Emirates NBD Q3 Net Profit Slips 1.5% to AED 6.33B
Dubai-based Emirates NBD reported a net profit of AED 6.33B ($1.72B) for the third quarter of 2026, down 1.5% from AED 6.42B in the corresponding period last year. Higher operating income was offset by rising expenses, affecting the bank’s quarterly profitability.
The bank’s operating income increased 13% year-on-year to AED 14.34B during the third quarter. However, operating expenses rose 26% to AED 4.91B, reflecting increased costs that weighed on its earnings performance.
For the first nine months of 2026, the bank recorded a net profit of AED 19.14B, representing a 1.1% increase compared with the same period last year. The results highlight continued earnings growth despite economic uncertainty and disruptions affecting parts of the regional economy.
Loan Portfolio Expands 27% to AED 833B
Emirates NBD’s gross loans increased 27% since the beginning of the year to AED 833B by the end of September. The expansion was partly supported by the addition of India’s RBL Bank, strengthening the group’s lending operations and extending its presence in the Indian banking market.
The bank also reported an improvement in asset quality, with its non-performing loan ratio falling to 2% at the end of September from 2.4% at the end of 2025. The decline indicates an improvement in the proportion of loans classified as non-performing, supporting the bank’s overall credit profile.
Emirates NBD said domestic demand in the UAE remained firm, supported by population growth and continued expansion in credit activity. However, tourism, trade and logistics continued to experience subdued conditions amid wider regional economic disruption.
The ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States has disrupted shipping and trade across the Persian Gulf region, creating uncertainty for businesses operating across key economic sectors. Although regional authorities have introduced measures to support businesses and maintain liquidity in the banking system, weaker trade activity and business confidence remain concerns for the economic outlook.
The bank’s latest results reflect continued lending expansion and improved asset quality, even as higher operating costs affected quarterly earnings. Its ability to sustain credit growth while managing expenses will remain important for profitability in the coming quarters, particularly as regional economic conditions continue to evolve.