UAE banks’ assets rise to AED 5.41 trillion

March 24, 2026 / 4:40 PM

Sharjah 24 – WAM: Gross assets of UAE banks increased by 1.4%, reaching AED 5,413.6 billion at the end of January 2026, up from AED 5,339.9 billion in December 2025, according to the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE).

Credit growth driven by private and government sectors

Total bank credit grew by 1.1% to AED 2,598.2 billion, supported mainly by domestic credit expansion. This was driven by a 0.6% rise in private sector lending and a 2.5% increase in government sector credit, despite a decline in lending to other financial corporations.

Deposits increase amid mixed trends

Bank deposits rose by 0.9% to AED 3,336.8 billion. Growth was led by resident deposits, which increased by 1.2%, while non-resident deposits declined by 2.4%. Within resident deposits, private sector, government-related entities (GREs), and government deposits all recorded gains, while deposits from other financial corporations fell.

Money supply sees broad growth

Monetary aggregates recorded steady increases, with M1 rising by 0.9%, M2 by 1.3%, and M3 by 1.4%. Growth was supported by higher currency circulation, monetary deposits, and quasi-monetary deposits, particularly from corporate and individual sectors.

Monetary base edges higher

The monetary base increased by 0.6% to AED 900.8 billion, driven by a rise in reserve requirements and currency issuance, despite a decline in bank current accounts and overnight deposits.