Emirates Islamic has been named Middle East’s Best for Client Service at the Euromoney Private Banking Awards 2026, strengthening its standing in the region’s fast-expanding wealth management market and underscoring the bank’s push to combine Shariah-compliant advisory services with round-the-clock support and digital banking access.The award places the Dubai-based lender among the region’s recognised private banking institutions at a time when competition for affluent and high-net-worth clients is intensifying across the Gulf. Wealth managers are competing on advisory quality, product access, succession planning, digital tools and responsiveness, with clients demanding a more integrated service model rather than a traditional deposit-led banking relationship.
Emirates Islamic said the recognition reflects its focus on delivering a personalised client experience supported by robust advisory capabilities, 24/7 banking assistance and a digitally enabled platform. The bank’s private banking proposition sits within a broader strategy to expand its Islamic banking franchise, using wealth solutions, investment access and service convenience to deepen relationships with customers seeking Shariah-compliant financial products.
The Euromoney Private Banking Awards 2026 recognised a wide set of regional winners across the Middle East, including institutions active in private banking, high-net-worth services, family office support, digital solutions, sustainability, fixed income and alternative investments. Emirates Islamic’s win in client service is notable because the category focuses heavily on relationship management, responsiveness, service consistency and the ability to address complex client needs across channels.
The bank enters the award year with stronger financial momentum. Emirates Islamic reported a record profit before tax of AED 3.9 billion for 2025, up 26 per cent from the previous year, supported by growth in funded and non-funded income. Total income rose 11 per cent to AED 6 billion, while total assets expanded 31.2 per cent to AED 146 billion. Customer financing increased 26 per cent to AED 89 billion and customer deposits grew 33 per cent to AED 102 billion, helped by a strong current and savings account base.
That expansion continued into the first quarter of 2026, with total assets rising to AED 149 billion, customer financing reaching AED 94 billion and customer deposits increasing to AED 109 billion. The bank’s non-performing financing ratio improved to 2.5 per cent, while its coverage ratio stood at 153.2 per cent, indicating stronger asset quality buffers as credit growth continued.
The award also comes as Islamic finance gains further relevance among wealth clients seeking products aligned with faith-based principles while still expecting modern investment access and service standards. Private banking clients in the Gulf are increasingly looking for diversified portfolios, cross-border support, succession planning, real estate-linked solutions, sukuk exposure and digital execution capabilities. Emirates Islamic has positioned its wealth proposition around these demands while leaning on the broader Emirates NBD Group platform.
Digital service has become a defining battleground in private banking. Emirates Islamic has already gained recognition for Islamic digital banking, including earlier awards for its Shariah-compliant digital wealth and equity trading services. The bank’s digital channels are designed to give clients quicker access to account services, investment information and banking support, while relationship teams continue to provide advisory guidance for more complex financial decisions.
The wider regional backdrop remains supportive. Dubai and the UAE have continued to attract entrepreneurs, family businesses, executives and globally mobile investors, increasing demand for sophisticated wealth management services. Strong credit demand, rising business formation, property market activity and the country’s role as a financial hub have helped banks expand balance sheets and deepen fee-based businesses.
At the same time, private banking providers face higher expectations from clients who want faster execution, clearer reporting, transparent product selection and more tailored advice. Market volatility, interest-rate shifts and geopolitical uncertainty have made advisory quality more important, particularly for clients balancing capital preservation with growth opportunities. Banks that can combine digital speed with relationship-led service are likely to hold an advantage.
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