Emirates NBD profit jumps 56% to AED 7.8B in Q1 2025

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office

Emirates NBD, one of the biggest banks in the UAE, announced a big jump in its profit before tax for the first quarter of 2025. The profit rose by 56% to AED 7.8 billion. This happened because the bank gave out more loans, improved its deposit mix, and introduced new products.

The bank's total income went up by 11% compared to the same time last year. Also, Emirates NBD’s total assets crossed the AED 1 trillion mark for the first time. This happened thanks to the strong economy in the region, which helped the bank grow both its loans and deposits.

Deposits increased by 5% in the first quarter, especially due to a record rise of AED 27 billion in low-cost Current and Savings Accounts. Loans went up by AED 18 billion, and more than half of that growth came from the bank’s branches outside the UAE.

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Emirates Islamic Hits New Profit Record
Emirates Islamic, part of Emirates NBD, made a profit of more than AED 1 billion in just one quarter – a first in its history. This shows that the bank is becoming a strong name in Islamic banking in the UAE.

The bank also saw its Assets Under Management (the money customers let the bank manage) grow to USD 50 billion. This happened because more wealthy people are trusting Emirates NBD to manage their money.

Even though interest rates are lower, the bank’s smart investments in technology, regional branches, and AI are helping it earn well.

Key Points – Q1 2025

• Profit before tax went up 56%, driven by more loans, better deposits, and strong business activity.

• Total assets crossed AED 1 trillion for the first time.

• Total income reached AED 11.9 billion, 5% higher than the previous quarter.

• Loan growth of 3.5% in just three months – AED 18 billion in new loans, mostly from international branches.

• Deposits grew by AED 31 billion, including a record AED 27 billion from Current and Savings Accounts.

• Loan quality improved, with fewer unpaid loans. The impaired loan ratio is now just 3.1%.

• Emirates Islamic made over AED 1 billion profit – the highest ever in one quarter.

Customer Services & Business Growth

• Emirates NBD now holds a 35% market share in UAE credit card spending. Over AED 50 billion was spent on their cards in Q1-25.

• They launched a new credit card called ‘Darna’ in Abu Dhabi with Aldar.

• The bank allows free local stock trading through its ENBD X and EI+ apps.

• It is one of the top banks in customer satisfaction, with a Net Promoter Score of 48.

• Its Saudi Arabia network grew loans by 15%.

• New lending of AED 46 billion led to 7% growth in retail loans and 6% growth in corporate loans.

• New financial products were launched in areas like commodities, credit, and investment, increasing income from both local and international customers.

• Emirates NBD was ranked number one dealer of M-Bills by the UAE Central Bank.

• More companies are choosing Emirates NBD for their business accounts, thanks to advanced digital tools like escrow, APIs, and virtual accounts.

• Emirates NBD Capital remains top-ranked for IPOs and loans in the UAE and MENA region.

• 93% of new current accounts were opened digitally via app or tablet.

• The bank now manages USD 50 billion in wealth, proving the strength of its wealth services.

 Future Plans and Digital Growth

• Emirates NBD launched its ENBD X digital platform in Saudi Arabia, bringing better online banking to the Kingdom.

• It started crypto trading on its Liv X app, with help from Aquanow and Zodia Custody.

• Over 750,000 customers now use its WhatsApp banking service.

• The bank partnered with Visa’s Cybersource and Mastercard’s Brighterion AI to improve digital payments.

• Emirates NBD is also working with fintech companies like Partior (blockchain payments) and iPID (to confirm account details).

• They use big data and analytics to find new business opportunities, especially in digital payments.

• The bank now has over 50 active advanced analytics projects.

• It received the best ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) rating of any regional bank from S&P Global.

• Emirates NBD was the first bank in MENA to publish a report based on global sustainability standards (ISSB).

• It also has the highest number of eco-friendly (LEED Platinum) branches of any bank in the world.

Leaders Speak

Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, said:

• The bank’s 56% growth in profit was due to its strong expansion, smart digital strategies, and recovery of old loans.

• The bank’s balance sheet crossed AED 1 trillion.

• All departments did well and earned more than before.

• Emirates Islamic also did its best ever, with 7% growth in customer financing.

• The Group processed more than AED 50 billion in card spending this quarter.

Shayne Nelson, Group CEO, added:

• The bank grew its income by 11% compared to last year.

• Smart investments in technology and AI helped even when interest rates were low.

• Their focus areas include Private Banking, Investment Banking, and digital payments.

• Big data tools are helping the bank grow in new areas and offer better services.

Patrick Sullivan, Group CFO, explained:

• Profit went up to AED 6.2 billion in Q1-25 due to higher income, lower costs, and a one-time credit recovery.

• AED 27 billion in low-cost deposits helped during low interest rates.

• The region’s healthy economy and strong earnings helped the bank grow fast.

• The bank’s strong financial base gives it confidence for the future.

Economic Outlook

The UAE’s economy (excluding oil) started 2025 on a strong note. Both private and public investments are increasing. The population is also growing, which helps business.

In Saudi Arabia, the government is spending a lot on development projects. Oil production is expected to rise in both countries, helping the economy grow.

In Egypt, inflation is slowing down, which should help businesses. In Türkiye, the central bank is using smart policies to keep inflation under control.