"Central Bank's Gold Reserves Surge by 25.7% in First Half"

The monthly statistical bulletin released by the Central Bank of the UAE highlighted a significant increase in the UAE Central Bank's gold reserves. During the first half of this year, the reserves surged by 25.7%, reaching approximately 28.883 billion dirhams by the end of June. This marks a rise from 22.981 billion dirhams at the end of December 2024.

The data underscored that banks in Abu Dhabi have captured 46.9% of total credit extended by banks. Similarly, they hold 44.9% of deposits and 53.3% of the banking sector's investments. Abu Dhabi banks' assets also accounted for 48.1% of the country's total banking assets.

The report indicates a 16.7% annual growth in capitals of Abu Dhabi banks recorded in June, with their assets reaching 2.393 trillion dirhams compared to 2.050 trillion dirhams in June 2024. Over the first six months of this year, the assets increased by 10.3%, achieving 2.169 trillion dirhams by the end of December.

The Central Bank's report revealed that the total credit extended by banks in Abu Dhabi hit approximately 1.095 trillion dirhams in June. This is in contrast to 986.9 billion dirhams in June 2024, registering a growth of 10.9% annually. Credit extended rose by 6.6% from December 2024 to June 2025.

Abu Dhabi banks also increased their investments by 78.9 billion dirhams annually, achieving 425.2 billion dirhams in June. This reflects a 22.8% growth, climbing from 346.3 billion dirhams from June 2024, and a 10.8% augmentation within the past half-year.

The figures revealed that deposits in Abu Dhabi banks grew by 11.3% annually. By the end of June, these deposits exceeded 1.368 trillion dirhams, compared with 1.229 trillion in June 2024. During the initial six months, deposits inflated by 5.1%, amounting to 1.302 trillion dirhams by the year's end.

Regarding Islamic banks, their credit extended increased by 19.9% annually throughout June. The first six months saw an 11.9% boost, reaching 547 billion dirhams from 456.4 billion dirhams in June 2024, presenting a growth from 488.7 billion at December's end.

Among traditional banks, their credit grew by 8.7% annually and by 5.6% within the half-year, reflecting a total of 1.787 trillion dirhams by June, surpassed last year's 1.692 trillion numbers.

The overall assets of Islamic banks reached 888.3 billion dirhams in June 2025, in contrast to 753.1 billion in June 2024. These banks saw an 18% annual asset growth, progressing by 11.8% within the year's first half.

Comparatively, traditional banks’ assets attained 4.85 trillion dirhams by midyear, growing annually by 14.8%, noting a half-year rise of 8.5%.

In terms of deposits, Islamic banks expanded their deposits to 655.9 billion dirhams by June. This reflects a 21.9% yearly increase and a 15.3% half-yearly growth, succeeding 568.8 billion dirham figures noted in December 2024.

Traditional banks experienced a 10.9% annual deposit growth, accumulating 2.39 trillion dirhams by June 2025.

The Central Bank's data showcased that Islamic banks’ investments soared by 15.6% annually, achieving 173.8 billion dirhams by June. Their investments heightened by 10.1% during the initial six months of 2025.

Meanwhile, traditional banks’ investments, amassing 622.9 billion dirhams by June 2025, appreciated by 17.6% annually. The half-year period averaged an 8% increase.