The Arab Monetary Fund and the Central Bank of the UAE Organize the “Financial Health” Conference on the Occasion of the Arab Financial Inclusion Day Under the Theme: “Financial He

Abu Dhabi, April 27, 2026

The Arab Monetary Fund, in collaboration with the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates, inaugurated the “Financial Health” Conference in celebration of the Arab Financial Inclusion Day, with the participation of a wide range of regional and international financial institutions.

The conference highlighted the strategic transformation in the concept of financial inclusion—from focusing on access to financial services to fostering individuals’ financial health—thereby enhancing their ability to achieve financial stability and economic sustainability.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Dr. Fahad M. Alturki, Director General and Chairman of the Board of the Arab Monetary Fund, stated that Arab countries have achieved notable progress in expanding financial inclusion, with financial account ownership reaching approximately 53% by the end of 2024, compared to 43% in 2014. He emphasized that the next phase requires moving from merely enhancing access to financial services to focusing on the actual impact of these services on individuals.

H.E. further noted that achieving true financial inclusion is closely linked to the effective use of financial services. He explained that owning a bank account alone is not sufficient; rather, it is essential to use it as a tool for managing income, mitigating risks, and achieving financial stability. This, in turn, contributes to improving individuals’ financial quality of life and reducing economic vulnerability.

The conference also emphasized the importance of strengthening financial health in light of challenges related to the limited effective use of financial services and low levels of savings, particularly among certain segments of society.

For her part, H.E. Fatma Abdulla Al Jabri, Assistant Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE for Financial Crime, Market Conduct, and Consumer Protection, affirmed that the Central Bank places great importance on supporting financial inclusion and financial health at both the national and regional levels. She noted that this is achieved through the development of policies, regulatory frameworks, and strategic initiatives that keep pace with developments in the financial sector and support its sustainability.

H.E. added that the Central Bank is working to promote innovation in digital financial services and to develop the supporting infrastructure, contributing to expanding access to safe and efficient financial services that meet the needs of all segments of society. She also highlighted the Bank’s commitment to enhancing financial awareness and literacy through programs aimed at empowering individuals and institutions to use financial services responsibly, thereby improving overall financial health, supporting economic stability, and contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals in the UAE.

This conference comes within the framework of a strategic direction that reflects the Arab Monetary Fund’s vision to support economic and financial stability and achieve sustainable growth by empowering individuals and enhancing the efficiency of managing their financial resources.