Top Bank in the UAE
Content Recap:
The principal financial regulatory institution in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the central bank. The country has about 50 banks, local-22 and foreign-30.
Statistics have shown that out of the 52 different financial institutions, only five control over 60% of the banking industry assets in the UAE.
The Emirates is also said to have 8 Islamic banks out of 52 aforementioned and about 23 Islamic banking programs in other different banks, all of which account for over 19% of the total assets of the banking industry.
The 4 major types of banks in the UAE are: commercial, Islamic, merchant, and industrial banks.
One good thing about the banking sector in the UAE is its stability, as fiscal power can contain any downsides caused by pandemics, disasters, inflation, and deflation that may affect the oil industry.
This is due to the government’s record in containing and adjusting to such situations and the large size of Abu Dhabi’s financial assets.
Top Bank in the UAE
If you are considering investing in banking or pursuing a career in banking in the UAE, then you have to keep reading this post to see the biggest and best banks in the UAE.
1. First Abu Dhabi Bank FAB
Previously known as the National Bank of Abu Dhabi, it merged with First Golf Bank in 2016 to form First Abu Dhabi Bank. First Abu Dhabi Bank is the largest and biggest banking institution in the UAE.
They employ about 5,500 bankers and non-banking staff in total, with their headquarters situated in the heart of Dubai. They also provide different banking services and products in America, Africa, Europe, and Asia, with their branches in a few countries on the mentioned continents. It is known to offer one of the best banking services in the UAE and the world at large.
FAB, operates not only personal banking services but also commercial and investment services. The bank is worth over 940.5 billion AED in net market value as of 2021 and made over 10 billion AED in net income in 2020. In 2016, First Abu Dhabi Bank bought First Golf Bank.
2. Emirate NBD
Emirate NBD is a government-owned bank group and the UAE’s second-largest financial institution.
They employ 9,000 workers, making them the biggest employer of labor in the banking industry in the UAE, with its headquarters situated in the heart of Dubai.
With over 4000 ATMS points, 900+ bank branches, and different banking programs in the UAE and all over the world, Emirate NBD has no doubt achieved tremendous success in the world banking industry.
It offers different banking programs such as asset management, wholesale and retail banking, and international, and Islamic banking services. In addition, the bank also has lots of subsidiaries, which include: Emirate Islamic, Tanfeeth, Emirate NBD S.A.E, Emirate NBD properties, E-Commerce and Trade, Global Training Centre LLC, Emirate Fund Managers, Aqarat LLC, Etfs LLC, El Sukuk LTD, Emirate Funds LLC, e.t.c. There are just so many.
In 2020, the bank was said to have made a total income of AED 6.9 billion and is currently worth over AED 695.06 billion as of 2021.
3. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
The bank is a commercial bank based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, as the name implies, is a UAE commercial bank, which was established in 1985.
The bank offers services ranging from commercial, retail, Islamic, and other banking services. Plus they also have operations like investment banking, consumer, Treasury banking, and management of properties.
With its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank is said to have over 5000 banking and non-banking staff and to own about 500 ATM points and 72 branches.
It made a total income of AED 3.1 billion in 2021 and is currently worth over AED 395.83 billion in market value. In 2019, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Union National Bank merged together to become one.
4. HSBC
HSBC serves over 40 million customers from all over the world as a bank. HSBC’s primary banking services include Commercial Banking, Personal Banking, Global Banking, and Markets. This bank focuses on showing customers the various banking options available to them.
Most Popular Accounts:
Personal Banking Account at HSBC
This is a bank account for any consumer looking for benefits and a better way of life. If you earn more than AED 5,000 per month, there is no minimum balance requirement for this account. Furthermore, several free services are accessible, such as cash withdrawals from ATMs inside the UAE, international money transfers, overdrafts of up to one salary multiple, and a checkbook.
Global Financial Account
This account allows you to transact in up to 21 currencies, saving you the trouble of opening several accounts. This is the ideal solution for quick and fee-free international transactions. It is also feasible to make rapid payments using your recipient’s phone number.
Credit Cards That Are Most Popular:
Customers prefer the Zero Credit Card because it delivers benefits from the minute you start using it.
- There are no fees for card membership, and you will pay no interest on transactions for the first three months.
- There is no yearly fee for this card.
- AED 10,000 is the minimum monthly payment.
Credit Card Platinum Select
This is a wonderful card if you want to get help with your lifestyle spending and entertainment.
- Air miles are redeemed.
- Dining packages, movie tickets, and Agoda discounts are all available.
- AED 10,000 minimum monthly salary in your HSBC Personal Banking Account.
5. First Golf Bank- FGB
Founded in 1979, First Golf Bank operates different banking services like the consumer, wholesale, retail, treasury, and real estate banking, plus other banking services.
The bank employs about 1500 staff, with its headquarters situated in the country’s capital city, Abu Dhabi.
First Golf bank not only has branches in the United Arab Emirates but also in about 19 countries: Switzerland, France, Hong Kong, Lebanon, Egypt, India, Jordan, Brazil, Labuan, Kuwait, China, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Oman, Sudan, Bahrain, and the United States of America.
The bank is said to be worth more than 65 billion dollars in market value, with a net income profit of 1.65 billion dollars in 2016.
6. Dubai Islamic Bank
Founded in 1975, with its headquarters in Dubai, Dubai Islamic Bank, as the name implies, is an Islamic bank group that offers services like the development of estates, corporate and consumer banking services, and a few other financial services.
With over 2 million customers across the United Arab Emirates, the bank can boost its network by 60 to 65 branches in the UAE.
It is said to be worth over AED 291.71 billion in market value and made over AED 3.2 billion in 2020.
7. Mashrek Bank
Mashrek Bank is one of the oldest financial establishments in the United Arab Emirates, established in 1967. It provides services like asset management, Islamic, retail, investment, and commercial banking.
The bank has over 65 branches across the world, with only 45 of them operating in the UAE, and 20 others in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Egypt, with over 4,000 staff and workers. Its headquarters are situated in Dubai.
The bank was calculated to be worth a total market value of over AED 162.25 in 2021. It raked in a total income of AED 1.28 billion in net income in 2020.
8. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank was founded in the year 1997 with its headquarters situated in the capital city of Abu Dhabi.
It offers services like retail, wholesale, treasury, private, and real estate banking. They also have a few branches in countries like Sudan and Qatar.
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank is said to be worth a total market value of over AED 130.69 billion in 2021 and made over AED 1.6 billion in 2020.
9. Commercial Bank Of Dubai
The Commercial Bank of Dubai is a commercial bank located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Commercial Bank of Dubai was established in 1969 with its headquarters in Dubai.
They offer banking services like commercial, Islamic, personal, and cooperative banking and employ about 1300 staff.
It is calculated to have a total market value of AED 102.47 billion in 2021 and make a total net income of AED 1.1 billion in 2020.
Most Popular Accounts:
The CBD Savings account allows you to earn high returns in any major currency. There are numerous advantages to using this bank, much like a savings account. These include a complimentary debit card. Furthermore, because of the low minimum monthly balance, this account is simple to maintain.
The ultimate rapid digital account that can be created in minutes online. This account has no minimum balance requirement. There are numerous free features available, such as free remittances, free salary transfers, and free debit cards. You can also earn smiling points that can be redeemed for bill payments, shopping, or even savings.
10. Rakbank
Rakbank, or the National Bank of Al Khaiman, as it’s also known, was founded in 1976 with its headquarters in Al Khaiman.
The bank offers commercial and local banking services to businesses and individuals across the United Arab Emirates.
Boosts from over 27 bank branches with over 700,000 customers.
The bank is said to be worth a total market value of AED 52.8 billion as of 2021 and made over AED 505 million in 2020.
If you want to go into a career in banking in the United Arab Emirates, just moving in, or looking forward to investing in the banking industry, these are the lists of the biggest financial institutions in the country.
If you are an investor and want to buy some stocks in one of the top banks in the UAE, then the top banks in the UAE are worth every penny invested in their stock as they make so many profits year in and year out.
10. Emirates NBD
The Emirates NBD bank was established in 1963, after the National Bank of Dubai’s Charter of Incorporation.
It was the region’s first national bank and a leader before merging with Emirates Bank International in 2007 to form Emirates NBD. This retail-focused bank is a pioneer in the global digital banking business. Emirates NBD operates 905 locations in 13 countries.
Emirates NBD is the UAE’s second-largest bank and the GCC’s fourth-largest.
Most Popular Accounts:
Emirate NBD’s Gold Investment Account is designed for anyone looking for the simplest way to invest in gold. Customers benefit from the convenience of not having to own and keep gold physically, while still reaping the benefits of having savings in gold. Existing clients can easily open gold accounts online, however, new customers need to call or visit their nearest bank.
Existing clients’ account opening requirements are minimal, as no further documentation or a minimum balance is required. To create the account, simply login to the online banking platform.
- Starting from AED 500
- No Debit Card, checkbook, withdrawals, or fund transfers
- Non-interest bearing account
The Emirates NBD current account is suitable for anyone looking for a versatile bank account with a variety of perks. The account’s features provide a customized banking experience to meet its users’ everyday banking demands.
- Minimum balance of AED 3000
- Free local and international remittances.
- Free debit card and cheque booking facility.
- Bill payment facilities across a wide range of services
12. Standard Chartered Bank
The Standard Chartered Bank is a renowned financial firm with a 150-year history and an international reach.
The bank’s first branch in the UAE opened in 1958. The bank offers a wide range of services, including individual, corporate, retail, and commercial banking.
Islamic banking instruments are also available. Customers looking for a bank with a strong international presence would appreciate this bank’s presence in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
Most Popular Accounts:
Choose the Current Account at Standard Chartered Bank if you want rapid, convenient banking that accepts all major currencies worldwide. Each month, you can do an infinite number of transactions. There are additional advantages to holding this account, such as larger daily withdrawal limits across a wide range of ATMs. The account requires a minimum initial deposit of AED 10,000 to open, and there are no monthly service fees.
The money you deposit into the bank for savings with the XtraSaver Account can earn handsome interest at a rate of 0.60 percent p.a.
- Available in AED or USD currencies.
- Minimum deposit of AED 3,000.
- A contactless debit card so that you can always access your funds when you need them.
- The minimum average monthly balance is zero.
You may also want to check the best bank to open an account with a Zero balance in Dubai.
Bottom Line:
Because bank rivalry is fierce, it is difficult to declare one bank to be “the greatest bank in UAE.” This resulted in high-quality products and services for both locals and foreigners.
However, when it comes to choosing a bank, you must first evaluate your demands and then look for a bank that offers accounts, cards, and products that fit those needs.
Top Bank In UAE
We hope you liked this article. if you’re looking for a reliable bank to leverage in Dubai then you may want to consider using any of the banks we mentioned in this article. If you have any recommendations or suggestions for this we look forward to hearing from you in the comment session.