Emirates NBD delivered stronger financial results during the first half of 2026. Emirates NBD continued expanding its lending business while increasing total income across its operations. The latest performance highlights the bank’s steady growth despite ongoing regional uncertainty.
The Dubai-based lender reported a net profit of AED12.9 billion during the first six months of 2026. The result represented a three percent increase compared with the same period last year. At the same time, total income climbed 16 percent, reflecting healthy business activity across the bank.
Operating profit before impairment also recorded strong growth. The figure increased 17 percent from a year earlier. Strong revenue generation and disciplined cost management helped support the improved financial performance.
The second quarter also produced positive results. Net profit increased two percent compared with the same quarter last year. Continued lending activity and stable customer demand contributed to the quarterly improvement.
Loan growth remained one of the bank’s strongest performance drivers. The loan portfolio expanded 17 percent year over year to AED771 billion. Growing demand from businesses and consumers supported the increase throughout the first half.
The bank also strengthened its balance sheet during the reporting period. Total assets exceeded AED1.3 trillion following continued expansion across several business segments.
A major acquisition also contributed to overall growth. The purchase of a majority stake in RBL Bank strengthened the bank’s international presence. The transaction added AED74 billion in assets to the group’s balance sheet.
The acquisition also increased lending and customer deposits. It contributed AED44 billion in loans and AED43 billion in deposits. These additions further supported the bank’s regional and international expansion plans.
The acquisition marked an important milestone for the lender. It completed the transaction during June after investing approximately $2.8 billion for the majority stake.
Asset quality remained healthy despite changing market conditions. Strong capital levels and solid liquidity ratios continued supporting the bank’s financial position. These strengths also provide flexibility for future business growth.
Management said disciplined risk management remained a key priority. Healthy capital buffers continue supporting lending activity while maintaining financial stability.
Regional geopolitical developments continued attracting attention during the reporting period. However, the bank said recent events created less disruption for financial markets than earlier this year.
The UAE economy also continued showing resilience. Strong business activity supported banking demand across several sectors. Economic indicators pointed to ongoing expansion in the country’s non-oil economy during the first half.
Business confidence remained positive despite external challenges. Companies continued investing while consumers maintained healthy banking activity. These trends helped support lending growth across the market.
The bank’s shares experienced modest pressure during recent trading sessions. However, the stock remained higher than its level at the beginning of the year, reflecting continued investor confidence.
Investment Corporation of Dubai remains the bank’s largest shareholder. The government-owned entity holds a 41 percent stake in Emirates NBD.
Industry analysts expect UAE banks to face a more challenging operating environment during the second quarter. Slower lending growth and narrower profit margins could affect earnings across the banking sector. Nevertheless, Emirates NBD delivered higher profits while maintaining strong lending momentum and stable financial performance.
Emirates NBD continues focusing on business expansion, disciplined cost control, and strategic investments to support future growth. Strong capital, expanding international operations, and healthy customer demand position the lender to navigate changing market conditions while pursuing long-term opportunities in the UAE and abroad.
