The IMF has just wrapped a nine-day mission to the UAE, and the verdict is clear: despite regional geopolitical tensions, the economy is showing remarkable resilience.
In this episode, Nameer Khan, Chairman of the MENA Fintech Association, breaks down what the report actually means, why it matters, and what it signals to global capital.
Topics covered in this episode:
- The IMF’s verdict on the UAE economy
- Why banking sector resilience didn’t happen by accident
- Inside the Central Bank’s March resilience package
- How trade, aviation, and logistics held steady through regional turmoil
- Why the UAE’s fiscal surplus reflects policy, not just oil prices
- What’s next: financial infrastructure, global talent, and climate finance
- The UAE as a “safe harbour” for global capital
Key figures discussed:
- UAE banking sector assets: AED 5.34 trillion in 2025 (+17% YoY)
- Non-oil sector: approximately 74-79% of the economy
Nameer Khan is Founder and Chairman of the MENA Fintech Association (MFTA), the leading platform driving fintech innovation and collaboration across the Middle East and North Africa region.
