Today's Edition
DUBAI (ALETIHAD)
Emirates NBD delivered a record financial performance in the first half of 2026, generating Dh16.2 billion profit before tax, up 5% year-on-year, fuelled by a 13% increase in net interest income and an impressive 25% growth in non-funded income.
In a statement, the bank said it is "continuing to benefit from robust customer activity, strong balance sheet growth and the clear strength of a diversified business model, positioning the Group well for sustained growth momentum".
The balance sheet continued its expansion, surpassing Dh1.3 trillion, as gross loans rose 17% to Dh771 billion, driven by the healthy growth momentum in the UAE and the consolidation of RBL Bank.
Deposits remained a core strength, increasing 13% to Dh892 billion. Asset quality remained strong with a cost of risk of 42 basis points, while market leading capital and liquidity ratios continued to provide a solid foundation to support future growth.
The acquisition of RBL Bank during the period added Dh74 billion in total assets, Dh44 billion in gross loans, and Dh43 billion in deposits to the Group, further strengthening Emirates NBD’s regional franchise, and marking another important milestone in the Group’s long-term growth strategy.
Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, Vice Chairman and Managing Director said: “Emirates NBD’s excellent first-half performance reflects the remarkable strength, resilience and confidence in the UAE economy, which continues to create exceptional opportunities for sustainable growth.
"We are delighted to welcome RBL Bank to the Emirates NBD family, marking another important milestone in our long-term growth strategy to expand across our core growth markets.
"The Group’s balance sheet surpassed Dh1.3 trillion in the first half of 2026, reflecting strong customer activity and solid business growth.
As part of the UAE’s ambition to become the world’s leading Islamic finance centre, Emirates Islamic and the Emirates NBD Islamic window together have established one of the region’s largest Islamic banking franchises, with combined Islamic assets exceeding Dh250 billion.
"The UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global financial and investment hub, and Emirates NBD remains committed to supporting the nation’s ambitious economic vision.”
Shayne Nelson, Group Chief Executive Officer said: “Emirates NBD delivered an impressive first-half performance, generating a record profit before tax of Dh16.2 billion, driven by robust customer activity and strong lending and deposit growth across our core markets.
"Successful completion of RBL Bank acquisition marks a significant step in our international strategy, further strengthening Emirates NBD’s scale and diversification.
"We maintained our strong liquidity and capital position, successfully reopening the GCC debt capital markets with a landmark $750 million AT1 capital issuance, reflecting continued market confidence in Emirates NBD.
"Emirates NBD remains strongly positioned to capture global wealth flows, supported by robust client activity, maintaining $105 billion Assets Under Management with growth of double digit in the UAE since April."
Patrick Sullivan, Group Chief Financial Officer said: “Emirates NBD’s income surged 16% to Dh27.9 billion in the first half of 2026, driven by strong loan growth, continued regional expansion and broad-based momentum across the Group.
"Operating profit before impairment increased by an impressive 17% year-on-year to Dh19.5 billion, reflecting our continued to drive to grow operating income, while maintaining cost discipline."
