February 17th, 2026, Dubai, UAE: Emirates NBD held its 19th General Assembly Meeting in Dubai. The meeting included a detailed review of the Group’s performance for the 2025 financial year, providing an overview of its financial performance, business growth, and key achievements recorded during the year. The general assembly approved several resolutions, including the Board of Directors’ report on the Bank’s activities and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025. Shareholders also approved the Board’s proposal to distribute cash dividends of AED 1.00 per ordinary share ($0.27 per ordinary share), amounting to a total dividend payout of AED 6.32 billion ($1.7 billion) to shareholders on record at the close of trading on 27 February 2026.

Emirates NBD records strong profitability in 2025, reflecting steady financial performance

In 2025, Emirates NBD delivered a record financial performance, reflecting the strength of its diversified business model and expanding regional footprint. It reported a 12% YoY income growth, driven by strong momentum across both interest and non-funded income streams, while operating profit rose by 13% to AED 34.3 billion ($9.3 billion). Commenting on the results, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates NBD, highlighted that the Group’s performance reflects disciplined execution across business segments, robust governance, and the benefits of its diversified regional footprint.

His Highness added “This will be remembered as a year of continued progress for the UAE and Dubai, as the nation significantly strengthened its position as one of the world’s most dynamic, future-ready economies. Against this backdrop, Emirates NBD remained an essential driver and trusted partner in advancing national priorities by financing strategic sectors, supporting businesses and the expansion of trade flows, empowering individuals and contributing to national talent development.”

Robust balance sheet expansion and loan growth drive strengthened regional market leadership.

Emirates NBD’s total assets surpassed AED 1 trillion ($272.3 billion), reflecting sustained balance sheet expansion. Gross loans grew by 24%, adding AED 129 billion ($35.1 billion) during the year, supported by strong momentum in domestic and international markets, while deposits increased by AED 119 billion ($32.4 billion), including significant growth in low-cost CASA balances. Asset quality remained resilient, with the impaired loan ratio improving to 2.4%, reinforcing the bank’s disciplined risk management approach and solid capital position.

His Highness stated: “Emirates NBD delivered record profitability in 2025 and surpassed AED 1 trillion ($272.3 billion) in assets for the first time, marking an important milestone in our long-term growth trajectory. These results reflect disciplined execution, strong performance across all businesses and the strength of our diversified regional footprint.”

Within the Group, Emirates Islamic continued its growth trajectory, delivering a profit before tax of AED 3.9 billion ($1.1 billion), reinforcing its position as a leading Islamic banking franchise in the region.

Emirates NBD’s 2026 strategic focus on AI-enabled transformation and expanding its international network across India and other key markets.

Looking ahead, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates NBD emphasised that Emirates NBD enters 2026 from a position of confidence, aligned with the ambitions of the UAE and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The bank’s forward strategy will focus on accelerating international development, particularly advancing its strategic investments in India and deepening its presence in high-potential regional markets, while continuing to enhance its position as the bank of choice across the MENAT region. His Highness added “Our priorities reflect both the opportunities of a rapidly transforming financial landscape and the responsibilities that come with an expanding regional footprint. Internationally, we will accelerate development across our network, with particular emphasis on advancing our strategic investments in India and deepening our presence in high-potential regional markets.”

A central pillar of the 2026 roadmap will be the next phase of AI-enabled transformation, leveraging advanced technologies to elevate customer experience, strengthen risk governance, enhance cyber resilience and unlock new streams of value creation. In parallel, Emirates NBD will build on its sustainability leadership, supporting the UAE’s energy transition through responsible financing and innovation in sustainable products. His Highness added “We will also build on our role as an enabler of the UAE’s sustainability journey, supporting the nation’s energy transition ambitions through responsible financing and continued innovation in sustainable products.”

His Highness concluded: “I extend my deepest gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for their visionary leadership and inspiring ambition. I extend my sincere gratitude to our customers, shareholders and partners for their trust and continued support. I thank my fellow Board Members for their guidance and leadership, and I recognise our Group Chief Executive Officer, Senior Management and all Emirates NBD employees for their dedication and achievements during an exceptional year. Together, we will continue to build on strong foundations and unlock the next chapter of Emirates NBD’s growth and impact.”

Re-disseminated by The Asian Banker