First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) announced on May 6 that Fitch Ratings has reaffirmed its ‘AA-‘ credit rating with a Stable Outlook.
The confirmation of this high rating is significant as it reflects the bank’s position as one of the largest and safest financial institutions globally, according to the announcement. The affirmation also underscores FAB’s flagship status within both the United Arab Emirates and Abu Dhabi.
Fitch cited several factors in its decision, including FAB’s strong domestic franchise, robust funding and liquidity profile, sound asset quality, and significant exposure to government and public-sector entities. The agency noted that as of March-end 2026, FAB had a Group Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 12.8% and a liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) of 145%. Fitch also highlighted the resilience of the UAE banking sector overall, along with Abu Dhabi’s strong sovereign balance sheet supported by low public debt levels and large net foreign assets.
According to FAB, “This rating affirmation reflects Fitch’s continued confidence in FAB’s systemic importance, strong sovereign backing and prudent risk management, supporting the bank’s ability to navigate regional uncertainty while continuing to support clients and the UAE economy.”
FAB currently holds what it describes as the strongest combined credit ratings among banks in the Middle East and North Africa region—at AA- or equivalent across all three major global rating agencies—and ranks among those with some of the highest ratings worldwide.
