Arab Bank UAE is the United Arab Emirates branch network of Arab Bank PLC. Arab Bank PLC is headquartered in Amman, Jordan, and its UAE operations are licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE.
The bank is best known in the UAE for lifetime-free Visa Classic and Visa Gold credit cards, personal financing starting from 6.74% per year, and an Elite Banking tier for customers who keep higher balances. It also offers SME banking and trade finance for businesses trading across the region.
Arab Bank’s wider group traces its roots to 1930 and now runs a network of more than 600 branches. That network spans Jordan, Palestine, Egypt, Lebanon, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Yemen, Morocco, and Algeria, plus representative offices and subsidiaries in other markets, according to the bank’s own corporate profile.
Customers who move money between Arab Bank accounts in different countries, or who need a relationship-based branch experience, are the clearest fit for the UAE branch. Customers who want the largest local branch or ATM footprint may prefer a bigger UAE bank.
Overall Rating: 3.7/5
Who Should Consider Arab Bank UAE?
Arab Bank UAE suits customers who value regional banking connections and personalized service over branch count. It is a practical option for a specific set of customers rather than a mass-market default.
The bank is especially suitable for:
- Expats who regularly send or receive money from Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, or other Arab Bank markets
- Customers who want a lifetime-free Visa Classic or Visa Gold credit card
- Customers who can transfer a salary of $10,000 a month or more and want Elite Banking benefits
- Professionals who prefer relationship-focused, branch-based service
- SMEs that need trade finance and foreign currency handling across Arab Bank’s markets
Retail customers can also use standard products including salary accounts, savings accounts, debit cards, and personal financing. Business customers get access to corporate banking and trade finance built around Arab Bank’s presence in multiple Arab markets.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
Arab Bank UAE is a reasonable option for customers who value regional connections. Customers who prioritize the widest branch and ATM network, or the newest mobile banking app, may find other UAE banks a better fit.
Smaller Branch Network Than the Largest UAE Banks
Arab Bank’s UAE branch network is smaller than the largest local banks. Check the bank’s own branch and ATM locator for current locations near you before you decide.
Digital Banking Features Could Be More Advanced
Arabi Mobile covers transfers, payments, and account management. Customers who want a more modern app experience may prefer some newer UAE banking platforms.
Minimum Balance Requirements
Standard current and savings accounts require an average monthly balance of AED 3,000, or the equivalent in other currencies. Falling below that triggers a AED 25 monthly fee, so freelancers with irregular income should plan around it.
Consider Your Banking Priorities Before Choosing
Arab Bank UAE works best for customers who need regional banking support. Those who prioritize the largest branch network or the lowest possible balance requirement should compare other UAE banks first.
Arab Bank UAE at a Glance
| Category | Details |
| Bank Type | Retail, Corporate, SME & Trade Finance Banking |
| Parent Group | Arab Bank PLC, headquartered in Amman, Jordan |
| Group Network | Over 600 branches group-wide, plus representative offices and subsidiaries |
| UAE Regulator | Central Bank of the UAE |
| Mobile Banking | Arabi Mobile App |
| Online Banking | Arabi Online |
| Languages Supported | English and Arabic |
| SWIFT/BIC code | ARABAEAD, registered to Arab Bank PLC, Dubai, at Building 2, Emaar Square |
| Customer Care (UAE) | 04 445 0000, or +971 4 445 0000 from abroad |
The bank’s official website provides updated information about current products, fees, branch locations, and service terms. Confirm the latest details before applying because banking fees, promotions, and eligibility criteria change over time.
Arab Bank UAE Fees and Charges
These figures come from Arab Bank’s published UAE retail fee schedule, effective through December 2025. Fee schedules change, so confirm current charges on the official fee schedule before you apply.
| Service | Fee |
| Minimum monthly balance, current/savings | AED 3,000 or equivalent |
| Fee if balance falls below minimum | AED 25 per month |
| Minimum time deposit | AED 5,000 or equivalent |
| Account closing within first 6 months | AED 100 |
| Visa Classic / Visa Gold credit card | Free for life |
| Visa Platinum credit card | AED 500 a year (free for life for Elite and Premium customers) |
| Credit card monthly interest rate | 3.59% |
| Credit card late payment fee | AED 230 |
| Credit card cash advance | 3% of the amount, minimum AED 100 |
| Personal loan interest rate | From 6.74% a year |
| Personal loan processing fee | 1% of the loan amount, AED 500 to AED 2,500 |
| Outward AED transfer within UAE, via branch | AED 5 |
| Outward AED transfer within UAE, via Arabi Online | AED 1 |
| International transfer | AED 100 plus correspondent bank fees |
| SWIFT copy for a remittance | AED 15 |
Elite and Premium customers get separate terms on several of these items, including fee-free transfers and card issuance. Ask a branch representative which tier applies to your account before you compare costs.
What Arab Bank Charges to Move Money
Transfers are where the gap between the branch and Arabi Online is widest. The same instruction can cost AED 100 at a counter and nothing online.
| Transfer | Branch | Arabi Online |
| Outward AED within the UAE | AED 5 | AED 1 |
| Outward foreign currency within the UAE | AED 100 plus correspondent bank fees | |
| Outward transfer outside the UAE | AED 100 plus correspondent bank fees | |
| To any account across Arab Bank plc, AED or foreign currency | AED 100 | Free |
| Setting up a local or international periodical transfer outside Arab Bank UAE | AED 50 | Free |
| Standing instruction inside Arab Bank within the UAE | AED 75 | Free |
| Amending or cancelling a periodical transfer | AED 50 | |
| Amending or cancelling an outward transfer, or a return due to wrong beneficiary details | AED 100 investigation fee | |
| SWIFT copy for an international remittance | AED 15 | |
| Emergency encashment, international outward | AED 365, quoted as USD 100 | |
Correspondent bank fees, where they apply, are AED 125. Elite and Premium customers get one free outward transfer a month, within or outside the UAE, though the bank excludes instant payment instructions from that free transfer.
| Money coming in | Fee |
| Inward remittance within the UAE in AED | AED 1 |
| Inward remittance, local or international, in foreign currency | AED 25 |
| Inward remittance from within Arab Bank plc | Free |
| Return of a transfer due to wrong beneficiary details | 40 units of whatever currency the transfer arrived in |
| Penalty for insufficient funds on a standing order | AED 25 |
What It Costs to Use a Card or an ATM Abroad
The debit card carries a higher cross border margin than the credit card, which is the opposite of what most people assume. Both are on top of the exchange rate.
| Where you use it | Charge |
| Arab Bank ATM in the UAE, withdrawal, balance or deposit | Free |
| Another UAE bank’s ATM, cash withdrawal | AED 2 |
| Another UAE bank’s ATM, balance enquiry | AED 1 |
| GCC ATM, cash withdrawal | AED 6 |
| International ATM that is not Arab Bank | 4.5% of the amount plus a USD 2.75 Arab Bank fee |
| International Arab Bank ATM | 2%, minimum AED 10 and maximum AED 50 |
| Card payment in a foreign currency, credit card | Up to 3% of the value plus the exchange rate |
| Card payment in a foreign currency, debit card | Up to 4% of the value plus the exchange rate |
| Foreign currency cash withdrawal or deposit at a counter | 1% of the amount |
Credit Card Annual Fees Across the Range
Two cards are free for life to everyone. Everything above them is priced, and several are open only to the Elite program.
| Card | Annual fee | Who gets it cheaper |
| Visa Classic | Free | Free for life |
| Visa Gold | Free | Free for life |
| MasterCard Titanium | AED 300 | AED 150 for life for Elite customers |
| Visa Platinum | AED 500 | Free for life for Elite and Premium customers |
| Visa Travel Mate | AED 600 | Elite Program only |
| Visa Signature | AED 1,000 | Free for life for Elite customers |
| MasterCard World Elite | AED 1,900 | Elite Program only |
Supplementary cards on Classic, Gold, Platinum and Titanium are free. A supplementary Signature costs AED 500, a supplementary Travel Mate AED 300 and a supplementary World Elite AED 950.
Loan, Mortgage and Certificate Fees
Personal and car loans share the same 1% processing fee, capped at AED 2,500. Where they differ sharply is the penalty for paying late.
| Charge | Personal loan | Car loan | Housing loan |
| Processing fee | 1%, min AED 500, max AED 2,500 | 1%, min AED 500, max AED 2,500 | Up to 1% of the loan amount |
| Late payment | AED 200 | 4% of the delayed amount, min AED 300, max AED 500 | AED 700 |
| Deferring an instalment | AED 100 each time | AED 100 each time | AED 100 each time |
| Early or partial settlement | 1% of the remaining balance, max AED 10,000 | 1% of the remaining balance | Max 1% of the outstanding balance or AED 10,000, whichever is less |
| Rescheduling | AED 250 | AED 250 | AED 500 to amend the name, tenor or instalment |
| Cancellation | Free | Free | Not listed |
On a mortgage, expect AED 3,000 for the property valuation and up to AED 1,320 for a property swap, with the valuation included in that figure. The no objection certificate to the traffic department on a car loan is free.
What a Letter From the Bank Costs
Visa applications, rentals and job changes all tend to need one of these. The prices are fixed and published.
| Document | Fee |
| Audit confirmation certificate | AED 25 |
| Introduction or recommendation certificate | AED 50 |
| Certificate for an account authorized signatory | AED 50 |
| Account balance letter | AED 50 |
| Release letter | AED 50 |
| Liability certificate | AED 50 |
| No liability certificate | AED 60 |
| No objection certificate | AED 60 |
| Clearance letter | AED 60 |
| Home loan liability letter | AED 85 |
| Home loan clearance letter | AED 95 |
| Home loan no objection letter | AED 150 |
Safe Deposit Box Prices by Tier
| Box size | Retail | Premium | Elite |
| Small | AED 1,000 a year | AED 850 | AED 750 |
| Medium small | AED 1,500 | AED 1,250 | AED 1,000 |
| Medium large | AED 2,000 | AED 1,750 | AED 1,500 |
| Large | AED 2,250 | AED 2,000 | AED 1,750 |
The key deposit is AED 5,000 on top of the annual rent, refundable when you return it. Losing or breaking a key costs AED 2,000.
Arab Bank UAE Pros and Cons: Complete Review
Understanding the advantages and limitations of a bank matters before you commit to it. Arab Bank UAE offers real regional benefits but also has areas where larger UAE banks may serve you better.
What Makes Arab Bank UAE a Strong Choice?
Arab Bank UAE stands out for lifetime-free credit cards, competitively priced personal financing, and a relationship-based Elite tier. Its long-standing presence in the region also gives it practical value for customers with cross-border ties to Arab Bank’s other markets.
Lifetime-Free Classic and Gold Visa Cards
Arab Bank’s Visa Classic and Visa Gold credit cards carry no issuance or annual fee, for life, according to the bank’s published fee schedule. Many UAE credit cards waive the annual fee only if you meet a minimum spend, so a true lifetime-free card is a real cost saving.
Personal Financing From 6.74% a Year
Arab Bank UAE advertises personal loan rates starting from 6.74% a year, with repayment terms up to 4 years and loan amounts up to AED 730,000. A grace period of up to 90 days is also available, which can help with cash flow right after the loan is disbursed.
Elite Banking for Higher-Balance Customers
Arab Bank’s Elite tier waives the standard minimum balance requirement for customers whose salary transfer exceeds $10,000 a month. Elite time deposits start at $100,000 or the equivalent, and eligible customers also get preferential pricing on transfers and cards.
Regional Network Across Arab Bank’s Markets
Arab Bank’s presence across multiple Arab markets can simplify transfers for customers who regularly move money between UAE and Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, or Palestine. Transfers to any Arab Bank PLC account are AED 100 via branch or free via Arabi Online.
Travel Benefits Through Premium Cards
Higher-tier Arab Bank credit cards, such as Visa Signature and MasterCard World Elite, add travel-related perks on top of standard card features. Confirm current lounge access and insurance terms directly with the bank, since card benefits change more often than fees.
Where Arab Bank UAE Falls Behind
Arab Bank UAE offers real regional advantages, but it also has limitations worth weighing. Its branch network is smaller than the biggest UAE banks, and some digital features lag newer banking apps.
Standard Fees Add Up If You Are Not Careful
Outside the Elite and Premium tiers, standard fees apply to things like extra teller transactions, foreign currency handling, and international transfers. Reviewing the fee schedule before you open an account helps you avoid surprises.
- Foreign currency cash withdrawal or deposit: 1% of the transaction amount
- Teller transactions beyond 6 a month: AED 10 each
- Credit card cash advance: 3% of the amount, minimum AED 100
Mobile Banking Experience Needs More Improvement
Arabi Mobile covers most everyday banking needs, including transfers, payments, and account management. Compared with some newer UAE banking apps, the interface and speed may feel less modern.
How to Open an Arab Bank UAE Account
You can apply online, by phone, or at a branch. The documents below cover a standard personal loan or account application, based on Arab Bank’s published requirements.
- Gather your Emirates ID and a valid passport with a valid UAE residence visa.
- Bring a recent utility bill or rental contract as proof of address.
- Provide a salary certificate or income verification, plus a salary transfer letter if applicable.
- Have your last 6 months of bank statements ready if you are applying for financing.
- Apply through the online application form, by calling 04 445 0000, or by visiting a branch.
The bank can request additional documents depending on your situation. Confirm the exact list for your product on the official application page before you go to a branch.
Where to Take a Complaint Arab Bank Does Not Fix
Complain to the bank first on 04 445 0000, or +971 4 445 0000 from abroad, and keep the date they received it.
If 30 calendar days pass without a resolution, escalate to Sanadak, the independent ombudsman unit created under the Central Bank of the UAE. Sanadak is on 800 726 2325 and sits in the Emirates Institute of Finance building in Abu Dhabi.
Its hours are 8:30am to 3:30pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30am to 11:30am on Friday. Arab Bank’s UAE branches are licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE, so they fall inside that remit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open an Arab Bank UAE account?
You need an Emirates ID, a valid passport with a UAE residence visa, proof of address, and salary documents where required. You can apply online, by phone, or at a branch.
What is the minimum balance requirement for Arab Bank UAE?
Standard current and savings accounts require an average monthly balance of AED 3,000, or the equivalent in other currencies. Falling below it costs AED 25 a month, based on the bank’s published fee schedule.
What is Arab Bank UAE’s SWIFT/BIC code?
ARABAEAD. The BIC registry lists that code against Arab Bank PLC in Dubai, at Building 2, Emaar Square. Confirm any branch suffix with the receiving branch before sending an international transfer.
Does Arab Bank UAE offer international money transfers?
Yes. International transfers cost AED 100 plus correspondent bank fees, while transfers to any Arab Bank PLC account cost AED 100 via branch or are free via Arabi Online.
What is Arab Bank’s personal loan interest rate in the UAE?
Arab Bank advertises personal loan rates starting from 6.74% a year, with repayment terms up to 4 years and loan amounts up to AED 730,000. A processing fee of 1% of the loan amount applies, between AED 500 and AED 2,500.
Is Arab Bank UAE a good choice for expats?
It suits expats who need regional banking ties, especially those managing money across Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, or Palestine. Expats who prioritize the widest branch network may prefer a larger UAE bank.
Can non-residents open an Arab Bank UAE account?
Standard retail accounts are mainly available to UAE residents. Non-resident requests are reviewed case by case, so contact the bank directly to check eligibility.
What should I do if my Arab Bank card is lost or stolen?
Block the card immediately through Arabi Mobile, or call customer care on 04 445 0000 (or +971 4 445 0000 from abroad). Request a replacement card once the lost one is blocked.
What does Arab Bank UAE charge for an international transfer?
AED 100 plus correspondent bank fees, which are AED 125 where they apply. A transfer to another Arab Bank plc account costs AED 100 at a branch and nothing through Arabi Online.
What interest rate does an Arab Bank credit card charge?
3.59% a month, per the bank’s published UAE retail fee schedule. A cash withdrawal on the card costs 3% with a minimum of AED 100, and the late payment fee is AED 230.
What does Arab Bank charge to use another bank’s ATM?
AED 2 for a cash withdrawal at another UAE bank’s machine and AED 1 for a balance enquiry. A GCC ATM costs AED 6, and an international non-Arab Bank ATM costs 4.5% of the amount plus a USD 2.75 fee.
How much can I borrow on an Arab Bank UAE personal loan?
Up to AED 730,000, over a tenure of up to 4 years, with rates the bank says start from 6.74%. It also advertises a loan buyout facility and a grace period of up to 90 days.
How much is an Arab Bank safe deposit box?
AED 1,000 a year for a small box on the retail tier, rising to AED 2,250 for a large one. Premium and Elite customers pay less, and there is a refundable AED 5,000 key deposit.
How many free teller transactions do I get?
Six a month. Beyond that each teller transaction costs AED 10, and the first cheque book of 10 leaves is free on a new banking relationship.
Where do I escalate an Arab Bank UAE complaint?
To Sanadak, the independent ombudsman unit created under the Central Bank of the UAE. Complain to Arab Bank first and wait 30 calendar days from the date they received it, then call Sanadak on 800 726 2325.
Final Thoughts on Arab Bank UAE
Arab Bank UAE is a reasonable choice for customers who value regional banking ties, lifetime-free credit cards, and personalized service. It is not the strongest pick for anyone chasing the largest branch network or the most advanced mobile app.
For expats and SMEs with financial connections across Arab Bank’s other markets, the UAE branch remains a practical banking option. Confirm current rates, fees, and eligibility directly with the bank before you apply, since terms change over time.
Official sources
Everything above is compiled from primary sources. Check these directly before you act, because fees and product terms change often and without notice.
- UAE retail fee schedule: Arab Bank’s published fees and charges document, the source for every transfer, ATM, card, loan, certificate and safe box figure on this page.
- Personal loan terms: Arab Bank UAE personal loan page, for the rate from 6.74%, the AED 730,000 ceiling, the 4 year tenure and the 90 day grace period.
- Branches and ATMs: Arab Bank UAE branch and ATM locator for current locations.
- Regulator: Central Bank of the UAE, which licenses and supervises Arab Bank’s UAE branches.
- Complaints: Sanadak, the independent ombudsman unit for licensed UAE banks.
- Our method: how we research each bank and what our ratings mean is set out in our editorial policy and ratings methodology.
Other regional banks in the UAE
- Doha Bank UAE
- Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait UAE
- Saudi National Bank UAE
- Bank Melli Iran UAE
- Bank Saderat Iran UAE
Still comparing? See the full list of all 62 banks licensed in the UAE, or read how we assess each one in our ratings methodology.