Abu Dhabi’s banking scene is reliable, modern and designed to support everyone from new expats to long-term residents and international investors. Whether you want a simple savings account, a digital-only experience, or a bank that promotes non-resident onboarding, there are strong options backed by excellent security and world-class customer service.
- Overview of banking in Abu Dhabi
- Top banks in Abu Dhabi
- Specialised banking: Islamic & digital options
- Bank account options for residents & non-residents
- Comparison table: Top banks in Abu Dhabi (2025)
- How to open a bank account in Abu Dhabi
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Overview of banking in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s banking system is one of the strongest in the region, with local and international banks offering a mix of traditional services, wealth management, digital banking and Shariah-compliant solutions. Residents enjoy access to standard current and savings accounts, while non-residents can open specialised savings or deposit accounts with higher minimum balances.
Top banks in Abu Dhabi
Below are the leading banks in Abu Dhabi, based on service range, digital experience, minimum balance requirements and options for both residents and non-residents. All details are verified through the official bank sources you provided.
1. First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
FAB is the UAE’s largest bank by assets and one of the most recognised names in the region. It offers everything from basic personal accounts to wealth management, investment products and international banking.
- Standard minimum balance: AED 3,000
- iSave account: No minimum balance
- Strong global presence (London, Singapore, Hong Kong)
- Suitable for long-term residents, high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients
2. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)
ADCB is known for excellent digital banking, customer support and a reliable range of current, savings and Islamic banking options.
- Standard minimum balance: AED 5,000
- Active Saver Account: No minimum balance (profit requires an AED 3,000 average)
- Multi-currency accounts available
- Flexible for residents and non-residents
- Offers strong Shariah-compliant alternatives
3. Emirates NBD
One of the region’s biggest banks with a vast UAE presence, including 150+ branches and over 1,000 ATMs.
- Minimum balance: AED 3,000 – 5,000, depending on the account type
- Non-maintenance fee: around AED 26.25/month
- Zero-balance options through Liv, its digital platform
- Excellent mobile banking and customer service
4. Mashreq Bank
Mashreq is one of the oldest private banks in the UAE and a favourite among expats, especially those still waiting for residency.
- Non-resident accounts available (savings/deposits)
- Minimum balance for non-residents usually: AED 25,000–30,000+
- Strong digital banking features
- Multi-currency accounts and low-cost international transfers
This is the most flexible option for non-residents.
5. RAKBANK
Popular for retail banking and small businesses, RAKBANK offers straightforward services and easy account opening.
- Competitive minimum balances
- Good digital banking
- Strong for everyday banking and SME needs
Specialised banking: Islamic & digital options
- Islamic banking: ADCB Islamic, Emirates Islamic, Dubai Islamic Bank and others offer Shariah-compliant accounts for both residents and non-residents (subject to compliance).
- Digital accounts: Liv, Mashreq Neo and mobile-friendly accounts provide easy onboarding, strong app interfaces and fast transfers.
Bank account options for residents & non-residents
Abu Dhabi’s banks offer different account types depending on your residency status, with residents enjoying wider access to everyday accounts and non-residents typically opening savings or deposit accounts with higher balance requirements.
For residents
Residents have full access to:
- Salary, current and savings accounts
- Lower minimum balance requirements
- Debit cards, credit cards and cheque books
- Personal loans and credit products
- Online and international transfers
Most banks accept Emirates ID, residency visa and a salary certificate for account opening.
For non-residents
Non-residents can open accounts, but typically:
- Only savings or deposit accounts are available
- Minimum balance requirements start at AED 25,000+
- Eligibility depends on compliance and source-of-fund verification
- No cheque book or credit facilities
- Some banks allow online onboarding
Mashreq and ADCB are among the most flexible for non-resident applicants.
Comparison table: Top banks in Abu Dhabi (2025)
| Bank | Non-Resident Accounts | Minimum Balance | Digital Banking | Special Features |
| First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) | Yes (limited) | AED 3,000–5,000 | Advanced | Global presence, wealth management |
| ADCB | Yes | AED 5,000 (Active Saver: 0) | Modern | Multi-currency, Shariah-compliant |
| Emirates NBD | Limited | AED 3,000 | Excellent | 1,000+ ATMs, strong digital app |
| Mashreq Bank | Yes (expat-friendly) | AED 30,000+ (non-resident) | Excellent | Multi-currency, flexible for non-residents |
| RAKBANK | Limited | Varies by account | Good | Easy onboarding, SME-friendly |
Choosing the right bank: key considerations
When picking a bank in Abu Dhabi, consider:
- Your residency status (resident vs. non-resident)
- Minimum balance requirements and penalties
- Type of account you need (salary, savings, multi-currency)
- Digital banking features
- International remittance needs
- Customer service reputation
- Whether you prefer Islamic or conventional banking
How to open a bank account in Abu Dhabi
Opening a bank account in Abu Dhabi is straightforward once you meet the documentation and compliance requirements, with residents and non-residents following slightly different steps based on eligibility and minimum balance rules.
For residents
You’ll typically need:
- Emirates ID (original + copy)
- Passport
- Salary certificate or employment contract
- Proof of address (Ejari, utility bill, etc.)
- Minimum opening deposit (varies by bank)
Complete KYC and compliance checks before activation.
For non-residents
Requirements usually include:
- Valid passport
- Proof of address in the home country
- Minimum deposit (often AED 25,000+)
- Clear source of funds
- Reason for opening a UAE account
- Additional compliance screening
Expect slightly longer processing times than residents.
Key takeaways
Abu Dhabi is home to several strong banking options for residents and non-residents, each offering modern digital services and flexible account types. FAB and ADCB remain top choices for everyday banking, while Mashreq is the most accessible for non-residents.
Minimum balances vary, especially for non-resident accounts, so it’s worth comparing requirements, digital features and account benefits before choosing the right bank for your needs.
FAQs
Mashreq Bank and ADCB are the most flexible, with savings accounts designed for people awaiting residency.
Emirates ID, passport, residency visa, salary certificate and proof of address are usually required.
Yes, ADCB’s Active Saver account requires no minimum balance.
Yes. Both residents and non-residents can apply, though non-residents may face higher compliance checks.
Very. Most banks offer advanced mobile apps, instant transfers and secure authentication features.
