Forbes’ “30 Most Valuable Banks 2025” highlights Saudi Arabia’s dominance with 10 banks totaling $269 billion in market value. The UAE and Qatar follow with seven and six banks, valued at $153.4 billion and $76.7 billion, respectively. Al-Rajhi Bank leads the ranking, with positive growth projected for MENA’s banking sector driven by economic diversification.
Saudi Arabia leads Forbes’ “30 Most Valuable Banks 2025” list, featuring 10 banks with a total market value of $269 billion, comprising nearly one-third of the total market capitalization of $600.8 billion for all listed banks. The UAE follows with seven banks worth $153.4 billion, and Qatar contributes six banks valued at $76.7 billion, while Morocco and Kuwait add three and two banks, valued at $23.7 billion and $68.4 billion, respectively.
The banking sector in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is expected to thrive, driven by economic diversification and a favorable financial environment alongside a projected 3.5 percent economic growth due to infrastructure projects and increased non-oil activity, as per a report by Ernst & Young. Forbes noted that this year’s ranking includes 26 Gulf-based banks from seven countries.
Al-Rajhi Bank remains the region’s leading bank with a market capitalization of $105.6 billion, amounting to 17.6 percent of the total market value of the ranked banks. Saudi National Bank and First Abu Dhabi Bank follow with market caps of $54.7 billion and $43.7 billion, respectively. Other notable mentions include QNB Group, Kuwait Finance House, Emirates NBD Group, and the National Bank of Kuwait, among others.
MENA’s banking sector has displayed resilience due to high interest rates and strong oil prices. A report by Fitch Ratings indicated that regional liquidity, profitability, and capital buffers for Gulf Cooperation Council banks remain robust. Forbes Middle East compiled this ranking based on the market values of publicly traded banks as of January 31, 2025, excluding subsidiaries and using the relevant currency exchange rates.
In summary, Saudi Arabia dominates the Forbes 2025 list of the most valuable MENA banks, showcasing strong market capitalization primarily in its top ten banks. The favorable economic outlook, along with the positive performance of key banks like Al-Rajhi Bank, signals resilience and growth potential in the region. Overall, the increase in total market value for the banks indicates a robust trajectory for MENA’s banking sector.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
