Emirates NBD reports a record profit of Dh29.8 billion before tax and suggests a dividend of 100 fils.
The UAE’s leading financial institution reported a 12% rise in total revenue, reaching Dh49.3 billion, thanks in part to growth in interest income and various non-cash revenue streams. The net profit stood at AED 24 billion, with operating profit growing by 13% to AED 34.3 billion.
Loans and deposits enhance balance sheet expansion
Emirates NBD saw significant growth in its balance sheet this year, with total assets surpassing AED 1 trillion for the first time. The total loan amount surged by AED 129 billion, a 24% increase attributed to rising demand within the UAE and international markets.
Deposits also climbed, increasing by AED 119 billion (18%), while balances in low-cost current and savings accounts rose by AED 69 billion. Specifically, retail CASA grew by AED 44 billion, which helped the bank maintain strong margins despite a prevailing low interest rate environment.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Chairman of Emirates NBD, remarked: “Emirates NBD achieved a remarkable performance in 2025, indicating a record pre-tax profit of AED 29.8 billion. The bank has reached a significant milestone with total assets exceeding AED 1 trillion, mainly driven by extraordinary lending growth of AED 129 billion in 2025, while concurrently expanding its market share in the UAE and other essential regions.”
Steady profit growth in the face of margin decline
The net interest margin for the year was recorded at 3.46%, showcasing prudent pricing strategies and a favorable funding structure. Cost management remained strict, maintaining a cost-to-income ratio of 30.5%, although expenses rose by 9% to AED 15 billion.
Asset quality showed improvement as the non-performing loan ratio fell to 2.4%, backed by a robust credit environment, alongside provisions for impairments totaling AED 1.5 billion.
Hesham Abdullah Al Qassim, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, stated: “Total revenue increased by 12% in 2025 to a record AED 49.3 billion, showcasing the strength of our business model and the positive impact of our ongoing investments in our domestic and regional presence, as well as in digital and GenAI initiatives, which have mitigated some effects of lower interest rates.”
International and Islamic banks show growth
International operations accounted for 35% of the group revenue in 2025, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a pivotal growth market, marked by a 48% yearly rise in loan volumes. The branch network is projected to extend to 24 locations by the first quarter of 2026. Denizbank’s performance improved, benefiting from easing inflation that supported margins and profitability.
Furthermore, Emirates Islamic achieved a record pre-tax profit of AED 3.9 billion, bolstering its status as a leading Islamic financial institution in the region.
“Emirates Islamic is on a strong growth path, achieving a record annual pre-tax profit of Dh3.9 billion, consolidating its position as one of the key Islamic financial players and supporting the UAE’s ambition to become a global hub for Islamic finance,” noted Al Qassim.
Digital and wealth platforms stimulate fee income
Digital banking and wealth management remained crucial to the bank’s strategy, with assets under management exceeding $100 billion, and digital wealth AUMA tripling in just a year. The trading volume on the platform saw a remarkable fourfold increase, with transaction values surpassing AED 40 billion by 2025.
Group CEO Shane Nelson commented: “Emirates NBD delivered an impressive performance this year, fueled by robust volume growth across all sectors and products, underscoring the strength of our diversified model.”
The bank concluded the year with a CET-1 ratio of 14.4%, allowing room for growth and returns to shareholders. Additionally, Emirates NBD expanded its technology and sustainability initiatives, implementing over 50 AI projects and facilitating more than $9.9 billion in sustainable financial transactions annually.
Management anticipates that the UAE’s economic momentum will persist into 2026, driven by population growth, project spending, and a supportive policy framework. In this context, Emirates NBD remains well-positioned for continued growth while navigating the global interest rate landscape.
