First Abu Dhabi Bank posted a net profit of Dh10.63 billion for the first half of 2025, marking a 26% year-on-year increase and crossing the Dh10 billion threshold for the first time in any half-year period. Profit before tax reached Dh12.83 billion, up 29% from a year earlier, driven by broad-based growth across the bank’s operating divisions. Total income rose 16% to Dh18.31 billion, supported by steady expansion in both funded and non-funded income streams.
Net interest income for the period was Dh9.96 billion, a 2% rise year-on-year, while non-interest income grew 41% to Dh8.35 billion. The bank reported a 25% increase in fees and commissions, along with a 30% rise in FX and investment income, which was aided by active client flows and strong trading performance. Return on tangible equity stood at 20.5%, exceeding FAB’s medium-term target of above 16%.
Loans and advances grew 7% year-to-date to Dh568 billion, and customer deposits increased by 4% to Dh813 billion. Total assets reached Dh1.34 trillion, up 11% since the end of 2024. FAB’s CET1 capital ratio was 13.4%, and the liquidity coverage ratio remained stable at 152%. The non-performing loan ratio improved to 2.84%, the lowest level in several years.
“Our record performance reinforces FAB’s position as the UAE’s Global Bank and reflects a franchise defined by scale, connectivity, and innovation, with AI increasingly embedded in how we operate and how we serve our clients,” said Hana Al Rostamani, Group Chief Executive Officer of FAB. “Parallel to this, we remain a trusted partner in supporting the UAE’s rapid progress and development as we continue to deliver on a strategy that is aligned with national priorities.”
“We have made tangible progress in advancing our artificial intelligence (AI) agenda, from the deployment of our foundational Agentic AI platform, the rollout of Microsoft 365 Copilot to all employees, to launching AI-powered onboarding and credit analytics, resulting in measurable improvements in efficiency and service quality,” she added. “Innovations like the Board AI Observer, Voice Concierge, and planning tools are already delivering real impact.”
FAB became the first bank in the Middle East and North Africa region to join China’s Cross-border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) as a direct participant, expanding its global transaction infrastructure. The bank also issued the region’s first blockchain-based digital bond during the first half, reinforcing its position in capital markets innovation.
The bank’s international operations contributed Dh3.1 billion in revenue, accounting for 17% of the group’s total. Loans and deposits outside the UAE rose 28% and 24% year-on-year respectively, with gains reported in the UK, France, Switzerland, and Saudi Arabia. Across its investment banking and markets unit, revenues increased by 17%, driven by deal origination and capital markets activity. The wholesale banking segment posted a 12% increase in revenue, while personal, business, and wealth banking grew 12%, with a 61% increase in assets under management.
FAB also facilitated Dh318 billion in sustainable and transition financing, progressing toward its Dh500 billion target by 2030. The bank retains the highest combined credit ratings in the MENA region, with a stable outlook across all major agencies.
“We achieved broad-based growth with all divisions delivering double-digit revenue expansion, highlighting effective balance sheet deployment, the deepening of relationships and sustained client engagement in dynamic market conditions,” said Lars Kramer, Group Chief Financial Officer of FAB. “Moreover, the consistent and disciplined execution of our strategic priorities keeps us firmly on track with our medium-term RoTE guidance of over 16%.”
