Gulf banks posted slower profit growth in 1H2026 as operating momentum eased and provisioning and margin pressures increased

Figure 1. Leading Gulf banks ranked by 1H2026 pre-tax profit

Pre-Tax Profit Growth (YoY)

1H 2026: +8.5%

1H 2025: +14.2%

Revenue Growth (YoY)

1H 2026: +8.5%

1H 2025: +10.7%

Net Interest Margin (NIM)

1H 2026: 2.16%

1H 2025: 2.29%

Provision Growth (YoY)

1H 2026: 12.9%

1H 2025: 5.9%

Pre-Tax Profit ($, million)

Growth (YoY)

ROAE

Note: (1) KPI cards reflect GCC regional industry averages across a broader sample of 44 banks (pre-tax profit growth, revenue growth and provision growth weighted); NIM represents simple average. (2) All ranking figures are consolidated group figures for 1H2026. Growth figures based on local currency. ▲ = pre-tax profit growth accelerated vs 1H2025; ▼ = decelerated. (3) ROAE = Return on Average Equity; *Kuwait Finance House and National Bank of Bahrain's ROAE figure calculated using attributable profit and average shareholder equity; FAB's ROAE figure reflects ROTE. Source: TABInsights