The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the top financial centre in the Middle East, drawing many investors and companies from around the globe due to its business-friendly environment. This has led to strong competition among banks and financial service providers to offer the best banking services. Dubai, the UAE’s economic hub, boasts a robust banking sector among the other emirates. Choosing the right one can be challenging, with numerous banks offering various services. But there are many good banks in Dubai, some focusing on Islamic banking and others serving expats and UAE nationals of all faiths.
This guide provides an overview of the best banks in Dubai, highlighting their unique features, services, and what sets them apart.
Top Banks in Dubai, UAE
1. Emirates National Bank of Dubai (ENBD)
In 2007, Emirates Bank International (EBI), the second-largest bank in the UAE, merged with the National Bank of Dubai (NBD), the fourth-largest bank. This merger created the Emirates National Bank of Dubai (ENBD), the largest banking group in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). ENBD operates in over 10 countries across 3 continents and has the most ATMs in the UAE.
Key Products and Services:
| Emirates NBD Credit Card | Various credit cards are available. Interest rates start at 1.49%. The minimum salary requirement is 5,000 AED/month. |
| Emirates NBD Personal Loan | Six types of personal loans are available, including for self-employed and ex-pats. Interest rates start at 2.38%. |
| Factoring | Companies can sell their receivable bills to improve cash flow. |
| Wakala Deposits | Sharia-compliant investment option. |
2. Emirates Islamic Bank
Emirates Islamic Bank is one of the UAE’s leading banks, focusing on Sharia-compliant products. Founded in 2004, it provides businesses and customers with loans, credit cards, and other banking services.
Key Products and Services:
| Emirates Islamic Credit Cards | 13 different credit cards are available. Minimum salary requirement: 5,000 AED/month. Benefits include cashback, dining discounts, and Skywards miles. |
| Emirates Islamic Personal Loans | Available for both ex-pats and UAE nationals. Includes a free credit card. Minimum salary requirement: 5,000 AED/month. |
| E-Savings Account | Online savings account with up to 2% APY, no withdrawal limits, and follows Sharia principles. |
| Islamic Banking Services | All services are Sharia-compliant. |
3. First Abu Dhabi Bank
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is a top financial institution with branches worldwide. It is one of the best banks in Dubai for expats and UAE nationals, renowned for its remarkable customer service and wide range of banking services. FAB is also one of the largest equity-based banks in the UAE.
Key Products and Services:
| FAB Credit Card | 19 different credit cards are available, with interest rates starting at 3.25%. The minimum monthly salary requirement is 5,000 AED. |
| FAB at Work | Helps companies onboard new employees and set up bank accounts for salary deposits. |
| FAB Accelerator | Customers transferring at least 15,000 AED monthly can join and receive reward points, Airmiles, and cashback. |
4. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)
The Abu Dhabi Investment Council, a branch of the Abu Dhabi government, owns 58% of ADCB’s shares. ADCB is among the UAE’s top 3 largest and most reputable banks and one of the best bank in Dubai for business. Here’s a guide on Opening a ADCB Bank Account in UAE.
Key Products and Services:
| ADCB Business Loan | Offers business loans, including insta-loans, equipment financing, and commercial real estate loans. Loan approval within 7 days. Processing fee: 2%. Interest rate: 17%. |
| ADCB Personal Loan | Provides 10 types of personal loans, such as rental loans, smart financing, and ex-pat loans. Interest rates start at 2.89%. Minimum monthly salary requirement: 5,000 AED. |
| Treasury Services | Allows clients to engage in treasury trading. |
| Offshore Accounts | Clients can open offshore accounts with ADCB, which are held outside the UAE and can contain multiple currencies. |
5. Dubai Islamic Bank
Established in 1975 and headquartered in Dubai, Dubai Islamic Bank was the first to offer Islamic finance solutions to UAE residents. It allows clients to invest in Sharia-compliant financial products without hidden fees.
Want to open an account in DIB? Here’s how you can open account: Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) Account Opening Process
Key products and services:
| DIB Credit Card | Apply for various credit cards with interest rates from 0% to 3.25%. Minimum monthly salary requirement: 5,000 AED. |
| DIB Personal Loan | Offers 9 different personal loans with interest rates starting from 6%. Minimum monthly salary requirement: 3,000 AED. |
| Islamic Sukuk Investments | Clients can trade Sukuks and other Sharia-compliant financial instruments through the Dubai Islamic Bank Treasury. |
| Johara Ladies Savings Account | This is a special Sharia-compliant savings account available in AED and USD. It offers features like salary in advance and bill payment services. |
6. Mashreq
Mashreq is one of the fastest-growing banks in the UAE. It is known for its smartphone app, which allows clients to transfer money to over 20 countries without fees.
Key products and services:
| Mashreq Bank Personal Loan | Available for individuals with a minimum monthly salary of 3,000 AED. Interest rates start at 5.99%. |
| Mashreq Bank Credit Card | Available for individuals with a minimum monthly salary of 7,000 AED. Interest rate: 2.99%. |
| Islamic Brokerage | Sharia-compliant brokerage service with its trading platform. |
| Mashreq Neo | The UAE’s first digital-only bank, offering cashback, reward points, and other discounts without any physical branches. |
7. Standard Chartered Bank
Standard Chartered Bank is one of the best banks in Dubai, UAE (also one of the largest), offering conventional and Islamic banking services. Established in 1958, it opened its first UAE branch in Sharjah and now has ATMs across the UAE.
Key products and services:
| Standard Chartered Xtra Saver Account | A high-interest savings account with a 1.2% APY, available in USD and AED. Includes an international debit card. |
| Standard Chartered Saadiq Personal Finance | A Sharia-compliant personal finance product with profit rates starting at 7.55% APY. Includes a free chequebook and debit card. |
| Standard Chartered Futura | Affordable lifetime insurance coverage for both UAE residents and ex-pats. |
| Global Choice | A savings account for children with higher-than-normal interest rates. |
| Priority Banking Service | Earn up to 7,000 AED cashback by using this service. |
8. RAKBANK
RAKBANK is 52.75% owned by the government and has 33 branches in the UAE, including Dubai. It has won several awards, including SME Bank of the Year and Best Internet Banking. It offers a wide range of business and personal banking services, such as loans, credit cards, and digital banking solutions.
Key products and services:
| RAKBANK Credit Card | Offers various credit cards with interest rates between 2.95% and 3.19%. Minimum monthly salary requirement: 5,000 AED. |
| RAKBANK Business Loan | Allows businesses to borrow up to 3 million AED for financing. |
| RAKmoney Transfers | A low-cost money transfer service to Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and India. |
| Business Equipment Finance | Helps finance commercial vehicles, medical equipment, and construction equipment to support business growth. |
Simple Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Bank:
Choosing the right bank involves several important factors. Here’s an easy guide to help you decide:
Step 1: Identify Your Needs
- Personal Banking: If you need savings accounts, loans, or credit cards, look for banks that offer a wide range of personal banking services.
- Business Banking: If you have business needs, choose banks with strong corporate banking services.
Step 2: Evaluate Digital Services
- Online Banking: Ensure the bank provides reliable online banking services for your convenience.
- Mobile Banking: Check if the bank has advanced mobile banking apps.
Step 3: Compare Fees and Charges
- Account Maintenance Fees: Compare the fees for keeping your account active.
- Transaction Charges: Look at fees for transactions like transfers and withdrawals.
Step 4: Consider Customer Service
- Branch Network: A bank with many branches can be more convenient.
- Customer Support: Assess the quality of the bank’s customer service.
Step 5: Check Reviews and Ratings
- Customer Reviews: Read customer reviews and ratings to see how satisfied others are.
- Industry Awards: Consider banks that have won awards for their services.
Final Takeaway:
Choosing the best bank in Dubai depends on your specific needs, whether for personal, business, or Islamic banking services. Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic Bank, ADCB, Mashreq Bank, and FAB are among the top banks in Dubai, offering unique features and exceptional services. By evaluating your requirements and comparing what these banks offer, you can make an informed decision that best suits your financial needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. What is the best bank for personal loans in Dubai?
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) is highly recommended for personal loans, having won the “Best Bank for Personal Loans” award.
Q. Which bank offers the best digital banking services?
Emirates NBD and Mashreq Bank are known for their advanced digital banking platforms.
Q. How can I open a bank account in Dubai?
To open a bank account in Dubai, you must typically provide identification, proof of address, and employment details. For specific requirements, it’s best to visit the bank’s website or branch.
