Search Results for Sattar Khaleel

Abstract

The United Arab Emirates has established a distinguished economic and social model characterized by its ability to keep pace with rapid technological and digital transformations, as well as its continuous expansion in investment and development activities. Despite this progress, the UAE remains vulnerable to fluctuations resulting from global economic crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a substantial impact on financial markets, liquidity levels, and capital mobility.

  This study examines the structural characteristics of the UAE economy and its development policies through key macroeconomic indicators, namely gross domestic product (GDP), the inflation rate, and the public debt ratio. It then analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the UAE banking system by focusing on Emirates NBD Bank and First Abu Dhabi Bank, based on selected financial indicators, including net profit, return on assets (ROA), and return on equity (ROE).                                                                                          

              Among the most important conclusions reached by the study is that the COVID-19 crisis revealed the resilience and efficiency of the UAE banking sector in dealing with the pandemic and achieving an early recovery. This resilience contributed to financial stability and superior profitability for both banks. However, the pace and nature of recovery differed between the two institutions. Emirates NBD Bank achieved the highest levels of profitability and return on assets, while First Abu Dhabi Bank maintained steady growth, reflecting the adoption of a long-term risk management strategy. This diversity in banks’ policies contributes to the creation of a balanced banking system capable of effectively coping with crisis.                                                                          

           As for the key recommendations, the study emphasizes the need to strengthen the role of the banking sector in raising public awareness, as well as monitoring the damages suffered by customers in the aftermath of crises, giving due consideration to their interests, and ensuring the protection of their rights through a comprehensive set of regulatory and supportive measures.     

Abstract

This study highlights the vital role played by electronic banking in enhancing financial inclusion in Iraq, considering the challenges facing the financial sector—particularly the limited integration of large segments of the population into the formal banking system. The study is based on a problem concerning the limited role of electronic banking in expanding financial inclusion and seeks to evaluate its actual contribution in this field.

The study aims to diagnose the current state of electronic banking in Iraqi banks, determine the extent of the spread and usage of the services provided among the public, and measure the impact of these services on financial inclusion indicators—such as increasing the number of bank accounts and facilitating access to credit and other financial services. It also reviews the challenges hindering the spread of electronic banking, whether related to infrastructure, the regulatory framework, or the lack of awareness and trust among users.

The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, relying on official data issued by the central bank and commercial banks, in addition to an inductive approach that traces the relationship between the development of electronic banking and financial inclusion indicators. Despite the persistence of some geographical and social gaps, the study recommends the need to develop digital infrastructure, enhance financial literacy, and update regulatory frameworks to keep pace with the digital transformation of banking in Iraq.