UAE banks say sector remains strong despite regional war concerns Last updated: May 13, 2026 | 14:20 A view of the Dubai skyline. The UAE is seeking representation on the board of global financial messaging network Swift as its banking sector expands its role in international payments and trade. GN Archives “We are discussing, and we’re in the process of exploring that if we have a chair in there, hopefully we’ll get it,” said AbdulAziz Abdullah Al Ghurair, chairman of UBF, during a press conference. “It is significant,” he said of the UAE seeking a board member position at Swift. “People who sit on the Swift are only very large, advanced countries, and the UAE is getting to that position,” he explained. Swift is overseen by the G-10 central banks, including those of the US, UK, France, Germany and Japan, along with the European Central Bank. Its lead overseer is the National Bank of Belgium.…