Dubai, UAE — July 2026 — The UAE has reinforced its standing among the world’s leading countries in financial inclusion, underpinned by an integrated framework built on innovation, digitization, consumer protection and financial wellbeing.
The UAE views financial inclusion as a core pillar of economic and social development, backing this with legislation affirming every individual’s right to access banking and financial services, alongside recurring awareness campaigns on consumer protection and financial inclusion.
Amid accelerating digital transformation, the country has continued strengthening its financial infrastructure through advanced digital payment systems, smart banking services, financial technology and artificial intelligence, helping speed up transactions while lowering costs and improving efficiency.
The Central Bank of the UAE is leading key efforts in this space through its National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2026–2030, developed and launched last year with support from international partners including the World Bank, the OECD and the Arab Monetary Fund, along with contributions from more than 70 national entities.
The strategy comprises a package of 12 flagship initiatives aimed at expanding financial inclusion across different segments of society, including universal financial accounts for all residents, innovative products targeting women, youth and people of determination, and enabling entrepreneurs and micro, small and medium enterprises to access financial services.
Last June, the Central Bank signed an agreement with the World Bank Group to strengthen cooperation on financial inclusion, financial literacy, consumer protection and the resolution of banking and insurance disputes — building on existing cooperation between the two sides.
The “Universal Accounts” initiative extends this series of financial inclusion measures, allowing low-income residents (earning AED 5,000 or less) to open basic bank accounts through simplified procedures, removing one of the main barriers to their integration into the formal financial system and encouraging digital payments over cash. Several banks have recently rolled out this type of account, which can be accessed digitally and via debit card, comes with an IBAN, and carries no minimum balance requirement.
Al Ansari Exchange said the Universal Accounts initiative marks an important step toward expanding access to formal financial services, helping more individuals receive salaries, make payments, transfer funds and access basic financial services through a dedicated international bank account number.
The UAE’s financial inclusion push is not new: the 2009 launch of the Wage Protection System marked a major turning point, establishing an integrated electronic system to ensure private-sector employees are paid in full and on time through banks, financial institutions and accredited exchange houses, reinforcing transparency and labor market compliance.
Jamal Saleh, Director-General of the UAE Banks Federation, said the UAE continues to cement its position as a global model in financial inclusion through a framework combining advanced legislation, digital innovation and close partnership between regulators and the banking sector.
He said the country’s banking sector continues investing in digital solutions and smart banking services that ease access to financial products, raise service efficiency and improve the customer experience, adding that federation member banks are working with the Central Bank and relevant authorities to develop initiatives that boost financial literacy, expand digital channels, and support SMEs and entrepreneurs.
He noted that rapid advances in digital payments, digital identity and open banking are accelerating financial innovation and expanding safe, effective access to financial services.
Adnan Al-Awadhi, CEO of National Bank of Umm Al Quwain, said financial inclusion is a cornerstone of sustainable economic and social development, adding that the UAE’s achievements in this field reflect forward-looking leadership and an advanced regulatory environment that has helped build a resilient, innovative banking sector, reaffirming the bank’s commitment to supporting national initiatives that boost financial literacy and expand access to banking services.
