The Central Bank of the UAE, under the leadership of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, continues its impressive trajectory of modernization and strengthening the nation’s financial infrastructure. This article delves into the key outcomes of the recent Central Bank board meeting, highlighting advancements in digital currency, financial stability, nationalization programs, and regulatory frameworks. The focus remains on how the المصرف المركزي الإماراتي (Emirati Central Bank) is shaping the future of finance within the UAE and beyond.
اجتماع مجلس إدارة المصرف المركزي الإماراتي: رؤية مستقبلية للقطاع المالي (UAE Central Bank Board Meeting: A Future Vision for the Financial Sector)
Under the esteemed chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Central Bank of the UAE, the bank’s board convened recently at the Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. The meeting gathered key figures, including Deputy Chairmen Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh and Jassim Mohammed Bouatabah Al Zaabi, Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama, and a full complement of board members and assistant governors. The session proudly showcased the المصرف المركزي الإماراتي (Emirati Central Bank)’s accomplishments in 2025 and outlined ambitious plans for the year ahead.
تعزيز الاستقرار المالي والتحول الرقمي (Strengthening Financial Stability and Digital Transformation)
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan lauded the impactful strides made by the Central Bank in 2025, emphasizing their crucial role in bolstering the national financial sector. His Highness underscored the bank’s unwavering commitment, guided by the nation’s leadership, to implementing innovative strategies. These strategies are geared towards solidifying financial stability, enhancing efficiency, and driving the digital transformation agenda.
Specifically, the board reviewed the progress of key projects aimed at modernizing banking operations and supporting services. Notable examples include the International Central Securities Depository (ICSD) project and the Instant Gross Settlement (IGS) system. These initiatives will not only streamline processes but also position the UAE as a frontrunner in global financial technology. Furthermore, discussions revolved around the crucial role of digital finance in the current economic landscape.
منصة “جسر” والربط مع أنظمة الدفع (The “Jesser” Platform & Connections to Payment Systems)
A significant focus was placed on the “Jesser” platform, a central bank digital currency (CBDC) initiative intended to facilitate cross-border payments. The board noted progress in onboarding other central banks to the platform, along with integration with the UAE’s Instant Payment System (IPI) and the domestic card payment scheme, “Jaywan”. This integration promises to significantly reduce transaction costs and settlement times, furthering the UAE’s position as a key hub for international trade and finance. Plans are in motion to expand Jesser’s reach through the inclusion of more central banks in 2026. This expansion aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy to actively participate in and shape the future of global financial connectivity.
برنامج إثراء للتوطين: تحقيق نتائج ملموسة (The “Ithraa” Nationalization Program: Achieving Tangible Results)
The meeting also highlighted the successful implementation of the “Ithraa” program – a comprehensive initiative aimed at increasing the representation of Emirati nationals in the banking, financial, and insurance sectors. The program, spanning from 2023 to 2026, has already achieved 95% of its targets. To date, it has successfully placed 9,754 Emirati citizens in relevant roles, demonstrating a tangible commitment to human capital development. This is vital for long-term, sustainable growth within the UAE’s economic framework. Building a skilled and nationalized workforce is a core objective of the government’s vision.
تحديث الأنظمة الرقابية والتشريعات (Updating Regulatory Systems and Legislation)
Ensuring a safe and efficient financial ecosystem requires robust regulatory frameworks. The council reviewed plans to enhance oversight and compliance within both the banking and insurance industries. Subsequently, they approved the issuance of three new regulations: a licensing system for insurance companies, a regulation for insurance brokers, and a regulation governing telephone marketing.
The latter is particularly important, as it reflects adherence to Cabinet Resolution No. 56 of 2024 concerning telephone marketing practices, designed to protect consumers and improve market integrity. The المصرف المركزي الإماراتي (Emirati Central Bank) demonstrates a proactive stance towards consumer protection and market regulation.
مراجعة مشاريع البنية التحتية المالية والمبادرات الاستراتيجية (Reviewing Financial Infrastructure Projects and Strategic Initiatives)
The board comprehensively reviewed ongoing projects related to the national financial infrastructure transformation program. This included a detailed look at the bank’s governance structure, initiatives to promote nationalization, international collaborations, and the strategies of its subsidiary companies. Reports from various departments within the Central Bank were also analyzed, leading to informed decisions aligned with the nation’s evolving financial priorities. The continuous assessment of these elements ensures that the المصرف المركزي الإماراتي (Emirati Central Bank) remains dynamic and responsive to market needs.
نحو مستقبل مالي رائد (Towards a Leading Financial Future)
The recent board meeting of the المصرف المركزي الإماراتي (Emirati Central Bank) signifies a continued commitment to innovation, stability, and sustainable growth within the UAE’s financial sector. Through initiatives like Jesser and Ithraa, coupled with diligent regulatory updates, the bank is not only solidifying its own position but also actively shaping the future of finance, both regionally and globally. The emphasis on digital transformation and economic diversification underscores the UAE’s ambition to remain at the forefront of the modern global economy.
Readers are encouraged to follow the Central Bank’s official channels for further updates on these promising developments and to explore the opportunities presented by a rapidly evolving financial landscape.