BE - September 2026

Arab Banks Awards & Commendations of Excellence 2026 Twenty years after its establishment, the World Union of Arab Bankers marked a defining milestone in its journey in Istanbul—bringing to- gether prominent banking and finan- cial leaders to celebrate achievement, recognize leadership, and look toward the next chapter of Arab banking. On Friday, September 11, 2026, The Peninsula Istanbul hosted the Arab Banks Awards & Commendations of Excellence 2026, an evening that combined the distinction of one of the Arab banking community’s estab- lished annual gatherings with the sig- nificance of the 20th anniversary of the World Union of Arab Bankers (WUAB). The occasion carried a meaning that extended well beyond the presenta- tion of awards. It represented two decades of relationships built across the Arab banking community, of pro- fessional exchange and institutional cooperation, and of sustained efforts to recognize the leaders and institu- tions whose achievements have con- tributed to the advancement of banking across the region. Since its establishment in 2006, WUAB has brought together banking leaders, professionals and decision-makers, complementing the institutional role of the Union of Arab Banks and strengthening the bonds that connect the wider Arab banking community. ISTANBUL: WHERE BANKING COMMUNITIES MEET The choice of Istanbul once again gave the ceremony a distinctive in- ternational character. A city histori- cally positioned between East and West, Istanbul provided a fitting set- ting for an evening that brought Arab and Turkish banking and financial communities together around shared interests, closer institutional relations and expanding economic engage- ment. The gathering reflected the growing importance of Arab-Turkish financial relations and the opportunities that stronger ties can create across bank- ing, investment, trade and develop- ment. The significance of this relationship was echoed throughout the evening, with particular empha- sis placed on the value of sustained dialogue and deeper cooperation be- tween financial institutions in Türkiye and across the Arab world. Against this backdrop, the ceremony welcomed a distinguished audience of banking and financial leaders, sen- ior executives and prominent person- alities from Türkiye and the Arab region, reinforcing the event’s role as a meeting point for leadership, recognition and professional ex- change. CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE WITH PURPOSE At the heart of the evening were the Arab Banks Awards & Commenda- tions of Excellence 2026, honoring institutions and individuals whose achievements reflect the ambition, adaptability and leadership of the Arab banking sector. The meaning of excellence in bank- ing has expanded considerably. Fi- nancial performance remains fundamental, but today’s leading in- stitutions are equally defined by their capacity to innovate, strengthen gov- ernance, adopt new technologies, develop human capital, manage emerging risks and respond intelli- gently to changing economic condi- tions. Artificial intelligence, fintech, ISSUE 213 SEPTEMBER 2026 the BANKING EXECUTIVE 23