Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank profit jumps as pre-tax earnings reach AED 7.607bn in H1 2026
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank profit rose 28% year-on-year to AED 7.607 billion pre-tax in H1 2026, driven by loan growth, higher non-interest income and robust asset quality.
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank posted a record pre-tax profit of AED 7.607 billion for the first half of 2026, marking a 28% increase compared with the same period last year. The lender also reported a second-quarter pre-tax profit of AED 3.826 billion, up 26% year-on-year and extending its consecutive quarterly profit growth to 20 quarters. These results reflect broad-based momentum across lending, deposits and fee-generating businesses amid a supportive UAE operating environment.
Record pre-tax profit in H1 2026
The bank’s headline pre-tax profit for H1 2026 reached AED 7.607 billion, setting a new high for the institution and underscoring sustained earnings momentum. Net profit after tax for the half stood at AED 6.737 billion, while return on average equity after tax improved to 16.2%, a gain of 210 basis points year-on-year. Management attributed the uptick to the combined impact of expanding core lending, higher non-interest income and disciplined balance sheet management.
Quarterly performance and streak of growth
ADCB delivered pre-tax profit of AED 3.826 billion in the second quarter of 2026, representing a 26% rise from Q2 2025 and sustaining a two-decade-long streak of quarterly improvements. That 20-quarter run signals resilience through varying market cycles and supports confidence in the bank’s strategic execution. The quarterly progress was supported by stronger trading and fee income alongside healthy net interest margins.
Non-interest income and revenue diversification
Non-interest income rose meaningfully in Q2 2026, increasing by 12% year-on-year due to higher fees and stronger trading income, which helped diversify revenue away from pure lending. Management highlighted that fee-based and trading activities are now a more pronounced contributor to total income, enhancing resilience against rate and market fluctuations. This diversification was cited as a key factor behind the bank’s ability to sustain profit growth while preserving asset quality.
Balance sheet expansion and lending momentum
The balance sheet expanded notably during the first half of the year, with total assets climbing to AED 833 billion, up 16% from H1 2025 and 8% year-to-date. Net customer loans rose by AED 42 billion, a 10% increase since the start of the year and an 18% rise compared with the same period last year, lifting net loans to AED 445 billion. Management pointed to sustained corporate and retail demand for credit as central to that lending momentum, reflecting ongoing economic and investment activity across the UAE.
Deposit growth and liquidity position
Customer deposits increased by AED 27 billion since the beginning of 2026, representing 5% year-to-date growth and 14% growth compared with H1 2025, bringing total deposits to AED 527 billion. The steady inflow of deposits has helped the bank maintain a robust liquidity position while funding loan growth organically. Executives emphasised that the deposit book expansion underscores client confidence and supports a stable funding profile.
CEO statement on performance and strategy
Alaa Eriqat, Group Chief Executive of ADCB, said the bank’s performance in Q2 and H1 2026 reflects the strength of its business model and successful execution of strategy alongside the UAE’s resilient economic backdrop. He noted the double benefit of accelerating loan growth and rising non-interest income while preserving high standards of asset quality. Eriqat also highlighted that the results mirror investor and depositor confidence across retail and corporate segments, reinforcing the bank’s role in supporting economic activity.
The bank’s results present a picture of balanced growth, with rising profitability underpinned by both traditional lending and fee-driven businesses. Indicators such as an improved return on equity, expanding asset base and growing deposit volumes point to an institution that is scaling in a controlled manner while responding to market opportunities.
ADCB’s H1 2026 performance will be watched closely by market participants for indications of how other UAE lenders are faring in the current macroeconomic environment, and whether the strong quarter-to-quarter momentum can be maintained through the remainder of the year.