- Net profit after tax of AED 830 million, up 0.2% compared to the prior comparative period
- Net loans of AED 102.1 billion, up 1.0% compared to 31 December 2025
- Top-tier ROE of 20.57% after tax, sustaining strong shareholder value
- Excellent asset quality with Non-performing loan ratio improving to 3.55%, down 74 bps year-on-year, with coverage ratio at 104.72%, up 366 bps year-on-year
- Disciplined execution delivers 26.90% cost-to-income ratio, positioning CBD among the industry’s top
- Capital Adequacy Ratio of 15.45%, well above regulatory requirements, underpinning sustainable growth
Dubai, UAE,April 2026: CBD today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended 31 March 2026, delivering a solid performance whilst navigating heightened regional uncertainty, and sustaining the landmark milestone of net loans above AED 100 billion, continuing to back the growth of our customers.
CBD recorded a net profit before tax of AED 912 million, an increase of 0.3% compared to the prior comparative period, while net profit after tax rose to AED 830 million, up 0.2% year-on-year. The Bank sustained a strong return on equity (ROE) of 20.57% after tax, reflecting the quality and consistency of its performance and generating exceptional value for shareholders.
Dr. Bernd van Linder, Chief Executive Officer, CBD, said, “I am pleased to say that the Bank performance was solid with robust funding, liquidity and capital ratios. We commend our leaders and the government of the United Arab Emirates for the continued proactive measures taken including the announcement of the Financial Institution Resilience Package by the Central Bank of the UAE to enhance the resilience of the Banking Sector and the Strategic Measures announced by Dubai Executive Council.”
He added, “Our Q1 2026 results reflect our strength and resilience as we continue to deliver consistent value for our shareholders. We are focused on being customer-centric, driving digital transformation and empowering national talent. CBD will continue to deliver seamless, secure and personalised financial experiences, while contributing to the UAE’s economic transformation and global ambition.”
Strong Operating Income:
CBD’s Q1 2026 performance was underpinned by solid growth in loans, CASA balances and non-funded income, supported by robust business continuity frameworks, strong funding, liquidity and capital, operational excellence and prudent and proactive risk management practices. The Bank’s operating income increased 6.2% over Q1 2025 to AED 1,456 million, attributed to an increase in Net Interest Income by 2.4% led by solid loan and CASA growth, and 16.0% growth in Non-Funded Income.
Operating expenses were AED 392 million, up 5.8%, as the Bank continued to invest in digitisation, technology, business growth, governance and regulatory compliance. The cost-to-income ratio remained strong at 26.90%, underlining disciplined operating efficiency as the Bank enhanced its capabilities and growth initiatives.
Growth in Assets and Customer Deposits:
The Bank’s total assets stood at AED 157.9 billion as of 31 March 2026, up 11.9% from AED 141.1 billion at 31 March 2025. Gross loans and advances increased 4.1% year-on-year to AED 106.4 billion, with net loans and advances rising 5.3% to AED 102.1 billion.
Customer deposits grew 10.0% year-on-year to AED 109.6 billion, with low-cost CASA balances comprising 51% of total deposits. The loan-to-deposit ratio stood at 93.1%, and the advances to stable resources ratio was 86.94%, well within the UAE Central Bank regulatory ceiling, with certain ratios amended on an interim basis as part of the Financial Institution Resilience Package, showcasing a prudent and robust liquidity profile.
CBD’s asset quality further strengthened in the first quarter of 2026. The non-performing loan ratio declined to 3.55% from 4.29% at the end of Q1 2025 further highlighting the excellent asset quality. The Bank’s capital position remained strong, with a Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 15.45%, a Tier 1 ratio of 14.32% and a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 12.54%, all well above minimum regulatory requirements.
Continued Focus on Transformation:
CBD continued to accelerate its transformation agenda, leveraging digital technologies and partnerships to enhance customer experience across all segments. The Bank was named among Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 Most Valuable Companies for 2026, recognising its financial strength, innovation leadership and commitment to long-term value creation.
CBD is the first bank in the UAE to completely activate Open Finance at scale, establishing themselves as a market leader in this initiative and reinforcing their role as an early adopter of next-generation financial infrastructure and a firm believer in customer empowerment. CBD’s continued focus on transformation was recognised by Global Brands Magazine for Excellence in Digital Banking Transformation.
CBD was among the financial institutions to recognise AE Coin, a UAE Central Bank-licensed, fully reserved, UAE dirham-backed digital currency, as a payment method across all federal government entities. The Bank further supported national initiatives including Aani payments, UAE Central Bank Digital Currency and the Financial Infrastructure Transformation Programme, reinforcing its alignment with the UAE’s vision for financial innovation and inclusion.
CBD’s strong credit profile was reaffirmed with Fitch Ratings affirming an A- rating with a ‘Stable’ outlook and Moody’s maintaining a Baa1 rating with a ‘Stable’ outlook, reflecting its sound capitalisation, balanced funding mix and prudent risk management.
About Commercial Bank of Dubai:
Decree issued by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. CBD provides a comprehensive range of retail and commercial banking products and services through an extensive network of branches and ATMs in the UAE.
As of Q1 2026, the Bank reported total assets of AED 157.9 billion and a net profit of AED 912 million before tax, reflecting its strong market standing and ongoing growth. The Bank delivers a full suite of personal, elite, private, business, corporate and institutional banking services through both conventional and Shari’ah-compliant formats. These are further supported by advanced digital platforms, including a next-generation mobile app and the award-winning iBusiness platform. Recognised for its innovation and digital leadership, CBD actively supports national development goals through financial technology, Emiratization, and strategic partnerships.
