United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has announced plans to establish a new office in Saudi Arabia, marking a strategic move in the bank’s global expansion agenda and reinforcing its ambition to deepen Africa’s integration with key global markets.
The announcement was made during UBA’s Half-Year Business Review Meeting, held at its global headquarters in Lagos. The session was led by Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Oliver Alawuba, who engaged senior executives overseeing the bank’s operations across its 24-country footprint.
According to Alawuba, the forthcoming Saudi Arabia office represents a milestone in UBA’s international growth strategy, designed to facilitate cross-border trade, support the African diaspora, and enhance investment flows between Africa and the Middle East.
“UBA’s vision is clear—we are building a truly global institution anchored in Africa, but serving customers across continents. Our entry into Saudi Arabia signals confidence in new opportunities and commitment to supporting economic connectivity between Africa and the Middle East,” he said.
The move will see UBA deepen its footprint in the Gulf region, adding to its existing international presence in the United States, United Kingdom, France, and the United Arab Emirates. Alawuba disclosed that the bank is also in the process of upgrading its operating licence in France, a step that will expand its European capacity to serve African-linked trade and finance needs.
With over 51.7 per cent of group revenues now generated from its operations outside Nigeria, UBA continues to accelerate its transformation into a pan-African and global financial services powerhouse. The bank’s growth outside its home market underscores the success of its geographic diversification and positions it to play a larger role in global capital flows involving African economies.
“Our consistent international expansion is not just about physical presence; it’s about providing innovative financial solutions that drive Africa’s development, promote inclusion, and connect our customers to the world,” Alawuba added.
The new Saudi Arabia office will serve as a strategic gateway to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and strengthen UBA’s ability to serve corporate and diaspora clients with interests across Africa and the Middle East.
