The UAE's banking sector has continued to consolidate its position as one of the strongest in the Middle East, with 17 UAE banks appearing on the list of regional institutions featured in The Banker magazine's ranking of the world's top 1,000 banks for 2026, while 6 UAE banks placed among the 25 largest in the Middle East by Tier 1 capital.
The ranking showed that Emirates NBD came third among the largest banks in the Middle East and 74th globally, with Tier 1 capital of $34.8 billion, maintaining its position as the largest UAE bank in the regional classification.
First Abu Dhabi Bank ranked fifth in the Middle East and 82nd globally, with Tier 1 capital reaching $30.5 billion.
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank came ninth in the Middle East and 166th globally, with Tier 1 capital of $20.2 billion, registering one of the most notable improvements among UAE and global banks in the ranking.
Dubai Islamic Bank ranked 17th in the Middle East and 180th globally, with Tier 1 capital of $12 billion.