United Arab Emirates Non-Performing Loans
Bank nonperforming loans as % of total gross loans FB.AST.NPER.ZS
United Arab Emirates's non-performing loans was 5.57% in 2025, ranked 40th globally. This represents a 4.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2009–2025.
Overview
United Arab Emirates's non-performing loans stood at 5.57% in 2025, a rise of +0.26pp from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 5.57% by 2025. United Arab Emirates ranked 40th globally.
The United Arab Emirates’ non‑performing loan (NPL) ratio has risen steadily over the 16‑year series, climbing from the all‑time trough of 4.18 % in 2009 to a peak of 7.57 % during the pandemic‑induced stress of 2020, before easing to the latest 2025 level of 5.57 % (World Bank), which places the UAE at rank 40 globally. This post‑peak moderation mirrors a broader regional pattern, as peers such as the Maldives register a slightly higher NPL ratio of 5.77 % and Belarus a marginally lower 5.31 % in the same period. The upward trajectory from 2009 reflects gradual credit expansion and occasional macro‑financial shocks, while the 2020 spike underscores the vulnerability of loan portfolios to external downturns. The subsequent decline to 5.57 % suggests improving asset quality, yet the ratio remains above pre‑crisis levels, indicating that further tightening of underwriting standards or stronger recovery of distressed assets will be needed to sustain a downward trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Non-Performing Loans | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 5.32% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 5.57% | - | - |
| 2025 | 5.57% | +0.26pp | #40 |
| 2023 | 5.31% | −1.24pp | #71 |
| 2022 | 6.55% | −0.73pp | #100 |
| 2021 | 7.29% | −0.28pp | #104 |
| 2020 | 7.57% | +1.54pp | #100 |
| 2019 | 6.03% | +0.77pp | #92 |
| 2018 | 5.26% | +0.26pp | #84 |
| 2017 | 5.00% | +0.20pp | #75 |
| 2016 | 4.80% | +0.05pp | #71 |
| 2015 | 4.75% | −0.57pp | #66 |
| 2014 | 5.31% | −0.54pp | #73 |
| 2013 | 5.85% | −1.28pp | #76 |
| 2012 | 7.13% | +1.04pp | #85 |
| 2011 | 6.09% | +0.82pp | #79 |
| 2010 | 5.27% | +1.09pp | #63 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
United Arab Emirates matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw non-performing loans improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Arab Emirates's non-performing loans was 5.57% in 2025. Ranked 40th globally. This represents a 4.9% increase from the previous year.
United Arab Emirates's non-performing loans peaked at 7.57% in 2020.
The lowest non-performing loans in United Arab Emirates was 4.18% in 2009.
United Arab Emirates ranks 40th globally in non-performing loans as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is FB.AST.NPER.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
United Arab Emirates's non-performing loans is projected to reach 5.57% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The non-performing loans of United Arab Emirates in 2025 was 5.57%. This ranks 40th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-arab-emirates_non-performing-loans,
title = {United Arab Emirates Non-Performing Loans},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-arab-emirates/non-performing-loans/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}