Citi's CEO, Jane Fraser, met with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, in Abu Dhabi. This meeting was an opportunity to review Citi's commitment to the UAE and the bank's deep support for clients across the country and the Gulf region.
Exploring Economic Outlook and Business Opportunities
During this meeting, the two leaders discussed the global macroeconomic outlook for the region and significant emerging business opportunities in the UAE's diversified economy. They also addressed the development of artificial intelligence and other key priorities for the country's sustainable growth. They explored opportunities for expanding UAE public and private sector institutions into new global markets with Citi's support.
Citi's Commitment to Sustainable Growth in the UAE
Jane Fraser stated during the meeting: “It is always a great honor and privilege to meet with the leadership of the UAE and hear their perspectives on the future of the UAE directly.” She added: “Few countries have such extraordinary ambition and a track record of achieving it as the UAE. The visionary leaders of the UAE have built a dynamic and resilient economy and created a country that has the mindset of building what it needs for the future.”
Fraser also pointed to investment in technology and sustainable infrastructure as a core aspect of this ambition, stating: “Our confidence in this path has never been stronger in our 60 years of presence in the country, and Citi is deeply committed to leveraging the full power of its global network for the continued success of the UAE.”
In addition to high-level engagements with the government, Fraser's visit focused on deepening Citi's collaborations in the region. She discussed cross-border growth strategies and customer access to the bank's global network in the UAE, and also spent time with nearly 2000 Citi colleagues in the region, addressing their vital role in advancing Citi's strategy in the Middle East and Africa.
Citi has been active in the UAE since 1964, establishing its first branch in Dubai as the first American bank in the country and later expanding to Abu Dhabi. In the first eight months of 2026, Citi has raised over $75 billion to support clients in the Middle East. The company was recognized as the Best Investment Bank for M&A in the UAE and the Middle East by Euromoney in 2025.
Citi is a leading banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management, and a reputable private bank in its home market in the United States. The bank operates in over 180 countries and jurisdictions, offering a wide range of financial products and services to corporations, governments, investors, institutions, and individuals.
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