Abdul 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.
Middle East
Latest articles from United Arab Emirates
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.
The Dubai International Financial Centre: forward on all fronts
July 1, 2016The Dubai International Financial Centre has risen to become a major trade, investment and logistics hub over the past decade. However, as James King discovers, it is eyeing further growth through its strategy to become a leading global centre by 2024.
UAE Banks Federation chief looks to mobile payments, SMEs and Islamic finance
March 1, 2016The United Arab Emirates Banks Federation is embarking on a range of measures to tackle the country’s slowing economy, including improving mobile banking payment services, bolstering the assistance provided to SMEs, and developing a more consistent approach to applying sharia law to finance. Its chairman speaks to James King.
Slow growth forces UAE banks into new markets
December 1, 2015A slower growing economy and tighter liquidity environment are presenting the United Arab Emirates' lenders with a new set of challenges. Will expanding their international presence provide a solution?
Top 100 Arab Banks 2015: another strong year
October 1, 2015Banks across the Arab world continue to perform well despite the turbulent political environment, according to The Banker’s Top 100 Arab banks ranking.
Heading west: why Gulf banks are eyeing north Africa
April 30, 2015The countries of north Africa have been proving attractive for lenders from the Gulf region for decades, but in recent years this activity has picked up, with Egypt a particularly popular destination. Tom Stevenson looks at the reasons why Gulf banks are heading west.
A global energy shift: how US shale production is shaping a new world order
March 1, 2015US shale production has significantly altered the landscape of the global energy market. Ahead of the Institute of International Finance's annual spring meeting in Qatar, James King looks at how OPEC is responding to this seismic shift.