Image Credit: FAB
Q1 2026 Earnings: UAE’s Top 3 Banks Stay Strong Despite Regional Risks
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Emirates NBD, and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) have shared their financial results for the first quarter of 2026. The results show that the UAE banking sector remains strong, even as political tensions in the Gulf region affect the economy.
Q1 financial results
The three banks reported different profit results for the first quarter.
Emirates NBD’s net profit increased by 3% compared to last year, reaching $1.7 billion (AED 6.4 billion). This growth came mainly from higher operating income.
ADCB performed strongly, with net profit rising by 37% year-over-year to $925.8 million (AED 3.4 billion). This increase was supported by higher non-interest income and overall operating income.
In contrast, FAB’s net profit fell slightly by 2% year-over-year to $1.4 billion (AED 5.01 billion). The decline was mainly due to a net impairment charge of $299.5 million in the first quarter of 2026.
Despite the mixed profit results, all three banks reported growth in operating income. FAB’s operating income rose by 6% to $2.5 billion. Emirates NBD saw a strong 21% increase, reaching $3.9 billion. ADCB also posted solid growth, with operating income rising 18% to $1.6 billion.
The banks also showed strong balance sheet growth by the end of the quarter. FAB’s total assets increased by 6% since the start of the year to $405.7 billion (AED 1.49 trillion), crossing the $400 billion mark for the first time. Emirates NBD’s total assets grew by 18% year-over-year to $331 billion (AED 1.22 trillion). ADCB’s total assets rose by 19% year-over-year to $220 billion (AED 809 billion).
Stock market performance
On the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), FAB’s share price fell by 2.113% to $4.79, giving it a market value of $54 billion as of April 23.
Emirates NBD’s share price dropped slightly by 0.135% to $8.07 on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), with a total market value of $51 billion.
ADCB’s share price remained unchanged at $3.49 on ADX, with a market value of $27.6 billion.
UAE banking sector stays stable
Experts say UAE banks are still in a strong position, even though the regional conflict is creating challenges.
Puneet Tuli, Associate Director at S&P Global, said that while the war will affect UAE banks, they entered this period from a position of strength.
Bank leaders also recognized the difficult environment but remained confident about their performance.
FAB Group CEO Hana Al Rostamani said that the bank’s Q1 results show the strength of its diversified business, careful risk management, and solid credit profile, even in a more uncertain market.
To support the country’s $1.47 trillion banking sector during the crisis, the UAE Central Bank introduced a support package in mid-March. This package includes measures such as allowing banks easier access to reserve funds—up to 30% of required reserves—and giving them flexibility to delay the classification of loans for customers affected by the conflict.
Emirates NBD said that these early policy actions by authorities will help support the local economy.
However, ADCB said it has not used the Central Bank’s support package so far. The bank stated that it is confident in its ability to manage the changing environment and expects to meet its short- and medium-term financial goals.
Other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have introduced similar support measures to help their banking sectors during the crisis. According to an S&P Global report in April, these steps help banks access more liquidity and meet regulatory requirements more easily.
The report also said that governments in Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE are highly supportive of their banking systems and are likely to provide extra help if needed.
Tuli added that S&P Global expects UAE banks to keep strong capital levels and continue receiving government support, which will help them stay stable during uncertain times.
Also Read:-
Saudi Arabia’s $1.3T Economy Driven by Agility
The Middle East’s Healthcare Billionaires in 2026
Saudi Arabia’s PIF Eyes $5B Stake in SpaceX IPO
