ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
A total of 859 companies, 6,449 small and medium-sized enterprises and 148,681 individuals benefitted from a relief package introduced by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) following regional disturbances, according to the latest figures released by the regulator.
The Financial Institutions Resilience Package enabled repayment deferrals on loans worth Dh16 billion as of September 25, supporting a total of 156,493 bank customers.
Companies received relief on loans worth Dh10.8 billion, while SMEs benefitted from repayment deferrals covering Dh2.9 billion. The package also supported individuals with deferrals on loans totalling Dh2.3 billion.
The CBUAE launched the package in March to support the continued growth of businesses, ease financial pressures on customers and strengthen the resilience of the national economy.
The measures included loan-payment deferrals and waivers of commissions and fees. They were intended to help customers continue meeting their financial obligations during the disruption caused by regional developments.
The CBUAE provided the latest figures as its Governor, Khaled Mohamed Balama, convened a meeting with the chief executive officers of banks operating in the UAE. Assistant governors and senior CBUAE officials also attended the meeting.
The discussions covered the operational aspects of the resilience package and progress in implementing its principal measures. Participants reviewed its effect on individuals, SMEs and companies and commended the outcomes of the measures introduced by the CBUAE.
The meeting also reaffirmed the central bank’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the banking industry, safeguarding financial stability and monitoring developments across the UAE financial system.
Banking-sector indicators reviewed at the meeting showed continued growth and improvements in asset quality.
The total assets of the UAE banking sector reached Dh5.7 trillion at the end of August. Banking assets increased by 12.9% year-on-year, supported by continued economic growth.
Total bank loans grew 18.8% compared with the same period of 2025, reflecting the sector’s role in financing economic and commercial activity. Bank deposits increased by 13%, indicating continued confidence in the country’s banking and financial system.
Asset-quality indicators also improved. The ratio of non-performing loans declined to 2.6%, while the net non-performing loan ratio fell to 1.2%.
The central bank said the improvement reflected the effectiveness of banks’ risk-management and credit policies, as well as the strength of the CBUAE’s supervisory and prudential frameworks.
Balama said the positive indicators demonstrated the strength and resilience of the UAE’s financial system and the effectiveness of its regulatory framework.
He emphasised the importance of banks continuing to accelerate innovation and digital transformation, strengthen consumer protection and financial inclusion and maintain high standards of governance, risk management and compliance.
These measures would support the UAE banking sector’s regional and international standing and its contribution to sustainable economic growth, the Governor said.
Balama also thanked bank chairmen and chief executives for their efforts, describing banks as important partners in supporting the UAE’s economic agenda and reinforcing its position as a leading global financial centre.