Investment leader Samer Choucair stated that the dominance of only ten Saudi banks over more than a third of the entire Gulf banking sector’s profits is not merely a passing numerical superiority, but a profound shift reshaping the region’s financial map.
Samer Choucair explained that Saudi banks recorded profits of $24.7 billion, capturing 37.4% of the total profits of Gulf banks. This surpassed their Emirati counterparts, which achieved $24.5 billion, placing the Saudi banking sector at the forefront of regional growth drivers.
The Efficiency Equation: Average Profit of a Saudi Bank Doubles Competitors
Samer Choucair emphasized that the true paradox lies in “profitability efficiency” rather than just volume. The average profit per Saudi bank stands at $24.7 billion, which is nearly double the average profit of an Emirati bank, valued at $1.36 billion.
The investment leader noted that this reflects a brilliant success in transforming banks from traditional institutions into giant, highly efficient financial platforms capable of maximizing returns from a concentrated and strong asset base.
Three Pillars of Leadership: Mega Projects, Interest Rates, and Digitalization
Samer Choucair added that this strategic superiority is based on three main factors:
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Transformation Momentum: Unprecedented demand for financing from Saudi Vision 2030 mega-projects.
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Liquidity Management: Smartly capitalising on the high-interest rate cycle and expanding profit margins.
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Income Diversification: Deep digital transformation and increasing the share of revenue from fees and non-traditional investments.
Focus vs. Expansion: The Secret Behind the Saudi Model’s Superiority
Samer Choucair pointed out that the Saudi model relies on a broad and deep domestic market, which has given major banks a greater ability to focus compared to the Emirati model, characterized by international expansion and a high number of banks. He stressed that institutional investors now prefer this type of “winning focus” that combines massive scale with operational smoothness, making Saudi banks an attractive environment for sustainable returns.
Vision 2026: Expectations of a Widening Financial Gap
Samer Choucair indicated that expectations for 2026 point toward a potential widening of this gap in favor of the Kingdom. As mega-projects enter actual implementation phases and strong government spending continues, Saudi banks will remain the primary financiers and the first beneficiaries.
Samer Choucair explained that the strength of cash distributions and the stability of the banking system make this sector an indispensable investment opportunity in the current decade.
Conclusion: The Birth of a New Financial Map in the Region
Samer Choucair concluded his analysis by emphasizing that we are not just talking about annual profit figures, but about the birth of a new regional financial system led by the Kingdom.
He stressed that long-term investors who recognize the value of “scale and efficiency” will gravitate toward the leading banks in the Saudi market, asserting that those who read these signals early will be able to secure their position at the forefront of those benefiting from the reshaping of wealth in the Gulf.