UAE Reaffirms Support for OPEC Fund for International Development at 47th Ministerial Council in Vienna
UAE attends 47th Ministerial Council of the OPEC Fund in Vienna, reinforcing multilateral development finance and sustainable partnerships and social progress.
The United Arab Emirates, represented by the Ministry of Finance, participated in the 47th Ministerial Council of the OPEC Fund for International Development held in Vienna, where delegations from member states reviewed the fund’s strategic direction. The UAE delegation, led by Minister of State for Financial Affairs Mohammed bin Hadi Al Husseini, emphasized the country’s continued engagement with the OPEC Fund for International Development as a key partner in delivering concessional finance and technical assistance. Discussions at the council focused on the fund’s 2025 annual report, financial statements and a range of regulatory and programmatic matters affecting development operations.
UAE delegation underscores commitment at OPEC Fund meeting
The UAE’s participation signalled a sustained commitment to multilateral cooperation on economic and social development across low- and middle-income countries. Minister Mohammed bin Hadi Al Husseini framed the engagement as part of a broader UAE strategy to channel development finance to priority areas that enhance resilience and sustainability. He highlighted the role of development finance institutions in directing resources to projects that strengthen economic capacity and improve living standards in partner countries.
Council reviews 2025 annual report and financial statements
Delegates at the 47th Ministerial Council examined the OPEC Fund’s 2025 annual report and audited financial statements, assessing the institution’s performance and governance framework. The review included consideration of operational outcomes, portfolio quality and the fund’s balance between concessional lending, grants and technical assistance. Member states also discussed regulatory and administrative items intended to ensure the fund remains responsive to emerging development challenges and fiscal pressures.
Funding priorities: agriculture, education, energy and health
A central theme of the council’s agenda was the fund’s sectoral focus, which prioritises agriculture, education, energy, health and transport as drivers of inclusive growth. Representatives noted that targeted financing in these sectors can generate multiplier effects by improving food security, expanding human capital and supporting infrastructure connectivity. The OPEC Fund’s model combines concessional loans, grants and technical support to help countries implement policy reforms and scale up sustainable projects.
OPEC Fund’s global footprint spans more than 125 countries
Since its establishment in 1976, the OPEC Fund for International Development has extended financing to projects in over 125 countries, reflecting a broad global footprint across Africa, Asia, Latin America and parts of the Middle East. Delegates reviewed portfolio distribution and project case studies to assess impact and identify opportunities for deeper engagement. The council also examined how the fund can better coordinate with other development partners to avoid duplication and maximise development outcomes.
UAE to deepen multilateral partnerships and development impact
The UAE reaffirmed its intention to support efforts to expand the reach and effectiveness of development finance through stronger partnerships with multilateral funds and regional institutions. Officials stressed the importance of aligning financing instruments with national development priorities in recipient countries and enhancing the resilience of vulnerable economies. The UAE delegation reiterated its interest in harnessing both public and private capital to scale projects that deliver sustainable socioeconomic benefits.
Looking ahead, council participants outlined follow-up actions to strengthen project pipelines, enhance transparency and refine the fund’s strategic priorities in line with evolving global needs. The 47th Ministerial Council concluded with a shared emphasis on partnership, fiscal stewardship and the need to mobilise resources toward climate resilience and human development. The UAE signalled it will continue to play an active role in multilateral development finance efforts to promote inclusive, sustainable growth.