UAE banks’ gross assets rise 1.4% to AED 5.41 trillion in January 2026
DUBAI, UAE – March 24, 2026 — The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) announced gross banks’ assets increased 1.4% to AED 5,413.6 billion ($1.473 trillion) at end-January 2026 from AED 5,339.9 billion in December 2025. The growth signals sustained sector expansion amid steady credit and deposit rises across the Emirates’ banking system.
Announcement specifics
Gross credit expanded 1.1% to AED 2,598.2 billion, driven by AED 27.9 billion in domestic credit growth. Private sector credit rose 0.6%, while government sector credit increased 2.5%. Banks’ deposits grew 0.9% to AED 3,336.8 billion, with resident deposits climbing 1.2% to AED 3,046.1 billion.
Money supply indicators reflected robust liquidity conditions. M1 rose 0.9%, M2 increased 1.3%, and M3 expanded 1.4%. The monetary base grew 0.6% to AED 900.8 billion, demonstrating strong lending capacity across the banking sector.
Stakeholder perspective
“Total credit growth was supported mostly by growth of domestic credit.”
— Central Bank of the UAE
Why it matters: This statement underscores the domestic economy’s fundamental role in driving banking sector expansion amid global economic uncertainties.
Industry context
UAE banking assets demonstrated consistent monthly gains throughout late 2025 and early 2026. Assets reached AED 5,251.9 billion in November 2025 before climbing to AED 5,339.9 billion by December 2025, establishing a clear upward trajectory that continued into January 2026.
The 2.5% government sector credit growth outpaced private sector expansion, suggesting increased public investment in infrastructure and economic diversification initiatives. The 1.2% rise in resident deposits indicates strengthening domestic confidence in the banking system and growing household savings rates.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as the UAE’s primary financial hubs, benefit directly from this banking sector strength. The combination of growing deposits, expanding credit facilities, and robust monetary base positions the Emirates to maintain its leadership role in MENA financial services. This foundation supports ongoing digital banking innovations and strengthens the UAE’s capacity for cross-border finance operations across the region.
Conclusion
The January 2026 data positions UAE banks for continued resilience through 2026, with sustained asset growth creating opportunities for fintech integration and supporting the nation’s broader economic diversification strategy.
