The Tenth Annual Arab Fiscal Forum opened on Tuesday at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, bringing together Arab finance ministers and leading economic institutions to examine how fiscal policy across the region must adapt to global economic shifts and rapid technological change.
Organised by the UAE Ministry of Finance in cooperation with the Arab Monetary Fund and the International Monetary Fund, the forum is being held as part of the preliminary day of the World Governments Summit 2026. Senior officials and economic experts from regional and international financial institutions are taking part in the discussions.
The forum is focusing on fiscal policy directions in the Arab world amid ongoing global uncertainty, with particular attention on balancing economic growth, fiscal sustainability, and climate action. Participants are examining how governments can align budget priorities with long-term development goals while managing rising economic pressures.
Key sessions are addressing future fiscal policy priorities, including the growing impact of digitalisation on public finance. Discussions include the use of government technology and artificial intelligence to improve governance efficiency, optimise public spending, and strengthen resource allocation.
Financing sustainable development is another central theme, with speakers reviewing the role of regional and international financial institutions in supporting Arab countries as they pursue economic and development objectives. The forum is also exploring opportunities and challenges linked to adopting advanced financial technologies to accelerate digital transformation and enhance competitiveness in the financial sector.
The event will conclude with a ministerial roundtable featuring Arab finance ministers and senior leadership from the International Monetary Fund and the Arab Monetary Fund. The session will focus on the implications of technological advances, particularly artificial intelligence, for public finance administration, future expenditure priorities, and the impact of international crises on fiscal and economic policies across the region.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
