Emirates NBD delivered a record financial performance in the first half of 2026, generating AED16.2 billion ($4.41 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.
The bank continues to benefit from robust customer activity, strong balance sheet growth and the clear strength of our diversified business model, positioning the Group well for sustained growth momentum, it said.
The balance sheet continues its expansion, surpassing AED1.3 trillion, as gross loans rose 17% to AED771 billion, driven by the healthy growth momentum in the UAE and the consolidation of RBL Bank.
Deposits remain a core strength, increasing 13% to AED892 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 India’s RBL Bank during the period added AED74 billion in total assets, AED44 billion in gross loans, and AED43 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, it said.
Key highlights – H1 2026
Profit before tax up 5% yoy to AED16.2 billion, driven by strong asset growth, resilient margins, and diversified product offerings
• Total income up 16% yoy to AED27.9 billion, driven by strong balance sheet and diversified non-funded income growth
• Operating profit before impairment up 17% yoy to AED19.5 billion, reflecting strong income growth and disciplined cost management
• Profit before tax up 5% yoy to AED16.2 billion, despite higher impairment and hyperinflation charges
• Balance sheet continued its growth momentum, surpassing AED1.3 trillion, further boosted by consolidation of RBL Bank
• Loan growth up 17% to AED771 billion driven by robust growth across most sectors and geographies and RBL Bank adding AED44 billion
• Deposits grew by 13% to AED892 billion supported by growing customer base across all segments and RBL Bank adding AED43 billion
• Impairment allowance of AED1.4 billion, primarily driven by prudent provisioning across DenizBank and Emirates NBD, partially offset by impressive recoveries
• Impaired loan ratio improved to 2.1%, as the portfolio quality continues to remain robust
• Credit rating agencies reaffirm Emirates NBD’s ratings with Stable outlook, underpinned by the strength of our liquidity position, market-leading credit coverage and capital ratios
Emirates NBD’s investment in customer focused services & products is propelling business growth
• Emirates NBD reopens GCC debt capital markets activity with landmark USD AT1 capital issuance
• Visa appoints Emirates NBD as its official National Net Settlement Service Agent in the UAE
• # 1 Credit Card issuer across MEA with 36% credit card spend market share in UAE
• ‘SHARE’ Visa credit card, cobranded with Majid Al Futtaim Group, is Group’s fastest ever launch, reaching 100,000 primary cards in Year 1
• Emirates NBD one of region’s top banks for Customer Experience with Net Promoter Score of 58
• Liv launched Multicurrency Visa Card, enabling seamless global spending with automatic currency routing
• Excellent AED98 billion of new lending helped deliver 6% Retail and 14% Corporate loan growth in H1-26
• Emirates NBD completed landmark $1 billion green-blue bond issuance, world’s largest by financial institution, followed by EUR 500 million green bond and $1.75 billion sustainability-linked loan
• Emirates NBD ESG achieved 91% of USD 30 billion sustainable finance and facilitation target for 2030
• Emirates NBD Capital lead debt capital markets executing more than 55 deals, raising over 47 billion across 12 countries
• New Structured Credit, Commodity and Investment products introduced, driving a substantial increase in income from both local and international clients
• AUM across the group at $105 billion, reflecting ongoing success of the Group’s wealth management 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 “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 AED1.3 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 AED250 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 AED16.2 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 USD 105 billion Assets Under Management with growth of double digit in the UAE since April.
“We were proud to be ranked the number one bank in the inaugural Evident AI Index for Banks – Middle East and Africa as we accelerate AI deployment across the organisation.” – TradeArabia News Service
