Sharia compliant banks deliver strong investor returns

Islamic banks in the UAE delivered strong shareholder returns last year as they reported strong earnings and better asset quality. Dubai Islamic Bank’s (DIB) earnings per share increased to Dh0.81 in 2015 from Dh0.61 in 2014, return on assets increased by 40 basis points to 2.80 per cent in 2015 from 2.4 per cent in 2014. Return on equity increased by 190 basis points to 19.8 per cent in 2015 from 17.9 per cent in 2014. For the year, the DIB board has recommended distribution of a cash dividend of 45 per cent. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank’s (ADIB) maintained strong liquidity position while simultaneously continuing to manage its cost of funding.