The Banking Executive Magazine - May 2026 Issue - New

UAE Banks Federation levels of capital adequacy and liq- uidity ratios exceeding regulatory re- quirements and international standards. The UBF’s AGM praised the compre- hensive proactive support package approved by the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of the UAE, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Central Bank, to enhance resilience and reinforce the stability and strength of the UAE banking sector. Participants also highlighted the Fed- eration’s efforts in advancing Emirati- sation in line with the CBUAE’s plan. UBF’s member banks exceeded the 2025 targets by 160 percent, leading to a further increase in Emiratisation across the banking sector. The AGM reaffirmed its commitment to continue these efforts and en- hance human capital development programmes, particularly for Emirati talent, in line with the rapid growth of the banking and financial sector and digital transformation. Members of AGM expressed their appreciation for UBF’s initiatives and programmes during 2025, which contributed to strengthening the UAE’s global position in trust indica- tors, where the UAE ranked first globally. Attendees also highlighted the effec- tiveness of the Federation’s initiatives in accelerating digital transformation, protecting digital infrastructure, com- bating fraud, and reinforcing the in- tegrity and soundness of the financial system. They encouraged these ini- tiatives and efforts to expand finan- cial inclusion, support entrepreneurs and SMEs, and promote sustainable finance in alignment with the UAE’s national objectives. The AGM commended UBF’s efforts in strengthening cooperation with strategic partners and its vital role in securing the UAE’s selection to host Sibos 2029, the world’s leading an- nual banking operations conference organised by the Society for World- wide Interbank Financial Telecom- munication (Swift). The meeting hailed the efforts of UBF’s General Secretariat and advi- sory and technical committees, which bring together prominent banking executives and provide ap- propriate platforms for knowledge sharing and the development of strategies and initiatives. They emphasised the importance of awareness and training programmes organised by the Federation to keep banking professionals informed of the latest developments, keep pace with industry changes, and provide suitable platforms for exchanging ideas to advance the banking and fi- nancial sector. AbdulAziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of UBF, said, “The decisions and rec- ommendations of the AGM serve as a roadmap for UBF and member banks to focus on the strategic prior- ities for 2026, supporting the next phase of growth and development of the banking and financial sector, its positive contribution to socio-eco- nomic development, and further strengthening the UAE’s position as a global financial and banking hub.” ISSUE 209 MAY 2026 the BANKING EXECUTIVE 41