AGP Executive Report

Global Finance: The UAE signed its agreement to host the 2029 World Bank and IMF annual meetings in Abu Dhabi. IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva praised the country’s infrastructure and said she expects an exceptional event. Regional Security: President Sheikh Mohamed and Vice President Sheikh Mansour met Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman in Abu Dhabi as Houthi attacks intensify, discussing regional developments and closer cooperation. Government: Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed appointed Marwah Fadel as the first director-general of the newly established Community-Managed Virtual Authority, which will involve skilled community members in executive roles. Strategic Partnerships: A UAE delegation has concluded a visit to China, exploring cooperation and investment in clean energy, storage, hydrogen, nuclear power and smart mobility. Digital Services: Abu Dhabi has launched TAMM Global to expand its AI-powered government services platform internationally.

UAE–Saudi Security: President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Vice President Sheikh Mansour met Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman in Abu Dhabi as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia intensified. The talks focused on closer coordination and regional security; the GCC also condemned the attacks and backed Saudi Arabia’s right to defend itself. The UAE is reportedly preparing to resume funding anti-Houthi forces in Yemen, with Saudi air cover. Global Finance: The UAE signed an agreement to host the IMF and World Bank Group’s 2029 annual meetings in Abu Dhabi, following its participation in this year’s meetings in Bangkok. Dubai Economy: Dubai’s economic zones recorded Dh246 billion in trade in the first half of 2026, up 17% year on year.**

Yemen Conflict: The UAE is reportedly set to resume funding some anti-Houthi forces in Yemen, with Saudi Arabia providing air cover—a possible thaw in the two Gulf states’ rift. Neither government has confirmed the reported deal. Abu Dhabi Diplomacy: The UAE has signed an agreement with the World Bank and IMF to begin preparations for their 2029 Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi, a vote of confidence in the emirate’s ability to host global financial leaders. AI Governance: IBM research says 75% of surveyed UAE executives had an AI-related incident reach board or C-suite attention in the past year, raising pressure on companies to strengthen oversight as AI agents take on more decisions. Abu Dhabi Services: The Environment Agency has launched a network to coordinate wildlife rescues, bringing government bodies, researchers, charities and community members into a shared response system. Dubai Economy: The emirate’s real GDP fell 2.3% year-on-year to Dh473 billion in the first half of 2026, while financial services and healthcare continued to grow.

Yemen and Saudi Arabia: The UAE has reportedly agreed to resume funding some Yemeni forces opposing the Houthis in return for Saudi air support, signalling renewed coordination as Houthi attacks hit Saudi airports and energy sites. Abu Dhabi also condemned the attacks in talks with Riyadh. Diplomacy: Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand met Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed in the UAE to discuss regional stability and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as Ottawa steps up Gulf diplomacy. China Ties: Ras Al Khaimah Ruler Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi began a working visit to China, with meetings, a business summit and plans for a new emirate representative office in Guangzhou. Digital Government: Abu Dhabi is taking its TAMM AI-powered government services platform global through a new company established under directives from Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed. Global Role: Emirati Ali Alhosani became the first UAE national elected an executive director at the IMF.

Regional Security: Houthi attacks on Saudi targets and disruption at Riyadh’s airport have intensified Gulf security concerns. The UAE’s Federal National Council speaker said Gulf and European security are inseparable and require mutual commitments. Digital Government: Abu Dhabi is taking its TAMM platform global, establishing TAMM Global to export AI-powered government services under Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed’s directives. Diplomacy: UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed is due to meet India’s S. Jaishankar in Mumbai on October 19–20, with both sides reaffirming strategic ties amid regional tensions. Emirati Ali Alhosani was elected the first UAE national to serve as an IMF executive director. Media Scrutiny: Abu Dhabi-backed IMI rejected Ofcom’s finding that its proposed Telegraph takeover risked press freedom, keeping the high-profile UK deal under scrutiny.

Digital Government: Abu Dhabi has created TAMM Global to take its AI-powered government services platform to international markets, building on a system that brings together more than 1,200 services. Global Finance: Ali Alhosani has become the first Emirati elected executive director at the IMF, representing the Arab Group and the Maldives. Media Regulation: Abu Dhabi-based IMI rejected Ofcom’s report on the failed Telegraph bid, challenging its methods and defending the editorial independence of its media outlets. Gulf-Europe Security: FNC Speaker Saqr Ghobash told a Brussels parliamentary meeting that Gulf and European security are inseparable, calling for reciprocal commitments and regular consultation. Federal Budget: The UAE Cabinet approved Dh292.5 billion in federal spending for 2027–29. Defence Ties: A UAE delegation visited Azerbaijan for the joint “Falcons Meet – 2026” tactical flight exercise and discussed expanding special forces cooperation.

Diplomacy: Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed met Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to discuss closer cooperation in trade, investment, technology and innovation, alongside regional developments. Regional Security: The GCC-EU summit planned for Riyadh was postponed after Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia disrupted airport operations and raised safety concerns for visiting delegates. UAE–Israel Ties: Israeli planning authorities approved a permanent UAE embassy complex in Herzliya, with a 15-storey building planned for diplomatic offices and staff residences. Trade and Investment: UAE ministers met Georgia’s economy and foreign trade ministers to advance ties under their trade partnership, with discussions spanning investment, energy, transport and tourism.

Gulf Security: UAE leaders sent condolences to Saudi Arabia after deadly attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, as regional tensions put Gulf security back in focus. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed and India’s S. Jaishankar reviewed strategic ties and global issues in Abu Dhabi. At the CICA summit in Baku, UAE Minister Khalifa bin Shaheen Al Marar said Azerbaijan’s priorities aligned with the UAE’s push for dialogue, stability and multilateral cooperation. Government Priorities: Sheikh Hamdan told young global leaders in Dubai that investing in their skills and mentorship is an investment in future prosperity. The UAE’s approved AED292.5 billion federal budget for 2027–29 sets the government’s spending framework for the coming years. Public Services: Abu Dhabi Police launched a sign-language platform to help deaf and hard-of-hearing people access services directly and independently.

Diplomacy: At the Raisina Middle East forum in Abu Dhabi, India’s S. Jaishankar urged reform of global institutions and praised closer India-UAE cooperation. He also met UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed to discuss bilateral and global issues. Economic Policy: A UAE delegation at the IMF and World Bank meetings in Bangkok highlighted diversification, digital innovation and financial stability, with the central bank governor projecting growth of around 10% in 2027. Regional Security: Iranian attacks sank two ships in the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring growing risks to a vital trade route and energy supplies. Growth and Investment: At the Sharjah Investment Forum, the UAE economy minister said GDP grew 6.2% in 2025, with non-oil activity making up more than 79% of GDP in the first half of 2026.

Regional Tensions: Iranian leaders reportedly fear renewed US strikes, as Tehran warns of further conflict—a concern for Gulf security. China Ties: UAE President’s envoy Khaldoon Al Mubarak met China’s Wang Yi in Beijing, with both sides voicing support for deeper strategic cooperation. Government Innovation: Mansour bin Zayed established a community-managed virtual authority, designed to involve citizens in developing and delivering national projects. Federal Policy: The UAE approved AED292.5 billion in spending for 2027–29, while a legal amendment decriminalising attempted suicide is expected to make it easier to seek help. Economic Resilience: At an IMF meeting in Bangkok, Central Bank Governor Khaled Balama pointed to diversification, fiscal buffers and investment in technology as pillars of the UAE’s resilience. Global Health: UAE-backed Beginnings Fund pledged $90 million over five years to expand maternal and newborn care in Ethiopia.

Presidential Court: Under President Sheikh Mohamed’s directives, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed established a Community-Managed Virtual Authority and appointed Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed as its chairman. The new body will use a flexible model that gives members of the public executive responsibilities. Abu Dhabi Business: The emirate is making faster business setup and launch a priority, aiming to simplify approvals and connect services across government so investors can move from decision to operation sooner. AI Governance: The UAE and the World Economic Forum have launched work on global principles for using agentic AI in government strategy and decision-making, with a focus on safeguards and accountability. Regional Security: UAE officials condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and called for stronger Gulf coordination on defence as strikes disrupt regional air travel. Federal Budget: The Cabinet approved Dh292.5 billion in spending for 2027–2029; the 2027 allocation is Dh90.1 billion, with social development and pensions receiving Dh34.6 billion.

Federal Budget: The Cabinet approved Dh292.5 billion in federal spending for 2027–29, a 28.3% increase on the previous cycle, with the plan focused on public services and development. Gulf Security: After Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, the UAE condemned the strikes and called for stronger joint Gulf defence; Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed also spoke with his Saudi counterpart. Dubai Development: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said nearly Dh2.1 trillion in projects are under way across housing, transport, aviation and infrastructure. Abu Dhabi Infrastructure: The emirate has tapped Elon Musk’s Boring Company to develop underground transport and utility tunnels. Higher Education: Acting minister Abdulrahman Al Awar urged universities to overhaul courses and teaching methods, saying AI and changing job needs demand closer ties between education and industry.

Gulf Security: The UAE is calling for stronger joint Gulf defence as Houthi attacks hit Saudi Arabia, with Riyadh’s main airport closed and flights disrupted. Iran has separately threatened US-linked data centres and AI facilities in the Gulf if Washington resumes attacks. Federal Budget: The Cabinet approved Dh292.5 billion in federal spending for 2027–2029, up 28.3% from the previous budget cycle, with officials framing the plan around citizens’ welfare and future development. Diplomacy: Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand is visiting the UAE from October 13 to 16 as part of a regional tour focused on trade, energy and security cooperation. Economic Policy: Abu Dhabi is planning Dh250 billion in energy investment as demand from AI grows, while the UAE says companies caught falsely nominating citizens for Emiratisation have fallen by 358 in a year.

Federal Budget: The UAE Cabinet approved AED292.5 billion in federal spending for 2027–29, up 28.3% from the previous three years. The 2027 budget allocates AED34.6 billion to social development and pensions, its largest category. Energy and AI: Abu Dhabi plans to invest AED250 billion in energy and water infrastructure through 2035 as AI and industry drive electricity demand. The emirate aims for clean sources to supply 60% of its power. Gulf Security: The UAE is urging stronger joint Gulf defence after deadly Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. Separately, Emirati and Azerbaijani forces have begun a joint tactical air exercise in Azerbaijan, involving aircraft and air-defence assets.

Gulf Security: UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash called for renewed joint Gulf action on security and defence, warning that Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia threaten the security of the entire region. Gaza Aid: The UAE sent 259 tonnes of food to Gaza in two convoys through its aid operation from Egypt. Political Accountability: UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham says he will publish details of his dealings with Manchester City and its Abu Dhabi-linked owners, amid criticism of his response to the club’s Premier League financial-rules verdict. Trade Ties: The UAE and Singapore are seeking to expand trade and investment after non-oil trade grew 25.3% in 2025.

Regional Security: The UAE condemned attacks on Riyadh airport and voiced full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, as strikes killed civilians and disrupted airport operations. Sheikh Hamdan also called for the kingdom’s security and stability. UAE-UK Ties: UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham says he will publish details of his dealings with Manchester City during his time as mayor, after criticism of his support for the club’s Abu Dhabi owners. City denies wrongdoing and is appealing a verdict that it breached league financial rules. Trade and Finance: UAE and Singapore ministers discussed expanding trade and investment ties, while the UAE Central Bank and Bank Al-Maghrib convened a forum on aligning Sharia standards in Islamic finance. Maritime Security: UAE authorities rescued 22 sailors from a burning tanker off Ras Al Khaimah as attacks on commercial shipping raise risks across Gulf waters.