Investments by UAE banks rose in January, supported by growth in securities, bonds and equities, according to new data from the Central Bank of the UAE.
Total bank investments increased by 2 percent month on month, rising by Dhs 16.9 billion to reach Dhs 872.3 billion at the end of January. On an annual basis, investments grew 17.4 percent compared to the same period last year.
Investments in debt securities climbed to Dhs 418.6 billion, marking a 3.1 percent monthly increase and a 26 percent rise year on year.
Bonds held to maturity reached Dhs 371.1 billion, up 0.8 percent from the previous month and 10.5 percent compared to January 2025.
Banks’ investments in equities rose to Dhs 25.2 billion, recording a 3.3 percent monthly increase and a 31.9 percent annual gain. Other investments edged up 0.9 percent to Dhs 57.4 billion.
Banking activity remained strong, with total transfers through the UAE Funds Transfer System reaching about Dhs 2.08 trillion in January. This included Dhs 1.21 trillion in transfers between banks and Dhs 864.6 billion carried out by customers.
The value of cheques processed using image-based clearing stood at Dhs 125.2 billion across 1.95 million cheques during the month.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
