FAB Closes 2025 as MEA’s Largest Bank

At its recent virtual Annual General Meeting, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) approved all agenda items for the financial year ending 31 December 2025, including the distribution of the largest cash dividend in the bank’s history.

Shareholders approved AED 8.84 billion in cash dividends, equivalent to 80 fils per share. Investors registered by March 23, 2026 - meaning those who purchased shares on or before March 19 - will be eligible to receive the payout.

The announcement follows a year of strong financial performance for the bank. FAB reported a net profit of AED 21.11 billion in 2025, a 24 percent increase compared to the previous year. The result continues a growth trend that has seen the bank double its net profit since 2020. According to the bank, the growth was supported by higher transaction volumes across products, stronger client engagement, and an expansion of investment offerings.

By the end of 2025, FAB had also strengthened its position as the largest bank in the Middle East and Africa, with total assets reaching AED 1.40 trillion.

For SMEs and businesses operating in the region, the bank’s continued expansion across global markets is particularly notable. Over the past year, FAB has been strengthening cross-border banking corridors connecting the GCC with Europe, Asia, and Africa. The bank expanded operations into Turkey and GIFT City in India, while also completing major transactions in Nigeria and progressing with the subsidiarisation of its operations in France.

FAB has also been investing heavily in technology, particularly artificial intelligence. During 2025, the bank rolled out Microsoft Copilot across the organisation and developed more than 1,000 AI agents used across areas such as payments, trade, compliance, finance, and customer operations. The goal is to improve efficiency internally while also enhancing the experience for clients.

Commenting on the year’s performance, Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of FAB, said the results reflect the bank’s continued efforts to build scale and diversify its business. He noted that strong capital and liquidity levels have enabled the bank to continue supporting clients and key sectors of the economy while maintaining financial stability.

He also highlighted FAB’s role in financing projects tied to the UAE’s economic priorities, including renewable energy, infrastructure, and innovation-focused industries. Support for SMEs and national companies remains a key part of the bank’s financing activity, alongside partnerships with government entities and sovereign funds.

Hana Al Rostamani, Group Chief Executive Officer of FAB, said the bank’s strategy in 2025 focused on strengthening international connections, expanding cross-border trade and investment activity, and integrating AI across its operations.

Group revenue for the year reached AED 36.68 billion, while return on tangible equity stood at 19.2 percent, placing FAB among the most profitable AA-rated banks globally. Al Rostamani added that the bank will continue investing in technology, people, and platforms in the coming years, with a focus on improving services and supporting sustainable economic growth.

During the AGM, shareholders also approved the board of directors’ report, the external auditor’s report, and the Internal Shari’ah Supervision Committee’s annual report for 2025. Other agenda items included approval of the bank’s financial statements, notification of payable Zakat for the year, and the appointment of auditors for the 2026 financial year.

The meeting also confirmed the re-election of the bank’s board of directors for a three-year term. The board continues to be chaired by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, alongside members including Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Al Mheiri, Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi, and Khalifa Ateeq Al Mazrouei, among others.

FAB also reassured shareholders that its operations remain stable following recent regional developments. The bank confirmed that all services - including digital platforms and customer engagement channels - are fully operational across the UAE and its international network, supported by established business continuity frameworks.