United Arab Emirates' Minister of State for Financial Affairs, Mohamed Al Hussaini, recently met with Ousmane Dione, the World Bank's Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The high-level discussion, held at the UAE Ministry of Finance headquarters in Dubai, focused on strengthening collaboration on development initiatives critical to the region's economic growth and prosperity.
The meeting underscored the UAE's commitment to working alongside the World Bank in tackling MENA's most pressing challenges. Discussions revolved around leveraging innovative solutions and maximizing the region's vast potential. Specific areas of interest included fostering private sector development, creating job opportunities, and promoting sustainable economic practices.
Al Hussaini emphasized the UAE's vision for a future-proof MENA region, driven by knowledge-based economies and empowered by human capital. He commended the World Bank's ongoing efforts in the region, particularly the establishment of the MENA Tech Hub in Abu Dhabi. This initiative aims to leverage the UAE's advanced technological infrastructure to drive regional development by providing innovative solutions and generating employment opportunities.
Dione expressed the World Bank's appreciation for the UAE's proactive role in fostering regional development. He acknowledged the UAE's leadership in various sectors and highlighted the potential for collaboration on knowledge-sharing and capacity building across the MENA region.
The meeting also explored avenues for collaboration on the World Bank's Human Capital Project and the Gender Equality for Development program. Both initiatives resonate with the UAE's own national development priorities, emphasizing the importance of investing in people to achieve sustainable economic growth.
The strategic dialogue between Al Hussaini and Dione signifies a renewed commitment to a strong UAE-World Bank partnership. This collaboration holds immense potential to drive positive change and shape a brighter future for the MENA region.