Surge in bank account ownerships positions UAE among most banked nations
The UAE has emerged as one of the world's most banked nations on the back of remarkable surge in bank account ownerships, according to a new independent survey.
The YouGov study, commissioned by the personalised financial marketplace Daleel, reveals that 94 per cent of UAE residents now hold a personal bank account, a notable increase from 85 per cent in 2021, according to the World Bank's Global Findex Database. This positions the UAE among the world's most banked nations, rivaling the United States and reflecting the success of the UAE's ambitious financial inclusion strategies under the 'We the UAE 2031' vision and the UAE Digital Economy Strategy.
The YouGov survey, which explored how UAE residents engage with financial services — from product research to confidence in their financial tools — highlights both progress and challenges in the nation's financial landscape.
'The UAE's near-universal bank account ownership is a testament to its forward-thinking policies,' said PK Shrivastava, CEO of Daleel. 'However, there's a clear opportunity to offer more personalized financial products to move beyond the 'one-size-fits-all' model.'
The UAE's rise in account ownership aligns with its strategic goals to enhance digital transformation and financial inclusion. According to the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), total bank deposits grew by 1.2 per cent, from Dh2,840.7 billion in January 2025 to Dh2,874.6 billion in February 2025. This growth was driven by a 0.8 per cent increase in resident deposits, reaching Dh2,625.5 billion, and a 5.1 per cent surge in non-resident deposits, totaling Dh249.1 billion.
Within resident deposits, government-related entities saw a 3.8 per cent rise, private sector deposits increased by 1.4 per cent, and non-banking financial institutions recorded a 5.6 per cent uptick, though government sector deposits fell by 4.0 per cent. These figures underscore the UAE's robust financial ecosystem, supported by initiatives like the CBUAE's Financial Inclusion Framework, which promotes accessible banking services. The UAE's digital banking infrastructure, including mobile banking apps and fintech innovations, has also played a pivotal role in expanding access, particularly for underserved communities.
Despite high account ownership, the survey reveals a significant confidence gap in financial products. While two-thirds of account holders trust their current accounts, 76 per cent lack confidence in at least one financial product they use. Specifically, 65 per cent of mortgage holders doubt they have the optimal plan, 62 per cent question their personal or auto loans, and 50 per cent are uncertain about their credit card choices. This uncertainty often stems from product complexity, opaque terms, and insufficient consumer education.
Behavioural trends also emerged from the survey. Women are twice as likely as men to periodically review their financial products, reflecting greater diligence in seeking better options. Meanwhile, 90 per cent of respondents regularly review or switch products, with many prioritising tailored solutions. Emirati nationals stand out as the most proactive, with 80 per cent annually reassessing their financial portfolios.
The findings signal a growing demand for transparency and personalisation in the UAE's financial sector. 'Consumers need clear, jargon-free information to make informed decisions,' said Ridaa Shah, COO of Daleel. 'In 2025, we expect the UAE's financial industry to prioritise transparency and customization, empowering residents to choose products that align with their needs.'
The UAE's fintech sector is responding to this demand. Platforms like Daleel leverage data analytics to offer personalised product recommendations, while banks are investing in user-friendly digital interfaces. The CBUAE's 2024 Consumer Protection Regulations further support this shift by mandating clear disclosures and fair practices.
Banking sector analysts said the UAE's near-universal bank account ownership marks a milestone in its journey toward financial inclusion, driven by strategic vision and digital innovation. However, addressing the confidence gap in financial products is critical to sustaining this progress.
They said by prioritising transparency, simplifying product offerings, and leveraging fintech, the UAE can empower residents to make smarter financial choices, reinforcing its position as a global leader in financial services.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
4 days ago
- Arabian Business
UAE raises $300m in June 2025 Islamic T-Sukuk auction, oversubscribed 5.6 times
The UAE Ministry of Finance (MoF) has announced the successful completion of its June 2025 auction of Islamic Treasury Sukuk (T-Sukuk), raising AED1.1bn ($300m) as part of its broader 2025 issuance program. The auction, conducted in coordination with the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), drew strong demand from eight primary dealers, reflecting continued investor trust in the UAE's fiscal framework and Islamic finance model. The auction results highlighted competitive, market-driven pricing with a Yield to Maturity (YTM) of 3.88 per cent for the May 2027 tranche and 3.83 per cent for the August 2028 tranche. Islamic Sukuk in UAE These yields represent a tight spread of 2 basis points, above comparable US Treasuries at the time of issuance. The tight spreads and high participation signal market-driven pricing and growing demand for Shariah-compliant sovereign debt instruments. The Ministry confirmed the auction aligns with its commitment to developing a dirham-denominated yield curve and broadening local capital markets, offering investors a stable and secure platform within the country's economic ecosystem. In a statement, the MoF reiterated that the Islamic T-Sukuk programme:
Arabian Post
4 days ago
- Arabian Post
Dubai's Binational Financial Clout Sealed by SIBOS 2029 Bid Win
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai has been chosen to host SIBOS in 2029, affirming its standing as a global nexus in financial services. The selection reflects growing confidence in its role as a strategic bridge in international banking, marking the beginning of SWIFT's new hosting rotation featuring emerging financial hubs. SWIFT—holder of SIBOS, an annual forum for payments, securities, cash management and trade—has scheduled the conference in Frankfurt, Miami, Singapore, and Paris, with Dubai confirmed for 2029. This shift inaugurates a four-year rotation that now includes key regions such as the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia, signalling intent to broaden engagement beyond traditional centres. ADVERTISEMENT This move underscores Dubai's appeal, anchored in the growth of DIFC, which now hosts nearly 7,000 firms, including the region's fintech core. SWIFT's Rosemary Stone emphasised that expanding SIBOS to diverse locations will lend fresh perspectives vital amid accelerating technological shifts and growing fragmentation risks. SWIFT saw record traffic last year, and the conference consistently draws over 10,000 delegates. UAE Banks Federation and supporting bodies—including DIFC, DWTC, DET and CBUAE—have been credited for bringing SIBOS back to the UAE after its inaugural MENA appearance in 2013. UBF chairman Abdulaziz Al‑Ghurair highlighted that hosting SIBOS 2029 recognises the UAE's leadership in digital payments innovation and its dedication to payment security and efficiency under CBUAE guidance. UBF director‑general Jamal Saleh noted that the federation's National SWIFT User Group, launched in 2021, along with the region's first SWIFT training centre, have built a strong skill base in payments protocols. He said the bid award demonstrates 'global recognition of the UAE's achievements in payments using advanced technologies under CBUAE's guidance'. DIFC's rapid development since 2004 has turned Dubai into SWIFT's 'Gateway to Africa', strategically connecting Europe, Asia and Africa. This position enhances Dubai's role within SWIFT's network of over 11,500 institutions across more than 200 countries. Planners are expected to leverage SIBOS's platform to demonstrate regional innovations, including national payment system strategies, fintech growth, and cyber‑security frameworks. The event offers a showcase for the UAE's ambitions to expand financial inclusion, digital infrastructure, and regulatory maturity. The SIBOS win also supports the federal strategy unveiled by the Central Bank in 2019 to enhance customer experience through secure, innovative payment mechanisms. Observers suggest the conference will spotlight initiatives such as real‑time payment, cross‑border settlement solutions, and cloud‑based financial services. By setting 2029 in Dubai, SWIFT signals that emerging financial ecosystems are not only capable but essential hosts. The planned rotation to include regions beyond the traditional triad marks a pivot in SWIFT's approach, prioritising breadth of perspective as the global banking system navigates fragmentation. UBF and its partners have committed to delivering a polished event, guided by rising standards in event production and stakeholder integration. With backing from SWIFT, CBUAE and government tourism authorities, organisers expect delegates to gain both technical insights and policy‑driven dialogue on future‑proofing global finance.
Sharjah 24
4 days ago
- Sharjah 24
CBUAE concludes Climate Forum in Abu Dhabi
Reaffirmed the importance of effective dialogue and close collaboration The forum reaffirmed the importance of effective dialogue and close collaboration among key stakeholders in addressing climate-related financial risks, advancing sustainable finance and exchanging best practices to strengthen the resilience of the financial system and accelerate climate action. The forum comes as part of the CBUAE's ongoing efforts to drive the transition towards a more sustainable financial system and strengthen its vital role in leading sustainable finance efforts, in line with the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 strategy. Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE, opened the forum in the presence of Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Abdulaziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of the UAE Banks Federation, and James Talbot, Chair of the Monetary Policy Workstream at the Network for Greening the Financial System, alongside a group of financial leaders, policymakers, international experts in sustainable finance and climate risks, and senior officials from regulatory bodies, central banks, and local and international financial institutions. Emphasised that the Climate Forum represents a strategic milestone in the UAE's journey of climate and financial action In his keynote address, Khaled Mohamed Balama emphasised that the Climate Forum represents a strategic milestone in the UAE's journey of climate and financial action, especially in light of the geopolitical and economic challenges and accelerating climate changes witnessed globally. He added, 'The Climate forum represented a pivotal turning point towards transitioning from a phase of dialogue and exchanging visions to a phase of practical implementation, through systematic investment in building institutional capabilities, updating policies, and developing operational processes within financial institutions. This contributes to enhancing the resilience and stability of the financial system and raising its level of preparedness in facing future risks, further solidifying the desired balance between sustainable economic growth and environmental protection.' He also stressed that the forum reflects the ambitious vision of the UAE and its keenness to consolidate its position as a leading global hub for institutional dialogue on issues of sustainable finance and responsible climate action. Discussed ways to enhance the integration of climate policies in risk management and investments The forum discussed ways to enhance the integration of climate policies in risk management and investments, and the necessity of finding effective solutions to strengthen the financial sector's resilience in facing future climate and environmental challenges. It also addressed frameworks for activating regional and international cooperation in the areas of legislation, financial policies, and adopting a proactive approach in developing sustainable Islamic finance solutions, in a step that affirms the UAE's growing position as a leading global centre in leading the dialogue on the future of sustainable finance. Agenda The forum's agenda included a number of themes in the field of sustainable finance, most notably strategies for integrating climate risks into regulatory frameworks, adaptation finance tools in emerging markets, and policies for enhancing the resilience of financial systems in the face of climate change. The forum also highlighted empowering financial institutions to adopt best global practices in analysing environmental risks and enhancing sustainability-related disclosures. Dialogue sessions The forum also included a number of dialogue sessions that brought together policymakers, representatives of central banks, and green finance experts, to discuss ways to align monetary and financial policies with climate goals, and the importance of innovation in developing green investment tools. The sessions addressed ways to build institutional capabilities and activate frameworks for regional and international cooperation in the areas of greening banking operations and sustainable Islamic finance, further enhancing the integration of roles between the public and private sectors. UAE's commitment to climate action and sustainable development Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi said, "The UAE's commitment to climate action and sustainable development is a cornerstone of our national vision. This is powerfully demonstrated by our Net Zero 2050 Strategy and Green Agenda 2030, and further reinforced by our whole-of-society approach. We are actively integrating climate policies directly with financial goals, thereby driving sector-wide sustainable growth. "We firmly believe that by strategically directing climate finance and investment, we can drive profound change, unlock green economic opportunities, and build a resilient financial system that ensures lasting prosperity. Recognising the urgency of our collective climate action, we commend the instrumental work of the UAE Central Bank and the NGFC in bolstering green finance infrastructure. Their efforts are integral to helping the nation achieve its climate and sustainability goals while simultaneously driving socio-economic growth." In his opening speech, Abdulaziz Al Ghurair said, 'Organising the Climate Forum reflects Central Bank of the UAE's proactive approach and firm commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles as a core driver of our growth in line with the UAE's Net-Zero 2050 strategy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)." 'UBF, as the sole representative and unified voice of UAE banks, remains committed to continuously enhancing our financial and banking ecosystem and facilitating innovative finance solutions towards a sustainable and inclusive future. UBF's member national banks' pledge to dedicate over AED 1 trillion in sustainable/green finance by 2030 is a testament to our efforts. Our member banks continue to lead innovative solutions in ESG financing." In his closing remarks, Ebrahim Al Zaabi, Assistant Governor of Monetary Policy and Financial Stability at the CBUAE affirmed the forum's success in achieving its strategic objectives by providing a high-level platform for constructive dialogue and strengthening frameworks for joint cooperation among regulatory and financial entities to address climate-related challenges. He added, 'The fruitful discussions witnessed by the forum contributed to enhancing the understanding of current climate challenges and exploring promising prospects for building and developing a more resilient and integrated financial system, by expanding the base of partnerships and strengthening international cooperation.' He affirmed the CBUAE's commitment to supporting the UAE's sustainable development agenda and continuing to work closely with the Network for Greening the Financial System and all local and international partners, in order to formulate effective climate policies that contribute to solidifying financial and monetary stability at both local and international levels.
