National Bank of Umm Al Qaiwain (NBQ) reported an after-tax profit of Dh152 million for the first quarter of 2026, reflecting steady growth supported by higher income, strong liquidity, and disciplined cost management.
The bank said total interest income increased by 11 per cent year-on-year to Dh246 million, while net interest income rose 4 per cent to Dh153 million. The results highlight continued stability in NBQ’s core banking operations despite changing market conditions.
NBQ’s balance sheet also expanded during the period. Total assets reached Dh23.2 billion as of March 31, 2026, marking a 1 per cent increase from the end of December and a 24 per cent rise compared to the same period last year. Net loans and advances stood at Dh8.3 billion, up 2 per cent year-on-year.
Customer deposits showed particularly strong growth, climbing 34 per cent to Dh16.3 billion. Shareholders’ equity rose to Dh6.3 billion, an increase of 6 per cent from March 2025, underlining the bank’s improving financial position.
The lender maintained a strong capital base, with a capital adequacy ratio of 31 per cent, well above the minimum requirements set by the Central Bank of the UAE under Basel III guidelines. This level of capital provides a buffer against potential risks and supports future growth.
Asset quality remained stable, although the non-performing loans ratio edged up slightly to 0.43 per cent from 0.31 per cent at the end of 2025. The figure remains significantly lower than the 3.74 per cent recorded a year earlier, indicating improved credit conditions over the longer term.
Chief Executive Officer Adnan Al Awadhi said the bank’s performance was supported by a solid balance sheet, strong liquidity, and a cautious approach to risk. He noted that these factors enabled NBQ to continue supporting customers across key sectors while maintaining financial stability.
Digital transformation remained a key priority during the quarter. The bank upgraded its digital banking platforms, enhanced mobile services, and automated several internal processes. According to Al Awadhi, these efforts improved efficiency and strengthened customer engagement, helping NBQ maintain its position in a competitive market.
The bank also continued to invest in workforce development and community initiatives, aligning its strategy with broader national goals. Management said a disciplined risk framework remained central to navigating changing interest rate conditions and market dynamics.
Looking ahead, NBQ expressed cautious optimism about its prospects for the rest of 2026. The bank said its focus on innovation, customer service, and prudent financial management would support sustainable growth and long-term value creation for stakeholders.
