Beijing, China – The United Arab Emirates has underscored its continued commitment to global partnerships and the advancement of sustainable development goals during the annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Board of Governors, held in Beijing from June 24 to 26.
Leading the UAE delegation, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and the UAE’s Governor to AIIB, took part in a high-level roundtable discussion on the sidelines of the summit. The event brought together global leaders to review the bank’s progress and outline strategies for the next phase of infrastructure investment across its 110 member states.
UAE Applauds AIIB’s Role in Global Infrastructure Development
Dr. Al Jaber commended the AIIB for its significant achievements in financing transformative infrastructure projects. He highlighted the bank’s growing impact across member nations and emphasized the UAE’s unwavering support for its mission.
“The UAE’s support for the AIIB is a reflection of our leadership’s vision to promote multilateral cooperation, economic advancement, and bridge-building among nations,” said Dr. Al Jaber.
In a meeting with AIIB’s new president, Zou Jiayi, Dr. Al Jaber reiterated the UAE’s long-standing backing of the bank’s efforts to enhance its global footprint. He also noted that the bank’s initiatives have played a vital role in improving quality of life and raising living standards in numerous countries.
UAE’s Strategic Role as a Founding Member
The UAE joined AIIB as a founding and permanent member in 2015 and has since been a key contributor to the institution’s growth. In 2023, the UAE cemented its role further by hosting the AIIB’s first operational office outside China, located at the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
This office has significantly bolstered AIIB’s presence in the Middle East and contributed to more efficient project execution across the region. Mohamed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and the UAE’s Alternate Governor to AIIB, noted the success of the ADGM office in extending the bank’s reach and operational capabilities.
AIIB’s Expanding Global Impact and Climate Focus
Established with a total capital base of $100 billion, the AIIB has approved over $60 billion in financing to date, supporting 318 projects globally. According to the bank’s 2024 annual report, 51 new projects were approved in 19 member countries this year alone, amounting to $8.4 billion in total financing.
Significantly, AIIB has exceeded its climate financing target well ahead of schedule. In 2024, 67% of its total $5.6 billion in funding was allocated to sustainable projects—surpassing its 2025 goal of 50%. Among these were major renewable energy ventures delivering over 21 gigawatts of capacity and helping to avoid an estimated 28 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
UAE’s Vision Aligned with AIIB’s Sustainable Goals
The UAE’s participation in AIIB aligns with its broader economic and environmental goals, including its Net Zero 2050 strategy. Through its engagement with AIIB, the UAE is not only supporting global infrastructure growth but also reinforcing its leadership in climate action and sustainable development financing.
Dr. Al Jaber concluded his remarks by reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to furthering AIIB’s mission and fostering strategic collaboration to meet the evolving needs of the global economy.
“As the world faces complex challenges, it is more important than ever for nations and institutions to work together in pursuit of sustainable and inclusive development,” he said. “The UAE is proud to be part of that effort.”
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