The UAE's banking sector has defied global economic challenges to deliver an impressive first quarter performance in 2026, with the nation's top lenders reporting robust growth across key financial metrics.

Fresh analysis from Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) reveals the UAE's ten largest listed banks collectively saw net income surge to Dh22.2 billion - an impressive 8.4% increase compared to the previous quarter. This stellar performance was driven by a remarkable 59.3% reduction in impairment charges and an 18% boost in fee-based income, offsetting a modest decline in net interest margins.

"The numbers tell a compelling story of resilience and strategic agility," noted Asad Ahmed, Managing Director at A&M. "Despite interest rate pressures, UAE banks have demonstrated their ability to adapt through diversified revenue streams and disciplined cost management."

Lending Growth Fuels Expansion

The sector witnessed healthy credit expansion with loans growing by nearly AED50 billion (3.6%) during the quarter, primarily fueled by corporate lending which jumped over AED30 billion (5.1%). Deposit growth outpaced lending at nearly AED90 billion (5.8%), significantly improving liquidity buffers as evidenced by the loan-to-deposit ratio easing to its healthiest level in recent quarters.