First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) delivered a record financial performance in the first half of 2025, reporting on Wednesday a net profit of AED10.63 billion ($2.89 billion), up 26 percent annually, surpassing the AED10 billion mark for the first time in a half-year period.
FAB’s performance was supported by broad-based growth and strong business activity across the franchise on the back of an expanding client base, diversified growth across key economic sectors and a rise in customer acquisitions.
“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 CFO of FAB.
Profit before tax rises to AED12.83 billion
The bank‘s earnings per share grew 27 percent annually to AED0.93 in H1 2025 and Return on Tangible Equity (RoTE) stood at 20.5 percent, firmly on track with FAB’s medium-term guidance of above 16 percent. Profit before tax also increased 29 percent to AED12.83 billion, driven by a 16 percent annual rise in operating income to AED18.31 billion in H1 2025.
Net interest income rose 2 percent annually to AED9.96 billion, and non-interest income grew 41 percent to AED8.35 billion. The latter was driven by a 25 percent rise in fees and commissions on the back of strong deal origination and deal execution, and a 30 percent increase in FX and investment income, supported by robust client flows and a strong trading performance. This translated into total operating income of AED18.31 billion in H1 2025.
“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. 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,” said Hana Al Rostamani, group CEO of FAB.
Customer deposits rise 4 percent to AED813 billion
On the balance sheet, FAB continued to demonstrate strength and resilience. Loans and advances rose 7 percent so far this year to AED568 billion, while customer deposits increased 4 percent to AED813 billion, reflecting healthy growth across both wholesale and retail franchises. Total assets grew 11 percent this year to AED1.34 trillion.
FAB’s asset quality also improved, with the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio improving to a multi-year low of 2.84 percent. FAB’s CET1 ratio stood at 13.4 percent as of June-end 2025, while the LCR remained strong at 152 percent. Moreover, the bank continues to maintain the strongest combined credit ratings in the region (AA- or equivalent), supported by a solid capital position and a prudent risk and liquidity profile.
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FAB marks major milestones in H1
Notably, FAB became the first MENA bank to be designated as a direct participant in China’s Cross-border Interbank Payment System (CIPS), which marks a major milestone in its global connectivity strategy. The bank is also progressing plans to expand its international footprint, reinforcing its commitment to connect clients in dynamic, high-growth corridors.
“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. Innovations like the Board AI Observer, Voice Concierge, and planning tools are already delivering real impact,” added Al Rostamani.
For his part, Kramer added that the bank recently launched the region’s first blockchain-based digital bond, a milestone that underscores FAB’s leadership in shaping the future of capital markets in the region.
