Emirates NBD captures the title of the third-largest bank in the Middle East and North Africa from Saudi National Bank
Emirates NBD has demonstrated strong improvement in its financial position over recent years, culminating in its capture of the title of the third-largest bank in theMiddle East and North Africa from Saudi National Bank (SNB), which has slipped to fourth place.
Earlier this month, on April 8, «First Bank» rankings center published a report highlighting the narrowing gap between Emirates NBD and SNB, under the headline: “Fierce competition between Emirates NBD and Saudi National Bank for third place among the largest banks in the Middle East and North Africa.”
According to consolidated financial statements, Emirates NBD’s total assets rose to $331.24 billion by the end of March 2026, up from $317.04 billion at the end of 2025, reflecting a 4.5% quarter-on-quarter growth rate.
In comparison, SNB’s total assets increased to $327.34 billion by the end of March 2026, compared to $322.61 billion at the end of 2025, representing a more modest 1.5% quarter-on-quarter growth.
These results highlight Emirates NBD’s ability to deliver balanced and sustainable growth, supported by a strong capital base, improved operational efficiency, and diversified income streams.
Its performance during the first quarter of the year also underscores the success of its strategy in effectively leveraging regional and international expansion, alongside strengthening core business activities—factors that have reinforced its financial position and supported growth rates above the Arab banking sector average.
Alongside asset growth, the bank’s customer deposits increased to $225.96 billion by the end of March 2026, compared to$214.01 billion at the end of 2025, marking a 5.6% quarterly growth rate.
Meanwhile, net loans and receivables rose by 7.1% during the first quarter of 2026, reaching $184.53 billion, up from $172.31 billion at the end of 2025.
On the profitability front, the bank reported net profit of $1.75 billion in Q1 2026, compared to $1.69 billion in the same period of 2025, reflecting a 3.1% increase.
Profit before tax climbed to $2.24 billion in Q1 2026, up from $2.11 billion in Q1 2025, representing a 5.9% growth rate.
Net interest income rose to $2.08 billion, compared to $1.85 billion in the same period last year, marking a 12.1% increase.
Additionally, net income from Islamic financing and investment products grew to $505 million in Q1 2026, up from $448 million a year earlier.
Net fee and commission income also recorded strong growth, rising to $653 million in Q1 2026 from $514 million in the same period of 2025, representing a significant 27.1% increase.
