The Banking Executive Magazine - December 2025 Issue

Arab Banks Awards & Commendations of Excellence 2025 A TRADITION REINFORCED IN BEIRUT On the evening of July 18, 2025, the city of Beirut—renowned for its re- silience and cultural vitality—hosted the Arab Banks Awards & Commen- dations of Excellence 2025. Organ- ized by the World Union of Arab Bankers (WUAB), this prestigious ceremony reaffirmed its standing as the foremost recognition platform for the Arab banking and financial sec- tor. More than an annual celebration, the awards have become an endur- ing tradition, symbolizing excel- lence, innovation, and the collective ambition of Arab banks to achieve sustainable growth and global com- petitiveness. AN EVENING WITH VISIONARIES AND LEADERS Held at the legendary Intercontinen- tal Phoenicia Hotel, the event brought together an extraordinary assembly of leaders: central bank governors, chairpersons, CEOs, sen- ior executives, regulators, and repre- sentatives of international financial institutions. Beyond celebrating distinguished achievements, the cer- emony provided a strategic forum for dialogue and collaboration— strengthening partnerships and shap- ing the future of Arab banking in a rapidly evolving global landscape. INTEGRITY IN SELECTION: RECOGNIZING TRUE EXCELLENCE A defining feature of the awards lies in their rigorous selection process. A specialized committee of econo- mists, senior bankers, and the Union’s research department metic- ulously evaluated nominations, ap- plying strict and transparent criteria. This ensures that each recognition represents genuine distinction— whether in leadership, innovation, sustainable practices, or strategic im- pact on the Arab and international fi- nancial arena. SPOTLIGHT ON INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH The 2025 awards highlighted trans- formative initiatives across the sector, from digital banking advancements and financial inclusion strategies to sustainability-driven models and vi- sionary leadership. Each award un- derscored the capacity of Arab banks to not only meet contemporary chal- lenges but also to set new global benchmarks for creativity, resilience, and forward-looking strategy. INSPIRING PROFILES OF LEADERSHIP AND VISION The evening featured special seg- ments dedicated to profiling award- winning leaders and institutions. These narratives, rich with resilience and ambition, offered inspiration to the wider banking community. They celebrated those who turned adver- sity into opportunity and reaffirmed the role of Arab banks as engines of innovation, stability, and progress for the region and beyond. ISSUE 204 DECEMBER 2025 the BANKING EXECUTIVE 49 THE WORLD UNION OF ARAB BANKERS: A UNIFYING FORCE Established in 2006 in Casablanca, the World Union of Arab Bankers has grown into a for- midable force, unifying over 500 members from the Arab banking sector. This organization, through events like these awards, plays a pivotal role in promoting excellence, facilitating knowledge exchange, and shaping the future of banking in the Arab world. THE BANKING EXECUTIVE MAGAZINE: A DECADE OF ILLUMINATING SUCCESS 'The Banking Executive', as the English-language magazine emerging from the World Union of Arab banks, has been a beacon of insight and information. For over a decade, it has con- sistently highlighted the triumphs and advancements of the Arab banking sector, offering its readers a window into the dynamic world of Arab finance. A LEGACY AND A VISION FOR THE FUTURE The "Arab Banks Awards & Commendations of Excellence 2023" event is more than a cer- emony; it is a reaffirmation of the Arab banking sector's commitment to excellence, innova- tion, and leadership. As the event concludes, it leaves behind a legacy of inspiration and a vision for the future, motivating banking and financial professionals to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of finance.