A Tradition Reinforced in Beirut
On the evening of July 18, 2025, the city of Beirut—renowned for its resilience and cultural vitality—hosted the Arab Banks Awards & Commendations of Excellence 2025. Organized by the World Union of Arab Bankers (WUAB), this prestigious ceremony reaffirmed its standing as the foremost recognition platform for the Arab banking and financial sector. More than an annual celebration, the awards have become an enduring tradition, symbolizing excellence, innovation, and the collective ambition of Arab banks to achieve sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
An Evening with Visionaries and Leaders
Held at the legendary Intercontinental Phoenicia Hotel, the event brought together an extraordinary assembly of leaders: central bank governors, chairpersons, CEOs, senior executives, regulators, and representatives of international financial institutions. Beyond celebrating distinguished achievements, the ceremony provided a strategic forum for dialogue and collaboration—strengthening partnerships and shaping the future of Arab banking in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Integrity in Selection: Recognizing True Excellence
A defining feature of the awards lies in their rigorous selection process. A specialized committee of economists, senior bankers, and the Union’s research department meticulously evaluated nominations, applying strict and transparent criteria. This ensures that each recognition represents genuine distinction—whether in leadership, innovation, sustainable practices, or strategic impact on the Arab and international financial arena.
Spotlight on Innovation and Sustainable Growth
The 2025 awards highlighted transformative initiatives across the sector, from digital banking advancements and financial inclusion strategies to sustainability-driven models and visionary leadership. Each award underscored the capacity of Arab banks to not only meet contemporary challenges but also to set new global benchmarks for creativity, resilience, and forward-looking strategy.
Inspiring Profiles of Leadership and Vision
The evening featured special segments dedicated to profiling award-winning leaders and institutions. These narratives, rich with resilience and ambition, offered inspiration to the wider banking community. They celebrated those who turned adversity into opportunity and reaffirmed the role of Arab banks as engines of innovation, stability, and progress for the region and beyond.
The World Union of Arab Bankers: A Unifying Force
Established in 2006 in Casablanca, the World Union of Arab Bankers has grown into a formidable force, unifying over 500 members from the Arab banking sector. This organization, through events like these awards, plays a pivotal role in promoting excellence, facilitating knowledge exchange, and shaping the future of banking in the Arab world.
The Banking Executive Magazine: A Decade of Illuminating Success
‘The Banking Executive’, as the English-language magazine emerging from the World Union of Arab banks, has been a beacon of insight and information. For over a decade, it has consistently highlighted the triumphs and advancements of the Arab banking sector, offering its readers a window into the dynamic world of Arab finance.
A Legacy and a Vision for the Future
The “Arab Banks Awards & Commendations of Excellence 2023” event is more than a ceremony; it is a reaffirmation of the Arab banking sector’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership. As the event concludes, it leaves behind a legacy of inspiration and a vision for the future, motivating banking and financial professionals to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of finance.
Dr. Joseph Torbey, Chairman, World Union of Arab Bankers (WUAB)
In his address, Dr. Joseph Torbey welcomed distinguished guests and reaffirmed Lebanon’s path toward recovery and renewal. He emphasized that with restored confidence and determination, Lebanon is embarking on a journey to rebuild the state, address economic and social challenges, and reassert its role within the Arab community. He extended sincere gratitude to the Arab delegations present, whose participation reflects the strength of solidarity across the region and the shared commitment to supporting the Arab banking sector.
Dr. Torbey underscored the symbolic value of the International Union of Arab Bankers’ annual celebration, dedicated to honoring leaders and institutions that have demonstrated resilience, excellence, and innovation in the face of regional and global challenges. He highlighted the role of these banks in preserving strength and stability, ensuring asset quality, and acting as pillars of support for Arab economies.
Reflecting on the future, he noted that despite the turbulent environment, the trajectory of progress and development remains unbroken. Success, he explained, is driven by individuals who excel in creativity, innovation, and leadership, contributing to the advancement of Arab banking practices. He reiterated the Union’s mission of developing advanced banking cadres and equipping professionals with the skills required to navigate an era of rapid change.
Turning to technology, Dr. Torbey spoke about the growing importance of artificial intelligence in banking operations and customer-facing applications, particularly in enhancing efficiency, competitiveness, and credit decision-making. Yet, he stressed that human intelligence remains indispensable, ensuring that technology serves humanity rather than replacing it. He described the human element—empathy, creativity, and judgment—as the true foundation of sustainable progress.
He concluded by celebrating the achievements of the honorees, recognizing them as pioneers in digital innovation, leadership, and institutional excellence. Dr. Torbey affirmed the Union’s pride in showcasing their contributions, through both the International Union of Arab Bankers and The Banking Executive magazine, as models of inspiration and catalysts for continued growth across the Arab banking sector.
Dr. Wissam Fattouh, Secretary General of the World Union of Arab Bankers (WUAB) and Union of Arab Banks (UAB)
In his address, Dr. Wissam Fattouh expressed deep appreciation to the distinguished assembly of leaders, diplomats, and banking professionals, underscoring the significance of their presence in Lebanon as a powerful signal of confidence in the country’s ability to reclaim its role as a center for Arab and international dialogue. He highlighted Beirut’s unique position as the capital of economic and financial encounters in the Arab world, renowned for its openness, hospitality, and tradition of bringing together decision-makers and experts from across the region.
Dr. Fattouh emphasized the symbolic importance of holding the International Union of Arab Bankers’ annual celebration in Beirut after years of absence caused by Lebanon’s successive crises. This decision, he noted, demonstrates faith in a new era for the country—one that restores its Arab and global presence, revives its economic potential, and reaffirms its place as a host for regional cooperation.
He further elaborated on the complementary roles of the International Union of Arab Bankers and the Union of Arab Banks, both of which serve as platforms to strengthen collaboration between financial institutions, enhance the visibility of the Arab banking identity, and work collectively toward common objectives. Within this framework, he underlined the critical importance of public–private partnerships as a strategic mechanism to close financing gaps in infrastructure and public services, describing this model as an essential pillar of sustainable growth.
Paying tribute to the leadership of Mr. Mohamed El-Etreby and Dr. Joseph Torbey, Dr. Fattouh recognized their ongoing efforts in building capacity, advancing skills, and fostering a culture of excellence among Arab bankers. He praised their initiatives to spotlight successful experiences and encourage healthy competition as a means of elevating the profession to global standards.
In a special acknowledgment, Dr. Fattouh celebrated the role of women in Arab banking by honoring Ms. Sheikha Al-Issa of Kuwait with the “Women’s Leadership in Arab Banking Associations” award, commending her exceptional achievements and her pioneering role in empowering women within the sector. He concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the unions to celebrate Arab bankers’ achievements, inspire innovation, and drive the sector toward greater advancement and success.
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