Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed: The bank continues to fulfill its vital role as a key driver and trusted partner in supporting national priorities
Emirates NBD held its 19th Annual General Meeting, where Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Emirates NBD Group, presented the group’s performance report for the fiscal year 2025. The assembly approved the board’s proposal for a cash dividend of 1 dirham per ordinary share (100%), totaling 6,316,598,253 dirhams, to be distributed to shareholders registered by the close of trading on February 27, 2026.
He stated that this year will be remembered as a period of continuous advancement for the UAE and Dubai, enhancing the country’s status as one of the most dynamic and future-ready economies globally. In this context, Emirates NBD continued to play its essential role as a key driver and reliable partner in supporting national priorities by financing strategic sectors, assisting businesses, boosting trade, and fostering individual capabilities while contributing to the development of local talent.
Additionally, he noted that in alignment with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 and broader national transformation objectives, Emirates NBD has solidified its position as the preferred bank, expanding its service reach and enhancing its presence to meet the growing demands of a rapidly evolving economy, as the nation attracts new residents and global companies.
The main financial results for the year 2025 showed a 12% increase in income compared to the same period last year, reflecting robust growth momentum in both interest income and non-funded income, along with a 13% rise in operating profits compared to the previous year, reaching 34.3 billion dirhams. Total assets surpassed one trillion dirhams, highlighting the continued expansion of the balance sheet.
He further described the bank’s achievements, stating that it reached record profits in 2025, with assets exceeding one trillion dirhams for the first time, marking a significant milestone in its long-term growth trajectory. These results demonstrate disciplined execution, strong performance across its business lines, and a robust regional presence across diverse sectors. They also reflect the increasing contribution of global markets and returns from sustainable investments in technology, personnel, and customer experience. Strong governance remains a cornerstone in creating sustainable value for shareholders and stakeholders, with risk management prioritizing amid an evolving operational environment. Progress in cybersecurity includes the deployment of AI-powered monitoring tools and enhanced group-wide cybersecurity awareness programs, reaffirming the bank’s commitment to safeguarding its clients and operational integrity while ensuring disciplined growth across markets.
Looking ahead, Emirates NBD enters 2026 with significant strength and confidence. Our priorities reflect the opportunities presented by the rapidly transforming financial landscape as well as the responsibilities associated with an expanding regional footprint. Internationally, we will accelerate our development across our regional network, focusing on strengthening strategic investments in India and establishing a firmer presence in high-potential regional markets. Moving forward, our primary focus will be advancing to the next level of AI-driven transformation, utilizing advanced technology to enhance customer experiences, improve risk management, and open new avenues for value creation. We will also bolster our role as a key supporter of sustainability initiatives in the UAE by fostering energy sector transformation through responsible financing and continued innovation in sustainable products.
Central to this agenda is our investment in human resources, where we will enhance our commitment to localization, expand future-ready talent development programs, and support leadership development across our markets. These priorities will solidify our long-term ambition to shape the future landscape of banking in the region while proactively contributing to the UAE’s ongoing economic transformation.
The General Assembly also approved the board’s proposals regarding convertible securities to be issued by the bank, pending necessary regulatory approvals. Additionally, the proposal for compensating board members for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, was also approved.