Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank has appointed Pedro Uria-Recio as Chief AI Officer. The appointment supports the UAE bank’s Vision 2035 strategy, which positions artificial intelligence as a transformation enabler.
Pedro Uria-Recio will lead the next phase of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank’s AI strategy. His role will focus on accelerating the responsible deployment of AI across the bank.
Pedro Uria-Recio to lead ADIB’s AI strategy
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank said Pedro Uria-Recio will oversee AI initiatives designed to improve customer experience, risk management and operational efficiency.
Pedro Uria-Recio will also focus on equipping employees with advanced tools and insights. In addition, his mandate includes developing the capabilities, governance and infrastructure needed to scale AI across the ADIB Group.
The bank is investing in technology, data, AI and talent as part of Vision 2035. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank aims to use these investments to support its ambition of becoming the world’s most innovative Islamic bank.
Mohamed Abdelbary, Group CEO of ADIB, said AI is one of the principal transformation enablers of the bank’s strategy.
“Pedro brings deep expertise and a proven track record of translating AI, data and technology into measurable business and customer outcomes,” Mohamed Abdelbary said.
Mohamed Abdelbary added that Pedro Uria-Recio’s leadership will support ADIB as it expands AI adoption responsibly and at scale.
Pedro Uria-Recio brings 20 years of technology experience
Pedro Uria-Recio brings more than 20 years of experience across technology, data and artificial intelligence.
Before joining ADIB, Pedro Uria-Recio served as Chief Data & Artificial Intelligence Officer at CIMB Bank in Malaysia. In that role, he led the organisation’s AI strategy and the deployment of generative AI, agentic AI and advanced analytics solutions across Southeast Asia.
Pedro Uria-Recio has also held senior leadership roles at True Corporation, Axiata Group and McKinsey & Company.
Pedro Uria-Recio holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He also holds a BSc in Telecommunications Engineering.
Pedro Uria-Recio said his focus at ADIB will be on delivering practical outcomes through responsible AI deployment.
“My focus will be on turning that potential into tangible outcomes for customers, colleagues, and the Bank: deploying AI responsibly at scale, building strong internal capabilities and creating solutions that make banking more intelligent, personalised, and efficient,” Pedro Uria-Recio said.
AI supports ADIB Vision 2035
The appointment forms part of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank’s wider Vision 2035 strategy.
ADIB said more than 94% of its transactions are conducted through digital channels. The bank has also developed digital onboarding capabilities and an open banking ecosystem.
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank currently serves more than 2.7 million customers. The bank added 125,000 new customers during the first half of 2026.
ADIB has AED 304 billion in assets and was established in 1997. The bank provides retail, corporate, business, private banking and wealth management services.
The bank also has operations in Egypt, the United Kingdom, Qatar and Iraq.
Pedro Uria-Recio’s appointment adds dedicated AI leadership to ADIB as the bank continues to invest in the technology, data and talent supporting its Vision 2035 strategy.
