Dubai: The Tenth Annual Arab Fiscal Forum opened today at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. The forum is organised by the Ministry of Finance in cooperation with the Arab Monetary Fund and the International Monetary Fund.
According to Emirates News Agency, the forum is being held as a preliminary event to the World Governments Summit 2026. It features participation from Arab finance ministers and a group of economic experts and officials from regional and international financial institutions. The primary focus of the forum is to discuss fiscal policy directions in the Arab region in light of global economic developments, aiming to balance economic growth requirements, fiscal sustainability, and climate action.
The forum is set to explore future fiscal policy priorities, notably the impact of digitalisation on public finance. This includes the use of government technology and artificial intelligence to enhance governance efficiency, optimise public spending, and improve resource allocation. Participants are also examining mechanisms for financing sustainable development and the role of regional and international financial institutions in supporting Arab countries' economic and development goals.
Additionally, the forum addresses opportunities and challenges related to the adoption of advanced financial technologies. These technologies have the potential to accelerate digital transformation in the financial sector and enhance its competitiveness. The event will culminate with a ministerial roundtable attended by Arab finance ministers and senior leaders from the International Monetary Fund and the Arab Monetary Fund. Discussions during this session will focus on the implications of technological advances, particularly artificial intelligence, for public finance administration, future expenditure priorities, and the influence of international crises on the region's fiscal and economic policies.