FAB Shareholders Approve Historic AED8.84 Billion Cash Dividend at AGM
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM) today in a virtual format, where shareholders reviewed and approved all agenda items. A key highlight was the decision to distribute AED8.84 billion in cash dividends for the financial year ending December 31, 2025. This payout translates to 80 fils per share, marking the highest cash dividend in the bank’s history.
Eligible shareholders, those registered by March 23, 2026, or who purchased shares by March 19, 2026, will receive this dividend.
Record Financial Performance
FAB concluded 2025 as the largest bank in the Middle East and Africa, boasting total assets of AED1.40 trillion. This achievement underscores the bank’s position as the UAE’s global bank and a prominent regional financial powerhouse. The approval of the dividend follows a year characterized by record financial performance, with FAB reporting a 24% year-on-year increase in net profit, reaching AED21.11 billion for FY 2025. This growth reflects a multi-year trajectory that has seen the bank double its net profit since 2020, driven by disciplined growth and robust balance-sheet management.
The double-digit growth in net profit was fueled by strong transaction volumes across various products and asset classes, enhanced client engagement, and expanded cross-selling activities.
International Expansion and Strategic Growth
In 2025, FAB reinforced its leadership in the UAE while also expanding its international presence across more than 20 markets. Growth in cross-border lending and deposit flows was particularly strong in key corridors in Europe, Asia, and the broader MENA region. Notable milestones included the launch of operations in Türkiye and GIFT City, India, as well as significant transactions in Nigeria and advancements in French subsidiarisation.
The year also marked a pivotal moment in FAB’s adoption of artificial intelligence. The bank implemented enterprise-wide AI initiatives, rolling out Microsoft Copilot to all employees and developing a library of over 1,000 AI agents. These advancements are aimed at enhancing productivity and client experience across various functions, including trade, payments, compliance, and finance.
Leadership Insights
H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of FAB, emphasized the bank’s strong performance in 2025, highlighting sustained progress in building scale, diversification, and long-term value. He noted that the Group achieved record profitability, supported by robust operating income growth and improved asset quality. Sheikh Tahnoon stated that the bank’s diversified revenue mix and leading cost-to-income ratio reinforced the resilience of its business model across economic cycles.
He further remarked on the bank’s strong capital and liquidity positions, which remained well above regulatory requirements. This financial strength enabled FAB to support clients and priority sectors while maintaining balance sheet flexibility and risk discipline.
Sheikh Tahnoon also pointed out that FAB played a vital role in financing the real economy, supporting major renewable energy and infrastructure projects, and acting as a partner to government entities and the private sector. These initiatives align closely with the UAE’s diversification agenda, reinforcing the country’s emergence as a global hub for capital, trade, and technology.
Continued Commitment to Growth
Hana Al Rostamani, Group Chief Executive Officer of FAB, noted that 2025 was a year of accelerated regional momentum and strengthened corridor activity. She highlighted the bank’s commitment to embedding AI across its operations to maximize cross-border trade and investment opportunities.
Al Rostamani reported that group revenue reached AED36.68 billion, with net profit of AED21.11 billion. The Return on Tangible Equity stood at 19.2%, exceeding medium-term guidance and solidifying FAB’s status among the world’s most profitable AA-rated banks. Reflecting this strong performance, shareholders approved the historic cash dividend of 80 fils per share for the financial year 2025.
She reiterated that FAB serves as a trusted financial partner for clients in the UAE and international markets, playing a crucial role in advancing the nation’s long-term economic agenda. Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the bank plans to continue investing in its people, platforms, and products, leveraging data and innovation to enhance client experiences and support sustainable growth.
AGM Resolutions
During the AGM, all agenda items were approved, including the Board of Directors’ report, the external auditors’ report, and the Internal Shari’ah Supervision Committee’s annual report for FY 2025. The agenda also included the notification of payable Zakat for 2025, approval of the bank’s balance sheet and profit and loss statement for 2025, the re-election of Board of Directors members for a three-year term, and the appointment of auditors for the financial year 2026.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-03-12 22:35:00 • By Editorial Desk
