UBF CEOs Advisory Council Strengthens Commitment to Banking Sector Resilience and Capabilities
Abu Dhabi – Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The CEOs Advisory Council of the UAE Banks Federation (UBF) convened its inaugural quarterly meeting on April 8, 2026. Chaired by His Excellency Abdulaziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of UBF, the meeting focused on evaluating the banking and financial sector’s performance and outlining UBF’s initiatives and plans for the year ahead.
The Council commended the Comprehensive Financial Institution Resilience Package, recently approved by the Board of the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This package aims to enhance the resilience and capabilities of the banking sector, reinforcing its stability and strength.
Commitment to Financial Stability
His Excellency Abdulaziz Al Ghurair emphasized the UAE’s position as a leading financial hub, attributing this status to the visionary leadership and robust strategies in place. He noted that the Comprehensive Financial Institution Resilience Package demonstrates CBUAE’s commitment to establishing frameworks that ensure the banking sector’s stability, enabling it to contribute effectively to socio-economic development and the UAE’s strategic priorities.
Al Ghurair reiterated UBF’s dedication to maintaining a secure and seamless banking experience for all customer segments through prudent risk management, business continuity, and cybersecurity measures.
Achievements and Future Plans
The Advisory Council recognized the banking sector’s strong performance in 2025, which was bolstered by the collaborative efforts between UBF and CBUAE. These efforts have been pivotal in supporting the national economy’s growth by establishing frameworks for financial stability and enhancing regulatory legislation.
The Council also discussed UBF’s strategic plans to further develop the banking and financial sector, highlighting the importance of initiatives aimed at promoting Emiratisation, sustainability, governance, financial inclusion, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Technological Advancements in Financial Services
A significant topic of discussion was CBUAE’s initiative to launch Takamul, a company focused on artificial intelligence and big data analytics. This initiative is seen as a transformative step in the financial services landscape, leveraging AI to bolster resilience within the national financial ecosystem as part of the Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) program. The project aims to develop AI-powered platforms and services, supporting various infrastructures, including the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) infrastructure and the Instant Payments Platform (Aani).
The Advisory Council acknowledged the banking sector’s ongoing efforts to enhance banking practices and build customer trust. These initiatives have contributed to the UAE’s top ranking in the Customer Trust Index for the third consecutive year, surpassing many advanced economies.
Addressing Global Economic Challenges
The meeting also addressed the need for the banking sector to adapt to rapid changes in the global economy and digital transformation. Discussions included enhancing cybersecurity measures, raising awareness about financial crimes, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. The emphasis was placed on maintaining high standards of governance, transparency, and risk management.
Mr. Jamal Saleh, Director General of UBF, remarked on the sector’s growth trajectory, attributing this success to the effective strategies and policies implemented by CBUAE. He reaffirmed UBF’s commitment to continuous development and collaboration with strategic partners to ensure a secure banking experience for customers.
About UAE Banks Federation (UBF)
Founded in 1982, the UAE Banks Federation serves as the unified voice of UAE banks, representing 63 members from various financial institutions operating in the country. UBF advocates for its members’ interests and fosters cooperation to enhance the UAE’s banking ecosystem, benefiting both members and the broader economy.
UBF’s mission focuses on defending the rights and interests of its members while providing a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange. The organization plays a vital role in raising public awareness about the contributions of the banking sector to the UAE’s economic and social development.
The UBF Advisory Council comprises 22 members, including CEOs and General Managers from member banks, overseeing the implementation of UBF’s policies. The Council also guides the activities of UBF’s technical and advisory committees, addressing issues pertinent to the UAE’s banking and financial services landscape.
For further information, please contact:
Salah Al Tamimi
Sr. Relationship Director
salah@blueappleco.com
Hiba Alamin
Sr. PR Account Executive
pr@blueappleco.com
Source: www.zawya.com
Read all the latest developments and breaking updates in the Latest News section.
Published on 2026-04-12 07:57:00 • By the Editorial Desk
