UAE Banks’ Gross Assets Rise 1.1% to AED 5.63 Trillion in May 2026

The UAE banking sector continued to expand in May 2026, with the gross assets of banks operating in the country rising 1.1% month-on-month to AED 5,633.1 billion, according to the latest data from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE).

The increase highlights the continued strength of the UAE’s banking sector and comes as financial activity and credit demand remain resilient across the country.
The latest figures were published in the CBUAE’s May 2026 Monetary and Banking Developments report, released on July 28.

Banking assets continue to grow

The May increase follows a 0.2% month-on-month rise in April, when gross bank assets reached AED 5,570.1 billion. The latest monthly gain therefore pushed total banking assets above the AED 5.6 trillion mark.

The growth also extends a broader upward trend in the UAE banking system. At the end of the first quarter of 2026, total banking-system assets had already reached approximately AED 5.56 trillion, representing a 17.7% year-on-year increase.

Stronger banking sector supports economic activity

The expansion in bank assets reflects the continued growth of the UAE’s financial system, which plays a central role in supporting businesses, households and government-related entities.

A larger banking asset base can provide financial institutions with greater capacity to support lending, investment and other economic activity. The UAE banking sector has also benefited from strong deposit growth and rising credit activity during 2026.

The CBUAE’s first-quarter data showed that the UAE banks’ loan portfolio grew 20.3% year-on-year, while deposits increased 17.4% year-on-year, indicating robust funding conditions across the sector.

UAE banking sector remains resilient

The latest asset figures reinforce the UAE banking sector’s position as one of the key pillars of the country’s economy.

With gross bank assets now exceeding AED 5.6 trillion, continued growth in lending and deposits is expected to remain closely watched as the UAE economy expands and financial institutions respond to changing business and consumer demand.

The May figures underline the continued scale and resilience of the UAE banking industry and its growing role in supporting the country’s broader economic development.