generality "Emirates banks" It approves the 2026 strategy and confirms the commitment to consolidating the country’s position among the most prominent financial centers in the world

Abu Dhabi, April 27 / WAM / The UAE Banks Federation held its annual general assembly meeting, in the presence of representatives of all member banks working in the federation.

According to a press release issued today, the General Assembly approved the strategic goals and plans of the UAE Banks Federation for the year 2026, which were approved by the Board of Directors of the Federation of Banks in its meeting held prior to the General Assembly, in order to move forward in the process of developing the banking sector and consolidating the UAE’s leadership position among the most prominent financial and banking centers in the world.

Participants in the General Assembly meeting stressed the importance of the achievements made by the banking and financial sector in the country, under the direct supervision of the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates, and the high flexibility of the financial and banking industry and its capabilities to adapt to global changes and challenges, which has strengthened the leadership position of the UAE.

During the meeting, the members approved the minutes of the previous General Assembly held in April 2025, and the audited financial statements and auditors’ report for the year 2025.

The General Assembly stressed the priority of supporting the solid foundations of the banking industry and enhancing its role in economic development and achieving the strategic goals of the UAE, explaining that the continued strong performance of UAE banks in the year 2025 has strengthened the sector’s leading position at the regional and global levels, as the total assets in UAE banks rose to 5.4 trillion dirhams, and the credit portfolio witnessed a growth of 17.9% and deposits by 16.2%, while maintaining high levels of adequacy ratio. Capital and cash liquidity in proportions that exceed the requirements of regulatory authorities and international standards.

The General Assembly of the UAE Banks Federation praised the comprehensive proactive support package adopted by the Board of Directors of the Bank of the United Arab Emirates, headed by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the State, Deputy Prime Minister, Head of the Presidential Office, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank, with the aim of enhancing flexibility and consolidating the stability and strength of the banking sector in the country in light of the exceptional circumstances witnessed by the region and the global economy.

Participants in the meeting noted the efforts made by the UAE Banks Federation to promote Emiratisation, in accordance with the Central Bank’s plan, as the member banks of the Federation were able to exceed Emiratisation targets for the year 2025 by 160%.

The General Assembly of the UAE Banks Federation affirmed the commitment to continuing these efforts, and the continuous improvement of programs for the continuous qualification of human capital, especially the Emirati cadre, in line with the rapid growth in the banking and financial sector and digital transformation.

The members of the association expressed their appreciation for the Federation’s initiatives and programs during the year 2025, which contributed to strengthening the UAE’s position globally in the confidence index, as the UAE ranked first.

The attendees pointed to the degree of effectiveness of the Federation’s initiatives in accelerating digital transformation, protecting digital infrastructure, combating fraud, and consolidating the integrity and safety of the financial system.

The General Assembly called for continuing initiatives and efforts to expand financial inclusion, support entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized companies, and sustainable financing in line with the goals of the UAE.

She praised the Union’s efforts to enhance cooperation with strategic partners and the Union’s vital role in choosing the UAE to organize the Sibos 2029 Conference and Exhibition in Dubai, which is the major global conference for banking operations, organized annually by the Global Interbank Financial Telecommunications Society (SWIFT).

The members of the association praised the efforts of the General Secretariat and the affiliated technical advisory committees, which provide pioneering platforms for exchanging knowledge and developing policies and initiatives, as they include an elite group of leaders with extensive experience and knowledge.

They stressed the importance of the awareness and training programs and events organized by the Union as part of its efforts to familiarize workers in the sector with developments, keep pace with developments taking place in the sector, and provide appropriate platforms for exchanging ideas with the aim of developing banking and financial work.

His Excellency Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Banks Federation, said that the banking and financial sector continues its path towards further development, which is confirmed by growth indicators in various aspects and financial safety standards, and the decisions and recommendations of the General Assembly serve as a guide for the Federation and member banks to focus on the strategic priorities for the year 2026, in order to support the next stage of growth and development of the banking and financial sector and its positive contribution to economic and social development, and to strengthen the UAE’s position as a global financial and banking center.

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