The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) has significantly increased its gold reserves in 2025, marking a 32 percent rise over the first eight months of the year. This increase has pushed the value of the reserves past AED30 billion, a historic first for the institution. By the end of August, the reserves were valued at AED30.329 billion, compared to AED22.981 billion at the close of 2024.
In a monthly analysis, the central bank’s holdings of the precious metal advanced over 4.5 percent in August alone, up from AED28.997 billion at the close of July. This substantial growth in gold reserves aligns with the strategic moves of central banks around the globe to diversify assets and hedge against economic uncertainties.
The CBUAE’s latest statistical bulletin also highlights a rise in demand deposits, which soared to over AED1.188 trillion by the end of August 2025. This denotes an increase from AED1.109 trillion at the end of the previous year. The bulletin further specifies that local currency demand deposits represent AED892.273 billion, while deposits in foreign currencies add up to AED296.137 billion.
Similarly, savings deposits are on an upward trajectory, totaling AED376.479 billion by the end of August. This is a notable jump from AED317.48 billion observed at the end of December 2024. Deposits were composed of AED321.761 billion in local currency and AED54.718 billion in foreign currencies.
Time deposits have also seen growth, exceeding AED1.05 trillion by this August’s end. This includes AED664.669 billion in local currency holdings and AED386.19 billion in foreign currencies. The increase signals a robust confidence in the UAE’s banking sector amid shifting economic conditions.
