The Emirates Banking Association, representing the interests and unified voice of UAE banks, has stated that its technical and advisory committees play a crucial role in advancing the financial and banking industries. These bodies are essential for sustaining their vital contribution to economic development and establishing the UAE as a leading global center for trade, investment, and innovation.
Abdulaziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Emirates Banking Association, praised the efforts of the association’s technical and advisory committees, composed of top experts in the financial and banking sectors. He emphasized the importance of developing policies and initiatives that keep pace with rapid changes in the banking environment. Al Ghurair urged ongoing collaboration among various partners in the banking industry, under the direct oversight of the Central Bank of the UAE, to deliver secure and seamless banking services to a diverse clientele while ensuring full compliance with local and international laws and regulations.
This statement was made during the annual meeting of the heads of the association’s technical and advisory committees with Abdulaziz Al Ghurair, where they reviewed the banking sector’s achievements in 2025 and assessed the progress of the committees in alignment with plans set by the Emirates Banking Association for the year. They also discussed the strategic objectives each committee aims to attain in 2026 to enhance banking standards and provide exceptional services and products for both individual and institutional clients, ensuring adherence to the highest levels of governance, transparency, and prudent risk management.
The heads of the technical and advisory committees commended the Emirates Banking Association for meeting strategic objectives such as nationalization, sustainability, governance, digital transformation, financial inclusion, and support for small and medium enterprises. They reaffirmed the commitment of member banks to introduce more initiatives to realize the vision of the Emirates Banking Association.
Participants in the meeting highlighted the association’s efforts in closely coordinating with the Central Bank of the UAE, alongside full cooperation with partners such as the Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai World Trade Centre, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. This collaboration led to the UAE being selected to host the “SIBOS 2029” conference and exhibition—a major global banking operations event organized annually by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT). They noted that Dubai’s selection as the first Middle Eastern and African host of this global event since its inception in 1978 reflects the confidence of the global financial and banking community in the UAE and its advanced banking sector.
The annual meeting reaffirmed the commitment of the technical and advisory committee heads to enhance the prestigious standing of the banking and financial sector, further establishing the UAE as a regional and global financial hub. They aim to ensure compliance with laws and regulatory frameworks while adapting to technological developments, safeguarding digital infrastructures, and promoting sustainable finance.
Jamal Saleh, General Director of the Emirates Banking Association, remarked, “The recognition of the technical and advisory committees acknowledges their crucial role in achieving the strategic objectives of the Emirates Banking Association. Collectively, they serve as vital platforms for exchanging insights and knowledge among top banking professionals, leading to innovative solutions that meet client needs and fostering competitive and sustainable business models.”
He added, “These committees empower the Emirates Banking Association to develop and implement various initiatives aimed at creating a competitive business ecosystem, offering the best services and products to clients, and achieving growth while adhering to international standards of transparency, governance, and compliance with both local and global regulations, supervised directly by the Central Bank of the UAE, with full support from the Board of the Emirates Banking Association and the advisory and consultative boards of CEOs.”
The general director emphasized the important role played by the technical and advisory committees, which consist of skilled professionals with extensive knowledge and diverse specializations. This expertise supports decision-making within the Emirates Banking Association through comprehensive studies covering various aspects of the financial and banking sectors. He commended the spirit of cooperation among these committees to fulfill the association’s vision and enhance the banking sector’s ability to maintain strong performance, resilience, and contribution to the UAE’s strategic priorities.