The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) reported a substantial 19.3% increase in its gold reserves during the first quarter of 2025. Reserves rose by AED4.444 billion, reaching AED27.425 billion at the end of March, up from AED22.981 billion recorded at the close of 2024.
Deposits Show Consistent Uptrend
According to the CBUAE’s latest statistical bulletin, demand deposits expanded to AED1.147 trillion by the end of Q1. This marked an increase from AED1.109 trillion at the end of December 2024. Of this total:
- AED856.062 billion were denominated in local currency (dirhams)
- AED291.116 billion were held in foreign currencies
Similarly, savings deposits increased to AED338.788 billion, up from AED317.48 billion in Q4 2024. These comprised:
- AED268.97 billion in local currency
- AED51.817 billion in foreign currencies
Time deposits also showed robust performance, totaling AED991.757 billion by the end of March. This included:
- AED614.854 billion in local currency
- AED376.9 billion in foreign currency
UAEFTS Transfers Top AED5.4 Trillion in Q1
The Central Bank also disclosed that total transactions conducted through the UAE Funds Transfer System (UAEFTS) reached a staggering AED5.449 trillion in the first quarter. This included:
- AED3.331 trillion in bank-to-bank transfers
- AED2.118 trillion in customer transfers
Cheque and Cash Activity Remains Strong
In addition to digital transfers, cheque activity remained notable. Between January and March, 5.615 million cheques were cleared via image-based systems, totaling AED351.359 billion. For the month of March alone, cheque clearances amounted to AED116.712 billion through approximately 1.83 million cheques.
Cash transactions at the Central Bank also highlighted steady liquidity activity:
- Cash withdrawals totaled AED63.887 billion
- Cash deposits stood at AED47.124 billion
Outlook for 2025
The data underscores the UAE’s sustained momentum in both physical and digital banking infrastructure. With increased confidence in central reserves and ongoing growth in electronic fund transfers, the CBUAE continues to play a critical role in reinforcing monetary stability, deposit growth, and financial innovation.
