UAE banks are increasingly looking beyond their borders as they face domestic challenges and shifting interest rates, prompting them to pursue international growth opportunities. Leading Emirati banks are strategically expanding abroad to address local difficulties, such as early government repayments and pressure on net interest margins. For instance, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank increased its exposure...
The National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (RAKBANK) has announced a mandate for a $300 million fixed rate resettable unrated USD-denominated Regulation S Perpetual non-call 6-year additional tier 1 capital issuance, contingent upon market conditions. The bank holds ratings of Baa1 (Positive) from Moody’s and BBB+ Stable from Fitch. Several banks have been appointed to...
The major banks in the UAE are expected to achieve high single-digit loan growth in the second quarter, as analysts suggest that the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict is unlikely to dampen borrowing demand. This optimistic outlook comes as increased lending is anticipated to offset slightly lower net interest margins, which, in turn, should satisfy equity investors...
Dubai, UAE; 25 June 2025: Mashreq, a leading financial institution in the MENA region, has announced the opening of its new representative office in Türkiye. This expansion emphasizes Mashreq’s commitment to supporting Turkish financial institutions and corporations, enhancing its operational presence to a total of 15 countries. As one of the largest correspondent banks in...
The UAE Central Bank has announced a six-month suspension of a bank’s Islamic window from onboarding new customers. This decision also includes a fine exceeding Dh3.5 million ($953 632) due to the bank’s non-compliance with Sharia governance rules. An Islamic window refers to a unit within a conventional bank that allows customers to engage in...
The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) has significantly increased its gold reserves by 19.3 percent during the first quarter of 2025. This boost adds AED4.444 billion, bringing the total gold reserves to AED27.425 billion ($7.46 billion) at the end of March, up from AED22.981 billion at the end of 2024. In addition...
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), recognized as one of the largest and safest financial institutions globally, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming a Direct Participant (DP) of the Cross-border Interbank Payment System (CIPS). This system serves as the official infrastructure for Renminbi (RMB) cross-border payments. This achievement highlights FAB’s commitment to digital transformation and...
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has announced new credit card regulations aimed at reducing costs for customers while increasing transparency in the credit card sector. These updated rules will come into effect within 30 to 90 days and focus on improving the issuance and operation of credit cards. Under the new framework, credit card issuers...
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has made history by becoming the first bank in the MENA region to join the Cross-border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) as a Direct Participant. This system serves as the official cross-border payment infrastructure for the Renminbi (RMB), marking a significant step for the UAE’s global bank and one of the...
The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) has announced that it will maintain the base rate applicable to the overnight deposit facility at 5.40%. This decision, made on November 1, 2023, aims to support the UAE’s economic stability and growth. Credit: HiDubai Focus The CBUAE emphasized that the decision aligns with its commitment...