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ABOUT UAB
The collective voice of Arab banking.
Connecting institutions, advancing knowledge, and strengthening the Arab banking community’s influence across the region and internationally.
WHO WE ARE
One
community.
One regional
voice.
The Union of Arab Banks is a leading regional
organization representing the Arab banking and
financial community.
Established in 1974 under the umbrella of the League of Arab States, UAB brings together more than 350 banking and financial institutions across the Arab region and internationally.
Working with banks, central banks,
regulators, policymakers, international
organizations and strategic partners, the
Union advances dialogue, knowledge,
innovation, financial stability and sustainable growth.
350+
BANKING AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
21
ARAB COUNTRIES REPRESENTED
50+
YEARS OF REGIONAL LEADERSHIP
VISION & MISSION
Building a resilient,
connected financial
future.
Our mandate is expressed through clear actions that connect regional priorities with international banking standards.
01 · OUR VISION
A globally connected Arab
financial sector.
To advance a resilient, innovative, and globally connected Arab banking and financial sector.
02 · OUR MISSION
Represent. Connect. Advance.
To strengthen the Arab banking and financial community by representing its
interests, connecting its institutions, advancing knowledge, and promoting
excellence, resilience, innovation and sustainable development.
OUR ROLE IN ACTION
Contribute
Promote
Support
Advance
Connect
Represent
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Seven priorities
shaping our work.
UAB’s strategic objectives strengthen the Arab banking sector, support
sustainable economic development and enhance the region’s integration into the global financial system.
Regional Banking Cooperation
Strengthen collaboration among Arab banks and foster greater regional financial integration.
Policy & Regulatory Dialogue
Support harmonized banking regulations and policy
dialogue aligned with international standards.
Knowledge & Capacity Building
Advance excellence through research, publications,
executive education and specialized training.
Financial Stability & Resilience
Promote governance, risk management and regulatory compliance across the sector.
International Engagement
Strengthen global partnerships while reinforcing the
presence and influence of Arab banking.
Sustainable Finance & Economic
Development
Support ESG principles, financial inclusion and long-
term economic growth.
Innovation & Digital Transformation
Encourage responsible adoption of digital banking, artificial intelligence and fintech.
GOVERNANCE
Transparency in
structure.
Accountability in
action.
The Union operates through a clearly defined framework designed to ensure
effective decision-making and active participation by its members.
General Assembly
The Union’s highest governing authority, establishing general policies and strategic direction.
Board of Directors
The highest executive authority overseeing strategy, policies and overall governance.
Executive Committee
Exercises delegated authority between Board meetings and addresses urgent matters.
Secretary General
Leads the General Secretariat, executes the strategic plan and oversees daily operations.
Specialized Committees
Provide technical expertise and strategic recommendations across banking and financial services.
LEADERSHIP
Board of Directors
Secretary General
Read biography →
Secretary General’s
Message
Read message →
General Secretariat
Meet the team →
REGIONAL OFFICES
A regional
presence across
the Arab world.
Our offices support member institutions, strengthen regional cooperation and foster partnerships across the Arab region.
HEADQUARTERS
Beirut, Lebanon
Administrative & strategic center
Coordinates UAB activities, international partnerships, member services, conferences, publications and regional initiatives.
ADDRESS
Mina el Hosn, Omar Daouk Street, P.O. Box 2416-11 Riad el Solh
TELEPHONE
+961 1 364 881 · +961 1 377 800
INTERNATIONAL STANDING
Recognition and
strategic
partnerships.
UAB holds a distinguished institutional standing through memberships,
accreditations and partnerships with leading regional and global
organizations.
UN ECOSOC
Consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council
UNOG
Accredited to the United Nations Office at Geneva
UNEP FI
Supporting Institution of the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative
MENA–OECD
Partner in the Programme on Governance and Competitiveness for Development
Women’s Business Forum
Founding partner and supporter of the MENA–OECD initiative
ATO
Member of the Executive Council of the Arab Tourism Organization
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