Citi CEO Jane Fraser Meets Abu Dhabi Crown Prince as Bank Reaffirms Long-Term Commitment to the UAE
The UAE’s growing role as a global business and investment hub was at the centre of discussions this week as Citi Chair and CEO Jane Fraser met with senior UAE leadership, including His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
During the meeting in Abu Dhabi, discussions covered the global macroeconomic outlook, opportunities emerging from the UAE’s increasingly diversified economy, the development of artificial intelligence and investment in technology and sustainable infrastructure.
The visit also provided an opportunity for Citi to reaffirm its long-term commitment to the UAE, where the global banking group has operated for more than six decades.
AI, Economic Diversification and Global Growth in Focus
The meeting explored several areas connected to the UAE’s longer-term economic agenda, including AI and technology, sustainable infrastructure and the development of new business opportunities across the country’s diversifying economy.
Another focus was international expansion.
The discussions considered how UAE public and private-sector institutions can increase their presence in markets around the world, supported by Citi’s international banking network.
For Citi, this cross-border role is particularly relevant as UAE businesses, government-linked entities and investors continue to develop relationships and opportunities outside the domestic market.
Fraser said Citi’s confidence in the UAE’s direction remains strong after 60 years in the country, highlighting technology and sustainable infrastructure among the areas shaping its future economic development.
Citi Has Been in the UAE Since 1964
Citi’s relationship with the UAE dates back to 1964, when it opened its first Dubai branch and became the first American bank to establish a presence in the country. It subsequently expanded its operations to Abu Dhabi.
Today, that history provides the backdrop to a much broader relationship spanning corporate and institutional banking, investment activity and access to international markets.
According to Citi, the bank raised more than $75 billion for clients across the Middle East during the first eight months of 2026, highlighting the scale of capital activity taking place across the region.
The firm was also named Best Investment Bank for M&A for the UAE and Middle East in 2025 by Euromoney.
Strengthening Partnerships Across the Middle East
Fraser’s UAE visit extended beyond government meetings.
She also held discussions focused on cross-border growth strategies and access to Citi’s global network, as the bank looks to deepen relationships with clients across the region.
Fraser met with members of Citi’s workforce in the region as well. The bank has nearly 2,000 employees across the region, supporting its broader Middle East and Africa strategy.
The combination of government engagement, client discussions and meetings with employees reflects the importance Citi places on the UAE as part of its regional operations.
UAE’s Global Business Ambitions Remain a Key Opportunity
The discussions come as the UAE continues to focus on diversifying its economy while expanding its international business relationships.
Artificial intelligence, technology and infrastructure are becoming increasingly prominent within that development, while UAE companies and institutions are also looking towards new international markets.
For global financial institutions such as Citi, that creates opportunities extending beyond traditional banking-from helping companies access capital to supporting cross-border transactions and international expansion.
Fraser’s Abu Dhabi visit reinforces Citi’s intention to remain part of that growth story, building on a presence in the UAE that began in 1964 and now spans more than six decades.
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