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MENA Banking Excellence Awards - Retail, SME & Digital

Recognising innovation in retail, SME and digital finance.

The MENA Retail Banking Awards 2025 celebrate excellence across the retail banking sector, recognising the financial institutions that lead in digital innovation, personalised customer experiences and SME banking. As consumer expectations shift towards digital-first solutions, these awards spotlight the banks that are redefining standards in customer-centricity and financial inclusion.

30 April 2025
  • Dubai
  • Free

Why enter?

Retail banking is essential to economic growth in the MENA region, and the MENA Retail Banking Awards were created to honour the banks that excel in meeting and exceeding the demands of today’s digital-savvy customers.

As digital and SME banking evolve as pillars of financial inclusion, these awards support the transformation of retail banking by setting a benchmark for customer-centric solutions, digital excellence and innovative banking strategies.

  • Gain Recognition: Position your institution as a leader in retail banking excellence, showcasing your commitment to customer-centric solutions and digital innovation in front of industry peers.
  • Benchmark Your Success: Highlight your achievements in a competitive landscape and set a benchmark for innovation, digital transformation and SME banking in the MENA region.
  • Strengthen Industry Influence: Demonstrate your institution’s role in driving the evolution of retail banking and setting new standards for a digital-first, customer-focused approach.
  • Boost Credibility and Trust: Enhance your brand’s reputation as a trusted, forward-thinking retail bank, committed to meeting the needs of today’s customers and supporting regional economic growth.

Register your interest

MENA BANKING

43%

CAGR Middle East Digital Banking
$478.90bn by 2029

Projected market volume growing at a CAGR of 3.24% (2024–2029)
90%

of businesses in the region are SMEs, playing a pivotal role in driving non-oil GDP growth.

GLOBAL BANKING

$1,840.77bn in 2022

Global Retail Banking and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% (2023–2030).
$10.83tn by 2029

Global Digital Banking predictions

What to expect for 2025?

Celebrating Excellence in MENA Banking Innovation

As we gear up for the next edition of the MENA Banking Excellence Awards, we invite you to celebrate and showcase the region’s most transformative achievements in the banking sector. With over 400 banking leaders participating in 2024, the awards have become the definitive platform to honor innovation, customer focus, and operational excellence across MENA and beyond.

In 2025, we are building on this legacy with a strategic focus on three key divisions:

  1. Retail, Digital & SME Banking (April): Celebrating exceptional achievements in digital transformation, SME support, retail banking services, and customer engagement.
  2. Corporate Investment Banking & HQ Operations (May, alongside MENA Banking Summit): Recognizing leadership in corporate banking, investment strategies, and excellence in HQ/shared services, including risk management, compliance, and operations.
  3. Private Banking & Wealth Management (October): Highlighting banks delivering exceptional private banking and wealth management solutions, focusing on client service, personalization, and asset growth.

This year’s awards spotlight critical themes shaping the future of banking in MENA:

  • Digital Banking Transformation: MENA banks are driving digital wallet adoption and integrating advanced digital platforms to foster deeper customer relationships.
  • Regulation & Cybersecurity: Institutions are addressing regulatory risks while leveraging generative AI to enhance privacy and strengthen cybersecurity frameworks.
  • Innovative Technologies: Closed-loop IoT and fintech collaborations are enabling personalized services and real-time decision-making.

We’ve expanded our categories to recognize excellence across the region’s dynamic banking landscape, including:

  • Digital Bank of the Year
  • Best SME Product Initiative
  • Best Cybersecurity Program
  • Most Innovative Payments Initiative

Submit your entries now to gain regional and global recognition, and join us in celebrating the leaders shaping the future of banking across MENA. The MENA Banking Excellence Awards 2025 promises to honor your outstanding contributions and inspire the next wave of innovation.

600+

Entries

50+

Countries

90%

Director / C-level attendees

100+

Leading banking organisations
600+

Entries

50+

Countries
90%

Director / C-level attendees

100+

Leading banking organisations

MENA Banking Excellence Awards 2024 - Highlights Video

Agenda

  • 30 Apr 2025
Expand All

8 AM

Registration*, Networking & Coffee

8:50 AM

Opening Remarks by the Chairman

Speakers

9 AM

Keynote Government Address: Utilising Technology and Innovation to Manage Risks Better and Enhance Efficiency – Strengthening Your Competitiveness in the Financial Sector

9:10 AM

CEOs in Retail Banking Outlook Panel Discussion: Banking in the New Era – Leading the Change

  • Discussing the disruptors and the future to come
  • What are the leading and on-trend technologies are currently being invested in?
  • Navigating digital transformation and the future of sustainable innovation

Speakers

10 AM

Presentation: Open Banking Innovation

10:20 AM

Presentation: AI & Machine Learning

10:40 AM

Fireside Chat: Data Privacy – How to Protect Yourself and your Clients

11 AM

Networking and Refreshment Break

11:30 AM

Presentation: The Future of Digital Payments

11:50 AM

Panel Discussion: Reimagining and Accelerating the CX Journey

 

 

Speakers

12:40 PM

Presentation: Mitigating Cyber Security Risks

1 PM

Lunchtime Sponsor Announcement

1:05 PM

Lunch and Networking Break

2 PM

APAC Retail Banking Outlook: 2023 Market Trends and Analysis

2:20 PM

Presentation: Cloud Enabled Banking Transformation

2:40 PM

Presentation: Integrated Financial Assistance Solutions

3 PM

Panel Discussion: Intelligent Fraud Prevention

  • Staying ahead of the technology curve to combat the surge in fraud - embracing AI, ML and biometrics
  • Discussing alternative and more holistic fraud management strategies – moving from post transaction monitoring to real-time transaction monitoring

Speakers

3:45 PM

Networking and Refreshment Break

4:05 PM

Presentation: Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

4:25 PM

Presentation: Unlocking Market Transformation Through Digital Partnerships Insurance

4:45 PM

Panel Discussion: Disruptors and the Future – The Revolution of Fintech, Web 3.0 Blockchain

Speakers

5:30 PM

Close of Summit

6:30 PM

Drinks Reception & Awards Ceremony

Celebrating the best-in-class retail banking and consumer finance institutions and individuals for their innovative service contributions and commitments to outstanding customer excellence.

Sponsors

Become a valued sponsor of the MENA Banking Excellence Awards 2025!

Partnering with us as a sponsor is your opportunity to align your brand with excellence in the MENA banking industry. Support the MENA Banking Excellence Awards 2025 by joining a distinguished community of sponsors who share a commitment to celebrating innovation and driving positive change across the region's banking sector.

Discover how your sponsorship can provide you with unparalleled exposure, networking opportunities, and a chance to showcase your dedication to industry leadership and progress.

  • Unparalleled brand visibility,
  • Establish yourself as a thought leader,
  • Engage with the community,
  • And open doors for substantial business development opportunities.

Become a sponsor

Awards

2025 Awards

Cinque Terre

30 APRIL
DUBAI, UAE

Cinque Terre

18 JUNE
DUBAI, UAE

Cinque Terre

22 OCTOBER
DUBAI, UAE

The awards programme celebrates the best-in-class retail, digital, SME banking, consumer finance institutions and individuals for their innovative service offering and commitment to customer excellence. The programme also delivers an exceptional benchmark bringing together the most senior retail banking executives, vendors, and other key industry stakeholders from across the MENA region.

Organised in collaboration with Middle East Economic Digest (MEED), UAE, and GlobalData (Singapore), the inaugural MENA Banking Excellence Awards – Retail, Digital & SME will celebrate retail banks and leaders trailblazing to adapt to the modern customer.

MENA Banking Excellence Awards Special Report 2025

Download the Report

2025 Awards

  • Categories

    Institution Awards

    The Institution Awards celebrate banks across the MENA region that have achieved remarkable success by delivering customer-focused solutions, financial resilience and innovation across multiple banking sectors. Recognizing achievements in retail, SME, digital and Islamic banking, these awards highlight institutions that demonstrate industry leadership, adaptability and a commitment to creating value for clients. Submissions should emphasize the bank’s strategic initiatives, market impact and measurable results in customer satisfaction and business growth.

    Enter Now

     

    Best Retail Bank

    Retail banking across MENA varies significantly by country, with each market presenting unique challenges and opportunities. The Country Awards for Best Retail Bank recognize banks that stand out within their national markets for excellence in customer service, product innovation and market responsiveness. Winners will have demonstrated an ability to adapt to local client needs, deliver competitive retail products and maintain strong customer loyalty. Submissions should provide country-specific metrics, customer satisfaction improvements and examples of successful local initiatives.

    Enter Now

     

    Best SME Bank

    SMEs are the backbone of many economies across the MENA region and supporting their growth is essential for sustainable development. The Country Awards for Best SME Bank honour institutions that lead in providing tailored financial solutions, accessible credit and advisory services that address the specific needs of small and medium-sised businesses within each country. Submissions should demonstrate the bank’s role in fostering economic growth, promoting financial accessibility for SMEs and delivering measurable results in local business support and growth.

    Enter Now

     

    Technology Innovation Awards

    As technology continues to redefine the banking industry, the Technology Innovation Awards celebrate banks that leverage digital advancements to enhance customer experience, drive operational efficiency and introduce groundbreaking solutions. These awards honour achievements in areas such as digital transformation, fintech partnerships, mobile banking and AI/ML integration, focusing on banks that set new industry standards. Submissions should highlight technology-driven projects, their impact on client engagement or operations and measurable success in digital adoption.

    Enter Now

     

    Product & Service Awards

    In a competitive market, the ability to design products and services that meet diverse customer needs is essential. The Product & Service Awards recognize banks that excel in delivering value-added offerings, from Islamic finance products to retail banking solutions and corporate services. These awards celebrate innovative products that align with customer expectations, foster financial inclusion and demonstrate success in adoption rates, client satisfaction and measurable outcomes. Submissions should detail product features, client impact and competitive advantages.

    Enter Now

     

    Operations & Service Delivery

    Operational excellence is at the core of effective banking, enhancing customer satisfaction, efficiency and trust. The Operations & Service Delivery Awards honour banks that set high standards in service quality, customer protection and seamless cross-channel experiences. Recognizing achievements in areas such as client service, CRM and fraud prevention, these awards highlight banks that priorities security, streamline customer interactions and improve overall service delivery. Submissions should showcase specific initiatives, customer feedback and performance improvements.

    Enter Now

     

    Payments & Digital Banking Awards

    Digital payments and banking are transforming the financial landscape by offering clients faster, safer and more convenient transaction methods. The Payments & Digital Banking Awards recognize banks that lead in payment innovation, digital wallet solutions and cash displacement efforts. These awards celebrate institutions that have expanded digital access, optimized payment ecosystems and enhanced security within digital channels. Submissions should emphasize unique digital offerings, customer adoption metrics and the impact on promoting a cashless society.

    Enter Now

     

    Leadership Awards

    Exceptional leadership drives innovation, customer engagement and organizational success. The Leadership Awards recognize individuals whose vision and strategic acumen have transformed their institutions and advanced the banking sector as a whole. These awards celebrate leaders in SME banking, digital innovation, retail banking and Islamic finance who have pioneered new strategies, launched impactful initiatives and set high standards for excellence. Submissions should highlight specific achievements, industry influence and measurable impacts on their institution and clients.

    Enter Now

     

  • Timelines

    Entries Open: 10th December 2024
    Entries Deadline: 24th January 2025
    Judging: 10th February 2025 – 5th March 2025
    Awards Night: 30 April 2025

  • Why participate?

     

    • Navigating this erratic marketplace is challenging and those individuals and organisations doing so successfully deserve to be recognised.
    • The trailblazers of this sector are defining the new normal.

    As we move forward it is essential that we continue to push boundaries and recognize those individuals and institutions who are redefining retail banking.

    By participating in the awards, you can expect to:

    1. Improve employee motivation and partner engagement: awards are a great way to acknowledge the hard work of your employees and recognise your industry partners
    2. Enhance your brand and drive credibility through third party endorsement: the reputational benefits from independent endorsement of your organisation and service offering are immeasurable. Recognition from trusted industry commentators positively influences customers, partners and employees driving trust and loyalty
    3. Profile your team favorably: professional exposure for your teams and corporate super-stars supports your institutions position as the home of the best talent as well as the best retail banking solutions
    4. Benchmark against your industry peers: Awards are the perfect platform to assess your organisations capabilities in a highly competitive market.

Media Centre

Register to become a media partner and gain exclusive access to the MENA Banking Excellence Awards 2025, where you can capture compelling content and conduct interviews with key stakeholders.

Why partner with us?

– Guaranteed media coverage

– Exclusive insights & interviews

– Establish valuable connections with industry leaders and experts

– Media partners logo in promotional materials and websites

Become a media partner

Enquiry

Contact Us

Thank you for showing interest to partner with MENA Banking Excellence Awards – Retail, Digital & SME 2025.​
​
Please contact us using the information provided below, and you will receive updates from us on the next step through email.​

Sponsorship Enquiries

Sabrina Nawaz

Sponsorship Advisor

Awards Enquiries

Tahne Alisaje

Account Manager

Sponsorship Enquiries

To enquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact:

Sabrina Nawaz

Sponsorship Advisor

AWARDS ENQUIRIES

To enquire about entry process or more information regarding the categories, please contact:

Tahne Alisaje

Account Manager