BE - September 2026

Arab Banks Awards & Commendations of Excellence 2026 digital banking, regulatory require- ments and new patterns of invest- ment and trade are continuously reshaping the industry, while the en- during principles of trust, integrity and responsibility remain at its core. It is within this broader understand- ing of excellence that the WUAB awards have developed their signifi- cance. They recognize more than in- dividual accomplishments; they place a spotlight on banking experi- ences, institutional achievements and leadership journeys that can contribute to the wider progress of the sector. TWENTY YEARS BEHIND — AND THE NEXT TWENTY AHEAD The twentieth anniversary gave the 2026 ceremony a natural moment for reflection, but its strongest mes- sage was ultimately about the future. Two decades after WUAB began its journey, banking itself is entering a period of profound change. The institutions that will shape the com- ing years will be those capable of combining innovation with sound governance, technological advance- ment with human expertise, and commercial strength with a wider re- sponsibility toward economic devel- opment. As highlighted during the evening, the role of banks today reaches well beyond the traditional provision of fi- nance. Banking institutions have be- the BANKING EXECUTIVE 24 ISSUE 213 SEPTEMBER 2026