The World Bank announced the launch of a new regional office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Monday, 22 September, to support its work in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAAP) region.
The new hub will operate alongside the World Bank Group’s Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) office, with several senior leaders relocating to Riyadh, including the Vice President for MENAAP and key regional practice directors.
With this new office, the Bank will be able to respond to the needs of countries in the region.
This expansion also builds on the Knowledge Hub established last year in Riyadh through a joint initiative with Saudi Arabia. The Knowledge Hub is designed to advance research, capacity building, and knowledge sharing on issues such as competitiveness, innovation, trade, and sustainable growth.
The decision to open the hub coincides with Saudi Arabia’s National Day and comes as the Kingdom and the World Bank celebrate 50 years of cooperation. Over the past five decades, the Bank has supported reforms in Saudi Arabia through advisory services, technical assistance, and capacity-building programs.
According to Ousmane Dione, Vice President for MENAAP, the new office reflects both a practical need and a strategic vision. “Riyadh is not only a gateway to the region’s transformation, but also a powerful platform for global knowledge exchange and policy innovation,” he said.
The Riyadh office will focus on advancing the World Bank’s mission in the region, from reducing poverty and promoting shared prosperity to strengthening human capital, supporting gender equity, and enabling green, resilient growth.
It will also help countries facing fragility and conflict, ensuring that the Bank’s resources and expertise are more accessible and better aligned with local priorities.
Comments (0)