In a strong indicator of the UAE’s accelerating economic momentum, banks operating in the country extended a record-breaking AED 521.4 billion in personal loans by the end of May 2025. This marks the highest level of individual borrowing in the nation’s history, reflecting robust consumer confidence and expanding access to finance.

According to data released by the UAE Central Bank, individuals—both citizens and residents—received AED 7.2 billion in new loans during May alone. This represents a 1.4% monthly increase and a substantial 18.2% jump year-on-year from May 2024, when total personal financing stood at AED 441.3 billion.

Private Sector and Business Financing Also on the Rise

The private sector also saw increased financial activity, with total credit extended rising to AED 1.3957 trillion by the end of May, a monthly growth of 0.8% and a 7.9% increase compared to the previous year. Commercial and industrial sectors secured AED 874.3 billion in loans, up slightly from AED 871 billion in April.

Record Investment Levels from Banks

The banking sector’s investment portfolio hit an all-time high as well, with investments reaching AED 788 billion in May, up from AED 774.3 billion the previous month. This 1.8% monthly growth equates to a significant 17.1% increase compared to the same period last year.

Deposits Continue Upward Trend

Total banking deposits reached AED 3.0185 trillion by the end of May, up from AED 2.9654 trillion in April. This includes AED 2.7413 trillion in deposits from residents and AED 403 billion from government sources.

Notably, private sector deposits climbed to AED 2.0296 trillion—a monthly rise of 1.9% and a strong annual growth rate of 15.5%. Non-resident deposits also increased, reaching AED 277.2 billion, marking an impressive 35.5% year-on-year growth.

Quasi-monetary deposits (which include fixed-term, savings accounts in dirhams, and foreign currency deposits) also rose, totaling AED 1.458 trillion, up AED 35 billion from April and reflecting a healthy 14% growth from the previous year.

Government Deposits and Transfers Surge

Government deposits climbed to AED 474.1 billion, an increase of AED 11.5 billion month-over-month and a year-on-year gain of AED 4.7 billion compared to May 2024.

In terms of money movement, the UAE’s banking system handled over AED 9.5 trillion in financial transfers during the first five months of 2025—a 20% surge compared to the same period last year. Interbank transfers accounted for AED 5.7 trillion of this total, while individual transfers reached AED 3.8 trillion.

These latest figures from the Central Bank showcase the UAE’s dynamic financial landscape, marked by record lending, rising deposits, and a dramatic increase in financial transactions. The trends signal growing confidence across both consumer and business sectors, aligning with the country’s broader economic development goals.