Emirates NBD reported a 4 percent increase in full-year net profit, supported by record lending growth. Moreover, the performance reflected accelerating domestic and international demand across key markets.
Net profit reached 24 billion dirhams in 2025, exceeding market expectations of 22.8 billion dirhams. As a result, the bank proposed an ordinary dividend of 100 fils per share. Additionally, rising credit demand across the UAE banking sector continued to support earnings momentum.
UAE banks have benefited from increased lending activity as governments invest in tourism, infrastructure, and economic diversification. Therefore, sector-wide conditions remained supportive of balance sheet expansion and profitability.
Balance Sheet Strength and Market Expansion
Emirates NBD reported that total gross loans rose 24 percent to 658 billion dirhams by the end of December. Moreover, growth was driven by regional markets, including Saudi Arabia, where the bank plans to expand its branch network to 24 locations by the first quarter of 2026.
Deposits increased 18 percent to 786 billion dirhams during the year. Consequently, total assets climbed to 1.16 trillion dirhams, reflecting improved liquidity as deposit growth outpaced new lending.
“Strong credit growth, lower provisioning requirements, and high interest margins supported banks’ strong profitability in 2025, while liquidity improved as a result of deposit growth outpacing new lending,” S&P Global Ratings said.
International Strategy and Investment Focus
The bank reiterated its focus on international expansion. “We will accelerate development across our international network, with an emphasis on advancing our strategic investment in India and deepening our presence in high-potential regional markets,” Emirates NBD Chairman Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum said.
Last year, the lender announced plans to invest $3 billion to acquire a 60 percent stake in India’s RBL Bank. As a result, the transaction would represent the largest cross-border acquisition in India’s financial sector and further strengthen the bank’s international growth strategy.
