Central Bank of the UAE has reassured residents and businesses that the country’s financial system remains strong, stable and fully operational despite rising geopolitical tensions across the region.

The regulator said banks, financial institutions and insurance companies across the UAE continue to operate normally, delivering services to customers without disruption.

Khaled Mohamed Balama said the sector remains resilient and well-positioned to navigate evolving regional developments.

“The UAE’s banking and financial sector continues to demonstrate the highest levels of resilience and stability,” he said.

Strong foundations of the financial sector

According to the central bank, the sector is built on strong governance frameworks, diversified institutions and proactive risk management systems designed to respond quickly to regional and global economic shifts.

Balama noted that the regulator has played a key role in strengthening the country’s financial stability and global reputation.

Strong capital and liquidity buffers

Financial indicators show that the UAE banking sector is entering the current period of regional uncertainty from a position of strength.

• Capital adequacy ratio: around 17%
• Liquidity Coverage Ratio: above 146.6%

Both indicators remain well above international regulatory requirements, reflecting strong financial buffers across the sector.

Total assets in the UAE banking system have also grown significantly, exceeding Dh5.42 trillion, highlighting the scale and stability of financial institutions operating in the country.

These strong capital and liquidity levels help banks absorb economic shocks and maintain lending activity even during periods of uncertainty.

The Central Bank also confirmed that banking infrastructure, digital platforms and payment networks continue to operate smoothly across the country.

“I reaffirm that the UAE’s banking systems, payment systems and national financial infrastructure continue to operate with full efficiency and stability,” Balama said.

Continuous monitoring and preparedness

Authorities said the financial sector remains under close monitoring, with ongoing coordination between the central bank, financial institutions and government entities.

Banks in the UAE operate under regulatory frameworks that require continuous risk monitoring, stress testing and business continuity planning aligned with international best practices.

The Central Bank said it maintains a wide range of monetary and prudential policy tools to support financial stability when needed.

Balama reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to safeguarding the sector’s stability and supporting the UAE’s long-term economic growth.

“I reaffirm the Central Bank of the UAE’s unwavering commitment to closely monitor developments, maintain full operational readiness and provide the necessary support to safeguard the achievements realised over more than five decades of progress and prosperity,” he said.

The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi on Thursday issued an advisory for Indian nationals living in the UAE, urging them to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions issued by local authorities.

In its advisory, the embassy said that all Indian nationals currently in the UAE should remain calm, stay alert, and adhere to the safety guidelines of the UAE authorities, while also keeping track of official updates issued from time to time.

The UAE is home to more than 4.3 million Indian expatriates, making Indians the largest expatriate community in the country.

Airspace restrictions

The mission noted that airspace restrictions and temporary suspension of regular scheduled flights remain in place due to the exceptional circumstances affecting the region.

However, stranded Indian nationals can avail themselves of limited non-scheduled flight services currently operating between the UAE and India.

According to the embassy, Indian and UAE airlines are operating special flights to multiple destinations in India, subject to operational and safety approvals from relevant authorities.

The advisory also reminded stranded travellers about the waiver of overstay fines announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security.

Several stranded Indian nationals have already returned home on these special flights, with many praising the assistance provided during the disruption.

Embassy operations continue

The embassy confirmed that its services continue to operate normally.

“The Government of India attaches the highest importance to the safety and well-being of Indians abroad and is monitoring developments at the highest level,” the mission said.

The Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai remain in close contact with UAE authorities and community leaders to support the Indian diaspora.

Helpline for Indians

Indian nationals in the UAE seeking assistance can contact the embassy through the following 24/7 helplines:

• Toll-free: 800-46342
• WhatsApp: +971 543090571

Dubai Police has issued a warning to the public against the use, possession, or trading of fireworks and firecrackers, stressing the dangers they pose to lives, property, and community safety.

In a social media post, the police urged residents to avoid illegal fireworks and reminded them that violators will face legal consequences under UAE law.

Authorities called on the public to report any incidents involving the possession, use, or sale of fireworks by contacting the 901 Call Centre. Officials noted that trading fireworks without a licence can result in up to one year in prison and a fine of up to Dh100,000.

Safety reminder to residents

In another message shared online, Dubai Police urged residents to act responsibly when it comes to fireworks.

“Fireworks may sparkle for seconds, but the consequences can last forever. Choose safety, choose responsibility. Protect yourself and the ones you love with one conscious decision,” the police said.

The warning comes amid ongoing enforcement efforts across the UAE to combat the illegal trade and misuse of fireworks.

Major seizure of illegal fireworks in Sharjah

Recently, Sharjah Police arrested a man who was found in possession of 18,670 illegal fireworks.

Police said the suspect was also using his vehicle to promote the sale of fireworks. The arrest followed careful monitoring by specialised police teams, who tracked the suspect before identifying the storage location.

After completing legal procedures, authorities confirmed the large quantity of fireworks stored illegally.

What UAE law says

Under Article 54 of Federal Decree Law No. 17 of 2019 on Weapons, Ammunition, Explosives, Military Material and Hazardous Substances, trading in illegal fireworks is considered a criminal offence in the UAE.

Anyone who imports, exports, manufactures, sells, or transports fireworks without a licence can face imprisonment for at least one year and a minimum fine of Dh100,000, or either penalty.

Authorities continue to urge residents to follow safety regulations and report illegal activities to help maintain public safety across the country.