First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the United Arab Emirates’ largest financial institution by assets, announced unprecedented financial results for 2025, achieving a historic net profit of Dh21.11 billion. This represents a remarkable 24 percent surge from the previous year, demonstrating the bank’s exceptional operational performance across its diversified portfolio.
The bank’s extraordinary performance was fueled by robust client engagement, substantial non-interest income expansion, and strategic execution across all business segments. Pre-tax profits soared even higher, climbing 27 percent to reach Dh25.20 billion, while operating income increased by 16 percent year-on-year to Dh36.68 billion.
FAB’s balance sheet experienced significant growth, with total assets expanding by 16 percent to Dh1.40 trillion. The institution’s lending portfolio grew by 17 percent to Dh616 billion, while customer deposits increased by 7 percent to Dh841 billion. Notably, the bank’s gross non-performing loans ratio decreased to a record low of 2.2 percent, reflecting stringent risk management practices.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, FAB’s Chairman, emphasized that these results represent “multiple years of consistent progress in building scale, resilience and long-term value.” He highlighted the bank’s expanding global footprint and its role in facilitating international capital flows between the UAE and key growth markets.
The bank’s international operations demonstrated particularly strong performance, with international loans growing by 35 percent and deposits increasing by 25 percent. FAB’s overseas franchise now contributes 19 percent of group revenue, with significant advancements in Turkey, India’s GIFT City, and landmark transactions in Nigeria.
Group CEO Hana Al Rostamani attributed the record performance to both operational excellence and the accelerated implementation of the bank’s artificial intelligence strategy. “2025 marked a transformative acceleration in our AI journey,” she stated, referencing the deployment of Microsoft Copilot to all employees and over thirty enterprise-wide agentic AI applications that enhanced productivity and client experience.
In recognition of this exceptional performance, the Board recommended a record cash dividend of 80 fils per share, totaling Dh8.84 billion – the highest distribution in FAB’s history.
The bank demonstrated strength across all business units: Investment Banking & Markets revenue grew 16 percent to Dh11.79 billion, Wholesale Banking revenue increased 11 percent to Dh6.40 billion, and Personal, Business, Wealth & Privileged Client Banking delivered 10 percent revenue growth to Dh12.65 billion.
Non-interest income emerged as a particularly strong performer, surging 36 percent to Dh16.35 billion and accounting for 45 percent of group revenue. Fees and commissions jumped 28 percent, while FX and investment income climbed 40 percent driven by record trading volumes.
FAB maintained robust liquidity and capital buffers, with a CET1 ratio of 13.3 percent and liquidity coverage ratio of 154 percent. The bank advanced its sustainable finance agenda, facilitating Dh381 billion in sustainable and transition financing – achieving 76 percent of its 2030 target.
With this strong financial foundation and clear strategic roadmap, FAB enters 2026 positioned to sustain high-quality performance while deepening international connections and scaling AI-driven transformation across its global operations.