Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Shareholders of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) approved a record cash dividend of Dh8.84 billion for the financial year ended December 31, 2025, during the bank’s Annual General Meeting held virtually on Wednesday.
The approved dividend represents 80 fils per share and is the highest cash dividend in the Group’s history. Shareholders registered on March 23, 2026 — those purchasing shares on or before March 19, 2026 — will be eligible for the payout.
The dividend approval follows a year of strong financial performance for the bank. FAB reported a 24% year-on-year increase in net profit to Dh21.11 billion in FY2025, marking the culmination of a multi-year growth trajectory during which the Group doubled its net profit since 2020.
The bank closed 2025 as the largest bank in the Middle East and Africa by total assets, with assets reaching Dh1.40 trillion.
His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of FAB, said, “In 2025, FAB delivered a strong and resilient performance, reflecting sustained progress in building scale, diversification, and long-term value. The Group achieved record profitability, supported by robust operating income growth, improved asset quality, and disciplined cost management. A diversified revenue mix and a sector-leading cost-to-income ratio reinforced the resilience of our business model across economic cycles.
“Strong capital and liquidity positions remained a hallmark of the Group, with capital ratios comfortably above regulatory requirements. This strength enabled FAB to continue supporting clients and priority sectors while preserving balance sheet flexibility and risk discipline.
“Throughout the year, FAB played a central role in financing the real economy. The Bank supported major renewable energy and infrastructure projects, advanced strategic and innovation-led industries, and scaled SMEs and national champions, acting as an institutional partner to government entities, sovereign funds, and the private sector.
“These activities align closely with the UAE’s diversification agenda, reinforcing the country’s emergence as a global hub for capital, trade, and technology. FAB also continued to expand its international footprint, connecting the GCC with Asia, Europe, and Africa through a network spanning over 20 jurisdictions, and strengthening priority corridors that facilitate trade and investment flows.”
Hana Al Rostamani, Group Chief Executive Officer of FAB, said: “In 2025, FAB accelerated regional momentum, strengthened corridor activity, expanded its international footprint and embedded AI across the bank to maximise cross-border trade and investment opportunities.
“A year of disciplined execution and measurable progress enabled FAB to deliver record profitability, strengthen its balance sheet, and further diversify its revenue base across Investment Banking & Markets, Wholesale, and Personal, Business, Wealth & Privileged Client segments.
“Group revenue reached Dh36.68 billion, with net profit of Dh21.11 billion, while Return on Tangible Equity stood at 19.2%, firmly exceeding our medium-term guidance and reinforcing FAB’s position among the world’s most profitable AA-rated banks. Reflecting this strong performance, shareholders approved a cash dividend of 80 fils per share for the financial year 2025, representing a total distribution of Dh8.84 billion, the highest cash dividend in the Bank’s history.
"As the trusted financial partner of choice for clients in the UAE and across our international markets, FAB plays a central role in advancing the nation’s long-term economic agenda. In 2026 and beyond, we will continue to invest in our people, platforms and products, leveraging data, AI and innovation to elevate client experiences and support inclusive, sustainable growth.”
During the meeting, shareholders also approved all other agenda items, including the Board of Directors’ report, the external auditors’ report and the Internal Sharia Supervision Committee’s annual report for FY2025. The AGM also approved the bank’s balance sheet and profit and loss statement for 2025, the re-election of board members for a three-year term, and the appointment of auditors for the financial year 2026.
FAB also provided shareholders with an update on recent regional developments, confirming that all banking services, digital platforms and customer engagement channels are fully operational, supported by its enterprise and business continuity frameworks.
