UAE and Kuwait banks report strong credit growth in May‑June 2026

The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates reported that gross assets of UAE banks rose to Dh5.63 trillion at the end of May, a 1.1 % increase from the previous month, driven by a Dh13.8 billion rise in domestic credit. Total credit reached Dh2.73 trillion, with private‑sector lending to corporates and individuals each up by Dh4.6 billion. Deposits grew to Dh3.46 trillion, and the monetary base expanded by 49.4 %.

In Kuwait, the Central Bank of Kuwait said business‑sector lending reached 34.15 billion dinars by the end of April 2026, up 8.7 % year‑on‑year. The real‑estate sector remained the largest borrower with loans of 10.96 billion dinars, while oil and gas financing rose to 2.24 billion dinars. Business lending accounted for 62.9 % of resident credit, underscoring the banking sector’s role in supporting the national economy despite regional geopolitical tensions.