Gulf country’s financial sector has withstood twin shocks to the domestic economy.
Middle East
Latest articles from United Arab Emirates

Will legal reforms boost UAE’s position as a global business hub?
November 10, 2020Wide-ranging legal changes have been designed with foreign residents and investors in mind.

UAE banks feel the benefit of experience
February 1, 2019From their enviably stable position, the UAE’s banks are in a strong position to face anything 2019 can throw at them, even the market turbulence caused by impending mergers and rising interest rates. James King reports.

UAE faces headwinds undaunted thanks to reform agenda
February 1, 2019The UAE’s reform timetable is providing the country with some breathing space in addressing problems with a declining real estate market and stagnant job creation rates. James King reports.

Emirates NBD’s new digital lead brings a fintech mindset
August 1, 2018Evans Munyuki, recently appointed as group chief digital officer at Emirates NBD, talks to Joy Macknight about his plans to take the digitally mature bank to the next level of innovation.

UAE seeks Middle East arbitration hub status
May 1, 2018The United Arab Emirates is hoping to build on its growing reputation as a business hub with a law designed to boost its credentials as a regional centre for arbitration, an increasingly popular method of dispute resolution. Kit Gillet reports.

UAE Banks Federation chairman sees the positive impact of AI
February 1, 2018Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, chairman of the UAE Banks Federation, talks to James King about the importance of sharing information to combat cybercrime and the power of artificial intelligence.

Can the UAE meet its SME funding challenge?
February 1, 2018SMEs seeking bank financing have traditionally had a tough task on their hands in the UAE. However, small steps are being taken to resolve this issue, and optimism is widespread that the situation will improve in line with the country's Vision 2021 national agenda. James King reports.

UAE banks take a digital lead
February 1, 2018While the short-term future of the UAE's banks looks promising thanks to a growing national economy and rising oil prices, it is the sector's long-term prospects – due largely to its early embracing of AI and collaboration with fintechs – that are giving the greatest cause for optimism. James King reports.

UAE banks look to international expansion
October 2, 2017Having survived a regional liquidity squeeze, the United Arab Emirates’ larger banks are eyeing opportunities further afield. Meanwhile, an overbanked market means consolidation is likely for the rest of the sector. James King reports.