H.E. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair
Chairman, Mashreq
“The first quarter of 2026 has taken place against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tension in the region, and yet it has reaffirmed the structural resilience of the UAE and the wider GCC economies and the strength of its financial system, both of which continue to provide stability and confidence even in periods of uncertainty.
The UAE and the broader region’s disciplined fiscal management, strong external position, and sustained momentum in non-oil sectors have enabled the banking sector to operate from a position of liquidity, capital strength, and operational continuity, reinforcing its role as a reliable enabler of economic activity across cycles.
Within this context, Mashreq delivered a robust performance in the first quarter, with operating income of AED 3.4 billion and a return on equity of 20 percent, reflecting the strength of its diversified business model and the consistency of its execution across a broad range of markets and client segments.
The Board has maintained close oversight of the Bank’s response to evolving regional developments, ensuring that resilience is embedded not only in financial metrics but also in governance, risk discipline, and institutional preparedness, with a clear focus on safeguarding employees, maintaining service continuity, and preserving balance sheet strength.
As we look ahead, our focus remains on safeguarding stability, supporting sustainable and disciplined growth, and ensuring that Mashreq continues to play a meaningful role in reinforcing the UAE and the region’s position as a trusted and globally connected financial centre in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.”
Ahmed Abdelaal
Group Chief Executive Officer, Mashreq
“The first quarter of 2026 has been shaped by a highly complex operating environment, and our priority throughout has been to provide clarity, continuity, and consistency for our clients across the region. Against this backdrop, Mashreq delivered a net profit before tax of AED 2.3 billion, with non-interest income contributing 41% of total operating income, demonstrating the strength of a business model that is increasingly diversified and anchored in client activity.
This performance reflects deliberate choices we have made over time, including disciplined risk management, a strong funding base, and a continued focus on building deeper and more resilient client relationships. Balance sheet growth has remained robust, while asset quality continues to track at levels that are among the strongest in the sector, reinforcing the stability of the franchise.
In the current environment, our approach has been to engage earlier and more actively with our clients, particularly around liquidity, refinancing, and risk planning, ensuring that decisions are taken with full context and with a clear emphasis on resilience. We remain fully open for business, but we are doing so with discipline and a high degree of selectivity.
The strength of our operating platform has ensured uninterrupted service across all products and geographies, supported by close alignment between risk, treasury, operations, and coverage teams, as well as well-established business continuity frameworks that have been actively executed during the quarter.
Mashreq’s position at the centre of key global trade and capital corridors continues to support strong cross-border flows, with our transaction banking and US dollar clearing capabilities enabling clients to navigate shifting market dynamics with confidence and continuity.
Our capital and liquidity position remains strong, and the successful issuance of our Additional Tier 1 instrument during the quarter, which was met with significant investor demand, provides further validation of Mashreq’s credit strength and strategic direction.
At the same time, we continue to invest in the capabilities that will define our future, including artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and scalable digital infrastructure, ensuring that we remain both resilient and forward-looking.
Our message is clear and consistent. Mashreq operates from a position of strength, remains fully accessible, and is committed to supporting our clients with discipline and clarity as conditions continue to evolve.”