The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank’s (AIIB) Interim Operational Hub in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has transitioned from interim status and is now formally established as the AIIB Office, Abu Dhabi.
Since opening in 2023, the interim space, the Bank’s first presence outside its Beijing headquarters, has supported AIIB’s engagement with governments, investors and development partners across South Asia, the Middle East, Africa and other regional markets. Its Abu Dhabi location has placed the Bank at the crossroads of major trade, investment and connectivity corridors linking Asia with other regions.
Building on this foundation, the Abu Dhabi office will have a more defined regional and business focus. It will deepen the Bank’s engagement with clients and partners across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), support public-sector business development and operations in Sub-Saharan Africa and, on an interim basis, continue to support public-sector activities in South Asia.
“The transition of our Abu Dhabi presence from an interim arrangement to a formally established part of AIIB’s operating model marks a significant step in the Bank’s development of its global presence,” said Zou Jiayi, AIIB President and Chair of the Board of Directors. “It strengthens our ability to work more closely with members and clients, originate and deliver high-quality infrastructure investments and build partnerships across regions. We are grateful to the Government of the UAE for its strong support and look forward to building on what we have achieved together.”
Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Governor to AIIB, said: “Infrastructure is shaping the next phase of economic growth. Growing economies need reliable energy, modern transport and logistics, stronger industrial capacity and the digital infrastructure to compete. Financing the infrastructure of tomorrow and mobilizing the capital that can turn those priorities into projects is at the heart of AIIB’s mission. The formal establishment of AIIB’s Abu Dhabi Office brings the Bank closer to economies and partners working to meet those needs. Abu Dhabi sits at the intersection of Asia, the Middle East and Africa and brings together investors, developers and institutions with experience delivering complex projects. We look forward to working with AIIB to connect capital, expertise and opportunity—and help build the infrastructure that enables growth across regions.”
The Abu Dhabi office will continue to support business development, project preparation and implementation, knowledge exchange, the mobilization of public and private capital and engagement with the UAE’s financial and investment ecosystem. Cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development will support development finance cooperation and institutional coordination in relevant areas. The office will also provide a platform for broader engagement with regional partners, including UAE government institutions, development and financial institutions, investors, infrastructure and renewable-energy companies, knowledge partners and the private sector.
About AIIB
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is a multilateral development bank dedicated to financing “Infrastructure for Tomorrow,” with sustainability at its core. AIIB began operations in 2016, now has 111 approved members worldwide, is capitalized at USD100 billion, and is AAA-rated by major international credit rating agencies. AIIB collaborates with partners to mobilize capital and invest in infrastructure and other productive sectors that foster sustainable economic development and enhance regional connectivity.
