UAE Tourist Identity Unlocks Instant Digital Bank Accounts for Visitors
UAE Tourist Identity now gives every visitor instant access to the UAE banking system. The Central Bank of the UAE, known as CBUAE, launched this service alongside two key government partners. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, called ICP, joined the effort. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, known as ADCB, completed the […]
Central Bank of UAE develops e-KYC platform
ABU DHABI, 15th April, 2026 (WAM) — The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) announced the development of the nationwide unified Know Your Customer (eKYC) platform, following the signing of a technical partnership agreement with the global technology company Norbloc AB. This strategic initiative constitutes a core pillar of the Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme, […]
Sheikh Mohammed: Raise the UAE flag as a symbol of national unity
DUBAI, 9th April, 2026 – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, has urged citizens and residents to display the UAE flag on homes, institutions, and buildings as a symbol of national unity in the wake of the recent crisis. In a post […]
UAE banking sector assets rise as deposits and credit grow in February
Fresh CBUAE data shows a banking system with rising liquidity, larger deposits, and stronger credit activity. Total bank assets reached AED5.47 trillion by late February, adding further weight to recent expansion. Credit also moved upward during the month, with private sector borrowing providing the clearest support. Deposit growth stayed broad, with residents and non-residents both […]
Salik AED1.55 billion profit lifts 2025 dividend payout for all investors
Salik reported strong momentum across its business during 2025, supported by steady toll crossing activity. The company remains the exclusive operator managing Dubai toll gates across major commuting routes. Those assets give Salik direct exposure to daily travel demand across the wider emirate network. Higher usage and disciplined operations helped lift earnings without placing extra […]
UAE-Bahrain currency swap agreement supports Gulf trade and stability today
UAE-Bahrain currency swap agreement links two Gulf banking systems through a five-year liquidity framework. The announced facility carries a nominal value of AED 20 billion, or BHD 2 billion. Both sides presented the signing as another step toward stronger central bank cooperation efforts. Officials also tied the arrangement to wider UAE Bahrain trade ties across […]
UAE Japan economic partnership grows under CEPA and broader trade goals
The UAE-Japan economic partnership is entering a stronger phase after both sides backed a new trade framework. The recent call between President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi showed support for deeper commercial ties. Both governments tied their talks to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership launched in 2022, which guides broader […]
GCC banking sector revenues reach records as lending stays strong in Q4
The quarterly rise reached 1.7 percent, showing banks still expanded income despite softer fee generation. Net interest income did most of the work as lending volumes increased across major Gulf markets. Non-interest income slipped after seven rising quarters, trimming part of the gain from core banking activity. At the same time, impairments climbed to their […]