^{Leadership Messages} Chairman’s Message

A STRONG FOUNDATION, A STRONGER FUTURE

As a world-class financial institution acting in support of the community, businesses, and organisations across the United Arab Emirates, ADCB has proudly worked with our customers, shareholders, and partners through the ongoing challenges.

The foundational strength of the Bank and the dedication of our employees enabled us to play this important role with the community alongside our strong financial performance in 2021.

Throughout the year, we focused on measures that support customers impacted economically, by collaborating closely with the UAE Central Bank on implementing the Targeted Economic Support Scheme.

Despite the uncertainties of 2021, ADCB’s unwavering commitment to best practice governance, a healthy organisational culture, and a strong balance sheet enabled us to accelerate the execution of our multi-year growth strategy, with a relentless focus on the opportunities enabled by our digital transformation.

As one of the nation’s largest financial institutions, we confirmed our commitment to supporting the UAE Net-Zero 2050 strategic initiative and are evolving our policies and strategy to support this critical target.

STRATEGIC INTENT AND THE ‘NEXT 50’

ADCB’s strategy intends to leverage the opportunities created by the UAE’s ‘Next 50’ plan for national development.

We will strengthen the nation’s infrastructure and create value by financing growth and diversification of the UAE economy, adopting digital technology that benefits customers, and cultivating a culture of career development that continues to attract talented UAE nationals.

We are also reinforcing our drive to embed environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations across the entire Group. This year, ADCB received an upgrade in its MSCI ESG rating from ‘A’ to ‘AA’ driven, among other things, by its robust customer data protection, information security practices, and digital initiatives to support small businesses. The Bank is highly ranked amongst its peers for its commitment to employee career and skills development, particularly for UAE nationals.

With increased operational efficiencies, a strong leadership team in place, and a clearly defined five-year strategy for digital-led growth, ADCB is well-positioned to create long-term sustainable value for its stakeholders and communities.

ROBUST FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

ADCB reported a significant increase in net profit to AED 5.247 billion in 2021, and the strength of this strong performance lies in the execution of our long-term strategy launched early last year.

We have a solid balance sheet that continues to deliver growth through accelerated digital transformation and greater operational efficiencies and synergies.

For the 2021 financial year, the Board has proposed a cash dividend of AED 0.37 per share, translating to a total pay-out of AED 2.574 billion and 49% of net profit. This dividend is subject to approval at the Bank’s Annual General Meeting in March.

On behalf of the Board and all at ADCB, I extend our most sincere appreciation and gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi; to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; to His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; and the UAE Central Bank for their guidance and ongoing support.