share a commitment to strengthening the UAE’s position as a leader in financial inclusion and financial health.
The agreement comes as financial regulators across the region continue to place greater focus on consumer awareness, fraud prevention, and dispute handling frameworks. As digital banking and other online financial services expand, the need for stronger safeguards and clearer consumer support channels has become more prominent.
Industry Analysis
The CBUAE’s partnership with the World Bank underscores the growing role of financial literacy and consumer protection in modern banking regulation. By focusing on fraud prevention and dispute resolution, the initiative aligns with the operational realities of a more digital financial ecosystem, where trust and transparency are critical to adoption.
For the UAE, the collaboration may also support long-term policy goals by helping build a more resilient and inclusive financial system. The planned financial health summit in Abu Dhabi suggests that financial inclusion is becoming a regional policy priority, not only a domestic one. If implemented effectively, the initiative could help improve consumer confidence while supporting broader economic participation.
