Dubai, a global financial hub and a key economic center in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), boasts a robust banking sector regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE. As of 2025, Dubai is home to approximately 58 banks, comprising national banks, Islamic banks, foreign banks, and special-status banks. These institutions offer a wide range of services, including personal and corporate banking, Islamic banking, investment services, and digital banking solutions. Below is a detailed list of banks operating in Dubai, categorized by type, with their official website links, contact details, and key services, designed to help residents, expatriates, and businesses choose the right financial partner.
Types of Banks in Dubai
The banking landscape in Dubai is diverse, with institutions catering to various financial needs, from retail banking to Shariah-compliant products and international transactions. The Central Bank of the UAE oversees these banks, ensuring compliance with regulations and fostering financial stability. The following categories outline the banks operating in Dubai.
1. National Banks
National banks are UAE-based institutions serving local citizens, residents, and businesses with a broad range of financial products, including savings accounts, loans, credit cards, and corporate banking services.
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Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)
Head Office: Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Building, Shk Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi
Contact: +971 2 6962222
Website: www.adcb.com
Services: Retail, corporate, and Islamic banking; student accounts with low fees. -
Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD)
Head Office: Al Ittihad St., Port Saeed, Dubai
Contact: +971 600 575556
Website: www.cbd.ae
Services: Personal, elite, and business banking; student accounts with free debit cards. -
Emirates NBD
Head Office: Baniyas Road, Deira, Dubai
Contact: +971 600 540000
Website: www.emiratesnbd.com
Services: Largest banking group in the Middle East; offers zero-balance student accounts and international money transfers. -
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
Head Office: Khalifa St, Abu Dhabi
Contact: +971 600 566223
Website: www.bankfab.com
Services: Youth accounts, mobile banking, and international transfers for education expenses. -
Mashreq Bank
Head Office: Near Al Ghurair City, Deira, Dubai
Contact: +971 4 424 4444
Website: www.mashreqbank.com
Services: Personal and international banking; student packages with no minimum balance and tuition fee transfer discounts. -
Bank of Sharjah
Head Office: 31st Floor, Union One Tower, Dubai Motor City
Contact: +971 4 4510711
Website: www.bankofsharjah.com
Services: Commercial and corporate banking. -
Commercial Bank International (CBI)
Head Office: CBI Building, Al Rigga Street, Deira, Dubai
Contact: +971 600 544440
Website: www.cbiuae.com
Services: Retail and corporate banking. -
National Bank of Fujairah (NBF)
Head Office: Hamad Bin Abdullah Street, Fujairah
Contact: +971 9 2029010
Website: www.nbf.ae
Services: Personal and business banking. -
RAKBANK (National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah)
Head Office: Oman Street, Al Nakheel, Ras Al Khaimah
Contact: +971 7 2062222
Website: www.rakbank.ae
Services: Zero-balance accounts and affordable remittance services for students. -
United Arab Bank (UAB)
Head Office: Al Qasimia Street, Sharjah
Contact: +971 6 5733900
Website: www.uab.ae
Services: Retail and corporate banking.
2. Islamic Banks
Islamic banks adhere to Shariah principles, offering interest-free banking and ethical financial products tailored for individuals and businesses seeking Shariah-compliant solutions.
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Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB)
Head Office: Shk. Rashid Bin Saeed St., Abu Dhabi
Contact: +971 2 6100600
Website: www.adib.ae
Services: Shariah-compliant accounts and international money transfer services. -
Ajman Bank
Head Office: Al Ettehad Street, Mushairef, Ajman
Contact: +971 800 22
Website: www.ajmanbank.ae
Services: Islamic banking for individuals and businesses. -
Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB)
Head Office: Al Maktoom Road, Dubai
Contact: +971 4 6092222
Website: www.dib.ae
Services: Johara Savings Account for students; Shariah-compliant financing. -
Emirates Islamic Bank
Head Office: Festival Tower, Dubai Festival City
Contact: +971 4 2287474
Website: www.emiratesislamic.ae
Services: Shariah-compliant accounts and digital banking platforms. -
Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB)
Head Office: Al Khan Area, Sharjah
Contact: +971 6 5999999
Website: www.sib.ae
Services: Islamic banking with a focus on ethical investments. -
Al Hilal Bank
Head Office: Al Bahar Towers, Abu Dhabi
Contact: +971 2 4994444
Website: www.adcb.com (Acquired by ADCB)
Services: Merged with ADCB; offers Shariah-compliant products.
3. Foreign Banks
Foreign banks connect Dubai to global financial networks, offering international banking services, cross-border transactions, and solutions for expatriates and businesses.
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Arab Bank
Head Office: Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Building, Abu Dhabi
Contact: +971 2 6392225
Website: www.arabbank.com
Services: International banking and investment services. -
Bank of Baroda
Head Office: 34th St, Al Fahidi, Dubai
Contact: +971 4 3136600
Website: www.bankofbarodauae.ae
Services: Tailored services for Indian expatriates. -
Banque Misr
Head Office: Abu Dhabi
Contact: +971 2 6273000
Website: Not available
Services: Retail and corporate banking for Egyptian expatriates. -
Barclays Bank
Head Office: Building 4, The Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai
Contact: +971 4 3653030
Website: www.barclays.ae
Services: Wealth management and international banking. -
BNP Paribas
Head Office: Abu Dhabi
Contact: +971 2 6130400
Website: Not available
Services: Corporate and investment banking. -
Citibank
Head Office: Oud Metha Tower, Dubai
Contact: +971 4 5099790
Website: www.difc.ae
Services: Global banking and credit card rewards. -
Habib Bank Limited (HBL)
Head Office: Naif Building, Al Musalla Rd, Dubai
Contact: +971 600 522228
Website: www.hbl.com/uae
Services: Services for Pakistani expatriates and international transfers. -
Habib Bank AG Zurich
Head Office: Baniyas Square, Deira, Dubai
Contact: +971 4 2607999
Website: www.habibbank.com
Services: Retail and corporate banking. -
HSBC Bank Middle East Limited
Head Office: HSBC Tower, Emaar Square, Downtown, Dubai
Contact: +971 600 554722
Website: www.hsbc.ae
Services: International student accounts and global transfers. -
Standard Chartered Bank
Head Office: Precinct Building 1, DIFC, Dubai
Contact: +971 600 522288
Website: www.sc.com/ae
Services: Digital banking and wealth management. -
United Bank Limited (UBL)
Head Office: Bank Street Building, Khalid Bin Al Waleed Rd, Dubai
Contact: +971 600 533335
Website: www.ubldirect.com
Services: International banking for Pakistani clients. -
Bank Melli Iran
Head Office: Baniyas Street, Deira, Dubai
Contact: +971 4 2015100
Website: www.bmi.ae
Services: Banking for Iranian clients. -
Bank Saderat Iran
Head Office: Dubai
Contact: +971 4 6035555
Website: www.banksaderat.ae
Services: Retail banking for Iranian expatriates. -
Doha Bank
Head Office: Dubai
Contact: +971 4 3439111
Website: Not available
Services: Retail and corporate banking. -
National Bank of Bahrain
Head Office: Abu Dhabi
Contact: +971 2 6902222
Website: Not available
Services: Retail and investment banking. -
National Bank of Kuwait
Head Office: Dubai
Contact: +971 4 2929222
Website: Not available
Services: Corporate and retail banking. -
Bank of China
Head Office: Abu Dhabi
Contact: +971 2 4041666
Website: Not available
Services: Corporate banking and trade finance. -
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)
Head Office: Abu Dhabi
Contact: +971 2 4498606
Website: Not available
Services: Corporate banking and international trade. -
Other Foreign Banks:
Include Al Khaliji (France), Arab African International Bank, BOK International, Credit Agricole, Deutsche Bank, and Samba Financial Group. Contact details and websites may vary; refer to the Central Bank of the UAE for updates.
4. Special-Status Banks
Special-status banks cater to niche markets, offering services like investment banking, digital banking, or foreign exchange solutions.
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Al Maryah Community Bank
Head Office: 454 Shakhbout Bin Sultan St, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi
Contact: +971 600 571111
Website: Not available
Services: Community-focused banking. -
Emirates Investment Bank
Head Office: Dubai
Contact: +971 4 2317777
Website: Not available
Services: Investment banking and wealth management. -
Wio Bank
Head Office: Abu Dhabi
Contact: Not available
Website: Not available
Services: Digital banking solutions. -
Zand Bank
Head Office: Dubai
Contact: Not available
Website: Not available
Services: Digital banking and innovative financial products. -
Aafaq Islamic Finance
Head Office: Al Saqr Business Tower, Dubai
Contact: Not available
Services: Shariah-compliant financing. -
Ruya Bank
Head Office: Ruya Community Centre, Ajman
Contact: +971 800 7892
Website: Not available
Services: Community-based Islamic banking.
Key Features of Banking in Dubai
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Digital Banking: Most banks, including Emirates NBD, Mashreq, and Standard Chartered, offer advanced mobile apps and online platforms for seamless account management, transfers, and bill payments.
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Student and Expat Services: Banks like Emirates NBD, HSBC, and RAKBANK provide zero-balance accounts and affordable international remittance options, ideal for students and expatriates.
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Islamic Banking: Dubai is a leader in Islamic finance, with banks like Dubai Islamic Bank and Emirates Islamic offering Shariah-compliant products.
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International Connectivity: Foreign banks like HSBC, Citibank, and Standard Chartered facilitate global transactions, making them suitable for expatriates and businesses.
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Minimum Balance Requirements: Many banks require a minimum balance for certain accounts, though options like RAKBANK’s zero-balance accounts cater to flexibility.
Choosing the Right Bank
When selecting a bank in Dubai, consider:
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Your Needs: Opt for Islamic banks for Shariah-compliant services or international banks for global transactions.
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Accessibility: Emirates NBD and Mashreq have extensive ATM and branch networks.
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Fees and Rates: Compare account maintenance fees and international transfer costs, especially for expatriates.
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Digital Services: Banks like Mashreq and Standard Chartered excel in digital banking platforms.
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Expat-Friendly Options: HSBC and Citibank offer tailored services for expatriates, including international student accounts.
For detailed branch locations, account opening procedures, or specific services, visit the banks’ official websites or contact their customer service. The Central Bank of the UAE (www.centralbank.ae) provides a comprehensive list of licensed banks and regulatory updates.
Recent Developments
Dubai’s banking sector continues to innovate, with a focus on digital transformation and financial inclusion. Banks like Wio and Zand emphasize digital-first solutions, while Emirates NBD and Mashreq lead in customer-centric services. The sector’s resilience is evident in its ability to cater to a diverse population, including expatriates, who form a significant portion of Dubai’s residents.
Conclusion
Dubai’s banking sector, with 58 banks as of 2025, offers a dynamic and diverse financial ecosystem. From leading national banks like Emirates NBD and FAB to Islamic banks like Dubai Islamic Bank and global players like HSBC, there are options for every financial need. Whether you’re an expatriate seeking international banking, a student looking for zero-balance accounts, or a business needing corporate solutions, this guide provides the necessary information to make an informed choice. Explore the provided websites or contact the banks directly for personalized assistance, and refer to the Central Bank of the UAE for the latest updates on licensed institutions.