10/04/2026 02:38 AST
The UAE's banking sector achieved regional leadership with assets valued at AED5.4 trillion in 2025, supported by a 17.9% growth in the credit portfolio and a 16.2% increase in deposits, said the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates' 2025 annual report.
The report highlights an exceptional economic performance, with real GDP growth of 5.6% in 2025. This growth was supported by the growing contribution of non-oil sectors, as well as the success of economic diversification strategies and proactive monetary policies in reducing inflationary pressures to stable levels of 1.3%, further supporting the competitiveness of the national economy. The report also reflects a sustainable financial outlook, emphasising the continued growth of real GDP in 2026, which underscores high confidence in the UAE's financial system.
The insurance sector also continued its qualitative growth path with a remarkable increase in gross written premiums by 15.5%, reaching AED75.2 billion, in parallel with the increase in total assets to AED166.7 billion. This reinforces the important role of the sector in the financial stability system and in safeguarding the UAE's economic gains.
In the field of developing supervisory and regulatory systems, the CBUAE has strengthened the financial system through additional capital buffers and the adoption of a neutral buffer of 0.5% to ensure the continuity of credit. Stress test results proved the efficiency of the banking sector to withstand risks, with capital adequacy ratios remaining above regulatory thresholds and a notable improvement in asset quality in accordance with the highest international standards.
The CBUAE further strengthened its regulatory framework by integrating climate risks and IT governance into its supervisory priorities, while intensifying on-site supervision to ensure the highest levels of compliance. These efforts were underpinned by the adoption of "Supervisory Technology" (SupTech) tools and large data analysis, enabling a transition to proactive risk assessment and enhancing the digital readiness and global competitiveness of the financial sector.
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the CBUAE, stated, "The UAE is firmly and confidently advancing its comprehensive and sustainable development model, guided by a forward-looking leadership vision that has positioned its economy to be among the most resilient and diversified economies regionally and globally.
"In light of rapid global economic transitions, the UAE has demonstrated a solid ability to maintain stability and enhance growth momentum, reflecting the strength of its economic policies and the effectiveness of its national institutions. This has strengthened its position as a global financial hub that commands the confidence of investors and international partners."
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