(MENAFN Press) United Arab Bank P.J.S.C. ("UAB" or "the Bank") announces its financial results for the nine months ended 30 September 2011.
In spite of continuing challenging market conditions, UAB recorded a net profit of AED 225 million for the nine months ended 30 September 2011.
Paul Trowbridge, the Bank's Chief Executive Officer, commented on the progress made during the year, "The Bank has moved proactively to address issues arising from a very difficult credit environment by focusing more heavily on certain market sectors. These actions have driven the encouraging increase in revenues, whilst enabling the Bank to take advantage of future opportunities. The Bank continues to enjoy a very strong relationship with its traditional customer base, as well as expanding its reach through new premises and product offerings for both corporate and retail customers."
In the nine months ended 30 September 2011 loans and advances increased by 38% to AED 7.6 billion from AED 5.5 billion at 31 December 2010. Customer deposits grew to AED 6.7 billion in 2011, compared with AED 4.9 billion as at 31 December 2010, an increase of 39% reflecting the continued trust placed in the Bank by loyal customers.
Operating profit increased by 20% to AED 281 million in 2011 from AED 234 million for the first nine months of 2010. Total operating income for the nine month period reached AED 416 million, an increase of 16% compared with the same period in 2010 due to an increase in net interest income of 21% to AED 305 million and growth in non-interest income of 5% to AED 111 million attributable to the growing Retail and Islamic businesses.
The Bank has taken AED 57 million in provisions during the first nine months of 2011, driven predominantly by the requirements of the Central Bank's provisioning guidelines, and remains committed to a prudent policy of provisioning and a proactive approach to risk management.
The Bank has continued its branch expansion programme in 2011 opening new outlets in Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi. 4 new branches are scheduled to open within the next six months, whilst existing branches are undergoing renovation. The Bank is committed to delivering efficient customer service and continues to invest in branch facilities, improved systems and development of staff professional skills.
The CEO acknowledged the invaluable contribution of the strategic alliance with The Commercial Bank of Qatar ("CBQ"). CBQ acquired 40% of UAB in 2007 after concluding a similar alliance with National Bank of Oman two years previously. The alliance of the three banks provides synergies across a range of business and support areas, which facilitates continued commercial growth.
The Bank is rated by Moody's as Baa1 with a stable outlook
