The gathering brought together senior executives from major UAE financial institutions under the framework of the UAE Banks Federation to examine ways of strengthening the sector’s role in supporting national economic diversification. According to the Emirates News Agency participants reviewed ongoing initiatives in artificial intelligence adoption and climate-related financial disclosures that have gained momentum across GCC institutions. A Central Bank of the UAE assessment found that digital banking transactions rose 28 percent year-on-year in 2025 reflecting accelerated customer shift toward online platforms. The meeting also addressed talent development programs aimed at equipping the workforce with skills for emerging technologies.
Federation officials outlined progress on unified standards for sustainable lending practices that several member banks have begun piloting in project finance. Industry data from the UAE Banks Federation places the share of green financing portfolios at roughly 12 percent of total lending at the end of last year up from 7 percent in 2023. In an announcement on its newsroom the federation said the consultative council serves as an advisory platform that channels executive insights directly into policy recommendations. Discussions touched on harmonising cybersecurity protocols following a series of regional incidents that underscored vulnerabilities in cross-border payment systems.
The Central Bank of the UAE has maintained a proactive regulatory stance with stress tests conducted in the first half of 2026 confirming capital buffers remain well above international benchmarks. Participants noted that non-performing loan ratios across the sector have stabilised near historic lows according to central bank figures released last month. One agenda item focused on collaboration with fintech startups through structured sandboxes that the regulator expanded in 2025 to 18 active participants. The session concluded with agreement to form working groups that will deliver actionable proposals before the next full federation assembly.
Supporting data from the International Monetary Fund shows UAE banking assets grew 9.4 percent in 2025 outpacing the previous year’s 6.8 percent expansion and contributing an estimated 8 percent to national GDP. The consultative council format established three years ago has enabled faster feedback loops between practitioners and policymakers on matters ranging from Basel III implementation to climate risk integration. Several CEOs highlighted the importance of maintaining the UAE’s position as a regional financial hub amid competition from neighbouring financial centres. The federation plans to publish a summary report of the discussions within the coming weeks.
Earlier comparable meetings have produced recommendations that influenced updates to open banking regulations now used by more than 40 licensed entities. The Emirates News Agency reported that Monday’s session also touched on measures to enhance financial inclusion with targeted products for small and medium enterprises that account for 94 percent of all registered businesses according to Ministry of Economy statistics. Attendees agreed on the need for continued coordination with global standard-setting bodies to ensure seamless cross-border compliance. The consultative council will reconvene in October to track implementation of decisions taken during the July meeting.
