UBF Commences Preparations To Host Sibos 2029 In Dubai

(MENAFN- Mid-East Info) UAE Banks Federation UBF, the sole representative and unified voice of UAE banks, has commenced preparations to host to host Sibos 2029, the annual conference, exhibition, and networking event organised by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication SWIFT.

UBF started the preparations, consultations, and meetings with its strategic partners; Dubai International Financial Centre DIFC, Dubai World Trade Centre DWTC, and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism DET, and the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE), the main supporter, to ensure hosting this international event in a way that reflects UAE's position as a global financial and banking centre. UBF has also started engaging its members, especially the national banks, to discuss their plans for the SWIFT 2029 to raise the status of the UAE, banking and financial sector, CBUAE, and national banks.

These efforts, led by UBF, will kick off with the participation of several member banks in Sibos 2025, which will be held in Frankfurt, Germany, from 29 September to 2 October 2025. The event will bring together more than 10,000 leaders of global financial institutions, bankers, CEOs of major fintech companies, and service providers from around the world under the theme“The next frontiers of Global Finance.”

Mr. Jamal Saleh, Director General of UBF and Chairman of SWIFT User Group Steering Committee in the UAE, said:“The selection of the UAE to host Sibos 2029 reaffirms the global confidence in the country's stature and its pivotal role in leading initiatives under the direct supervision of the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE). To contribute to the growth of payments, which play a vital role in the modern economy, we have already started preparations and comprehensive planning to ensure the success of this global event. Our aim is to reflect the UAE's distinguished position as a leading destination for major global economic conferences and events of this scale, and to provide a platform for discussions that advance the financial and banking sector, delivering innovative solutions and initiatives to cope with rapid technological and economic changes.”

He added:“The participation of our member banks in this year's edition of Sibos in Frankfurt helps showcase the UAE's achievements in the field of payments and its role in developing the financial services industry and global trade. This participation is also part of our preparations for hosting Sibos 2029 in Dubai, where we aim to introduce the global payments community to the progress of the UAE's financial and banking industry. This includes ambitious initiatives such as the National Payment Systems Strategy, which has been instrumental in developing innovative payment solutions, enhancing customer experience, and advancing technological innovation, flexibility, and security in the UAE's financial sector. These efforts are further supported by various initiatives launched by CBUAE in recent years.”

Since 1978, SWIFT has been organising Sibos annually in one of the international financial and banking centres that are selected from among major cities contending to host the conference and exhibition, which provides a global platform for leaders of financial and banking institutions, major economic institutions, and technology providers. Sibos conference and exhibition is one of the most important and largest events that connects thousands of executives, decision makers, technology providers, and thought leaders from across the industry to share experiences and views. SWIFT enables more than 11,000 financial institutions and corporations in more than 200 countries and territories to connect and exchange financial information securely and reliably, enhancing trade and financial transactions.

Mr. Jamal Saleh also highlighted the UAE's pioneering role in payments, noting that the UBF has established the Steering Committee and National SWIFT User Group (NMG) as the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Since its establishment in 2021, NMG has been playing a central role in improving payment operations, strengthening the efficiency and security of banking transfers, and providing a platform for knowledge-sharing and decision-making support. It also allows UAE banks to benefit from the global expertise of SWIFT members to advance banking operations and enhance the capabilities of professionals in the UAE's financial sector.

Furthermore, the SWIFT Users Training Centre in the UAE, operating under the UBF's umbrella, is the first of its kind in the MENA region. It organises training programmes to certify banking employees using the SWIFT system among member banks and financial institutions of the UAE Banks Federation and SWIFT users.

It is noteworthy that the UAE is the first and only country in the Middle East and North Africa to be selected to host Sibos since the event was launched in 1978.

About UAE Banks Federation UBF:

Established in 1982, UAE Banks Federation UBF, the sole representative and unified voice of UAE banks, comprising 64 members of banks and financial institutions operating in the UAE. UBF advocates the interests of all its members and enhances cooperation and coordination between them in order to elevate the UAE's banking ecosystem for the benefit of members, customers, and the overall UAE economy.

UBF's mission and objectives are focused on representing its members and defending their rights and interest. UBF provides a platform for cooperation and the exchange of ideas and expertise among its members and plays a significant role in raising public awareness about the contributions of the UAE banking sector to the economic and social development of the country.

UBF has a 22-member Advisory Council consisting of CEOs and General Managers from member banks and financial institutions, which oversees the implementation of UBF's policies and activities. The CEOs Council also makes directional decisions through UBF's General Secretariat for UBF's 28 technical and 6 advisory committees, which in turn are tasked to discuss all issues relevant to the UAE banking and financial services ecosystem. UAE Banks Federation also includes a CEOs Consultative Council, which consists of chief executives of other member banks.

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