BE - September 2026

Arab Banks Awards & Commendations of Excellence 2026 H.E. MEHMET SIMSEK: ADVANCING ARAB-TURKISH ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL COOPERATION The occasion was particularly distin- guished by the presence of H.E. Mehmet Simsek, Minister of Treasury and Finance of the Republic of Türkiye, whose participation lent special significance and prominence to the 2026 Arab Awards and Com- mendations of Excellence. His pres- ence at this high-level gathering of Arab and Turkish banking and finan- cial leaders reflected the importance of sustained dialogue and engage- ment between the public and finan- cial sectors, while further reinforcing the event’s role as a platform for strengthening ties between Türkiye and the Arab world. It also gave par- ticular resonance to an evening ded- icated not only to celebrating banking excellence and leadership, but also to fostering closer institu- tional, economic and financial rela- tions across the two regions. Addressing the gathering, H.E. Min- ister Simsek warmly welcomed Arab banking leaders and delegations to Istanbul and spoke broadly about the importance of further advancing eco- nomic and financial cooperation be- tween Türkiye and Arab economies. His remarks touched on the Turkish economy and the prospects for ex- panding investment, financial coop- eration and engagement between Turkish and Arab institutions. His participation added an important di- mension to the gathering and under- scored the value of sustained dialogue, closer institutional ties and mutually beneficial economic coop- eration between Türkiye and the Arab region. ISSUE 213 SEPTEMBER 2026 the BANKING EXECUTIVE 27 Established in 2006 in Casablanca, the World Union of Arab Bankers has grown into a formidable 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 consistently highlighted the triumphs and advancements of the Arab banking sector, offering its readers a window into the dynamic world of Arab finance.