62 Gulf Banks Included in the «First Bank» Top 100 Most Profitable Banks in the Arab World
The «First Bank» ranking of the Top 100 Most Profitable Banks in the Arab World during the first nine months of 2025 revealed the dominance of Gulf banks, which secured 62 out of 100 positions. Combined profits reached USD 51.26 billion by the end of September 2025, accounting for approximately 81.5% of the total profits generated by the banks under review.
UAE banks led the Gulf landscape, capturing 18 positions with aggregate profits totaling USD 19.22 billion. The listed institutions included Emirates NBD, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB UAE), Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), Dubai Islamic Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Mashreq, Emirates Islamic, Commercial Bank of Dubai, National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (RAKBANK), Sharjah Islamic Bank, National Bank of Fujairah, National Bank of Umm Al Qaiwain, Bank of Sharjah, Ajman Bank, United Arab Bank, Investment Bank, Commercial Bank International, and Emirates Investment Bank.
Saudi banks followed with 10 positions, generating combined profits of USD 18.37 billion. These included Saudi National Bank, Al Rajhi Bank, Riyad Bank, Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB), Alinma Bank, Banque Saudi Fransi, Arab National Bank, Bank Albilad, Saudi Investment Bank, and Bank Aljazira.
Qatari banks secured 9 positions within the ranking, with total profits amounting to USD 6.44 billion. These included Qatar National Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank of Qatar, Masraf Al Rayan, Dukhan Bank, Qatar International Islamic Bank, Doha Bank, Ahli Bank QPSC, and Lesha Bank.
Kuwaiti banks reinforced their regional footprint with 9 positions, posting total profits of approximately USD 4.61 billion. They included Kuwait Finance House, National Bank of Kuwait, Commercial Bank of Kuwait, Boubyan Bank, Ahli United Bank Kuwait, Warba Bank, Gulf Bank, Burgan Bank, and Kuwait International Bank.
In the same context, Omani banks were represented by 8 institutions, generating total profits of USD 1.36 billion by the end of September 2025. These included Bank Muscat, Oman Housing Bank, Sohar International, National Bank of Oman, Bank Dhofar, Ahli Bank Oman, Nizwa Bank, and Alizz Islamic Bank.
Bahraini banks secured 8 positions within the ranking, generating combined profits of USD 1.26 billion. These included Al Baraka Banking Group, Bank ABC, National Bank of Bahrain, Gulf International Bank, Al Salam Bank, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, Bahrain Islamic Bank, and Ithmaar Bank.
It is worth noting that the ranking was based on reported net profits converted into U.S. dollars to ensure a standardized comparison across institutions. Banks without officially disclosed data were excluded to maintain methodological integrity. The classification covered parent banking groups across Arab countries and excluded their foreign subsidiaries.
