First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) describes itself on its own website as the UAE’s largest bank by assets. It offers accounts, cards, financing, and Islamic banking for individuals, businesses, and corporate clients.
FAB runs more than 60 branches and over 400 ATMs across the UAE, plus online banking and the FAB Mobile app. This guide covers verified account details, card fees, branch and ATM coverage, SWIFT and IBAN information, and how to open an account.
Figures below come from FAB’s own website and independent SWIFT registries, checked on 2026-09-20. Fees and rates change, so confirm current terms on FAB’s site before you apply.
First Abu Dhabi Bank at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
| Bank name | First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC (FAB) |
| Headquarters | Sheikh Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| Bank type | Commercial bank, publicly listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange |
| Formed | 2017 merger of National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) and First Gulf Bank (FGB) |
| Branches in the UAE | Over 60 |
| ATMs in the UAE | Over 400 |
| SWIFT / BIC code | NBADAEAA (head office) |
| Customer care (UAE) | 600 52 5500 |
| Customer care (outside UAE) | +971 2 681 1511 |
| Regulator | Central Bank of the UAE |
| Digital banking | FAB Mobile app and online banking |
Branch, ATM, and contact figures are from FAB’s own website, checked on 2026-09-20. Verify current figures on the FAB branch and ATM locator before visiting.
How First Abu Dhabi Bank Was Formed
First Abu Dhabi Bank was created through the merger of National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) and First Gulf Bank (FGB). The combined bank kept the FAB name and became one of the region’s largest banking groups by assets.
FAB now serves individuals, SMEs, large corporations, and government institutions from its Abu Dhabi headquarters. It also operates in international markets outside the UAE, supporting cross-border trade and banking needs.
Personal Banking Solutions
Personal banking is one of FAB’s largest business lines. Products suit salaried employees, self-employed professionals, expatriates, UAE nationals, and high-net-worth individuals.
Personal banking services include:
- Current accounts
- Savings accounts
- Fixed deposits
- Debit and credit cards
- Personal, auto, and home finance
- Insurance and wealth management
- Foreign exchange and international transfers
Current and Savings Accounts
FAB lists several named current and savings accounts on its own site, each with different fee and reward structures. The table below covers the accounts FAB publishes details for.
| Account | Type | Key feature (per FAB) |
| Personal Current Account | Current | Free debit card, free lounge access at selected airports |
| FAB One Account | Current | No minimum balance charges, discounts at select UAE retailers |
| Elite Current Account | Current | Free international remittances, exclusive lounge access |
| FAB Etihad Guest Account | Current | 500 bonus Etihad Guest Miles on first salary transfer, 1 free international remittance a month |
| FAB Etihad Guest Elite Account | Current | 1,000 bonus Etihad Guest Miles on first salary transfer, no minimum balance requirement |
| Personal Savings Account | Savings | Free Platinum Mastercard debit card, Middle East lounge access |
| iSave Account | Savings | 5.60% per year on new funds, no monthly fee or minimum balance, unlimited withdrawals |
| Elite Savings Account | Savings | Multi-currency, no minimum balance requirement, 1 free international remittance a month |
| Personal Call Account | Call account | Earns interest, available in AED and other major currencies |
Source: FAB Accounts page, checked 2026-09-20. Annual percentage rates and minimum balance rules can change, so confirm before you open an account.
iSave rate check: FAB’s own site advertises 5.60% per year on new funds in the iSave Account, with no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and no cap on withdrawals. Confirm the live rate on the FAB Accounts page before transferring funds, since savings rates move with the market.
Fixed Deposit Accounts
Fixed deposits suit customers who want a set return over a fixed term. Funds are locked in for an agreed period at an agreed rate.
Fixed deposits may offer:
- Multiple tenure options
- Currency choices including AED and major foreign currencies
- A fixed return for the agreed term
- Minimum deposit amounts that vary by product
Early withdrawal usually reduces the return or triggers a fee. Check the exact terms for the tenure and currency you want before you commit funds.
Debit Cards and Everyday Payments
FAB debit cards link directly to eligible current and savings accounts. FAB also issues the Jaywan debit card, the UAE’s domestic card scheme built by Al Etihad Payments.
Customers use debit cards for:
- ATM withdrawals and cash deposits at supported machines
- Retail and contactless purchases
- Online shopping
- International transactions where the network is accepted
Credit Cards
FAB issues a range of credit cards, from entry-level rewards cards to premium travel cards. Two of the most documented cards on FAB’s own site are compared below.
| Card | Minimum monthly salary | Annual fee | Headline benefit |
| FAB Elite Credit Card | AED 40,000 | AED 1,200 | Up to 500,000 FAB Rewards on spending |
| FAB ADNOC Rewards Credit Card | AED 5,000 | AED 300 | Fast track to ADNOC Rewards Gold Membership |
Source: FAB’s FAB Elite Credit Card and FAB ADNOC Rewards Credit Card pages, checked 2026-09-20.
FAB also offers the FAB Z Card, du Credit Card, GEMS World card, and Etihad Guest branded credit cards, plus business credit cards. See the full FAB credit cards page for current fees, since fees and minimum salary requirements differ by card and can change.
Depending on the card, benefits may include:
- Reward points or cashback
- Airport lounge access
- Dining and entertainment discounts
- Installment plans on eligible purchases
Each card has its own eligibility criteria, credit limit rules, and reward structure. Compare the minimum salary and annual fee against your spending before applying.
Personal Finance, Home Finance, and Auto Finance
FAB offers personal loans for expenses such as education, medical costs, weddings, home improvements, and debt consolidation. Approval depends on income, credit history, and FAB’s lending criteria.
Home finance covers first-time purchases, property upgrades, investment properties, and refinancing. Decisions weigh income, employment status, property value, down payment, and credit history.
Auto finance covers new and pre-owned vehicles through approved dealerships, with repayment terms that vary by applicant profile.
Interest and profit rates on financing change with market conditions and applicant profile. Use FAB’s personal loan calculator or mortgage calculator for a current, personalized estimate rather than relying on a published rate that may be outdated.
Islamic Banking Services
FAB Islamic offers Shariah-compliant alternatives to its conventional products. These cover day-to-day banking, financing, and cards.
Islamic products may include:
- Islamic current and savings accounts
- Home and vehicle finance structured under Islamic finance principles
- Islamic personal finance
- Islamic credit cards
- Shariah-compliant investment products
Premium and Wealth Banking
FAB Private Banking and premium account tiers serve customers with more complex financial needs. Eligibility is typically tied to income or assets held with the bank.
Premium customers may get access to:
- A dedicated relationship manager
- Wealth planning and investment support
- Foreign exchange and treasury solutions
- Priority service at branches
Business Banking Solutions
FAB serves businesses from new startups to large enterprises operating across multiple countries. Products cover day-to-day banking and longer-term financing.
Business customers can access:
- Business current and savings accounts
- Cash management and payroll services
- Merchant payment solutions
- Foreign exchange and treasury services
- Trade finance and business financing
- Digital business banking
SME Banking
Small and medium-sized enterprises make up a large share of the UAE economy. FAB provides SME-specific accounts and financing to support their cash flow and growth.
SME services may include:
- Working capital and equipment finance
- Business debit and credit cards
- Collection and payment services
- International transfers and trade services
Corporate and Trade Finance
FAB’s corporate banking division supports large local and international companies. Services include corporate lending, syndicated loans, treasury solutions, and structured finance.
Businesses that import or export goods can use FAB’s trade finance tools, including letters of credit, bank guarantees, documentary collections, and supply chain finance. These help manage cross-border transactions and reduce commercial risk.
International Banking
FAB operates in international markets beyond the UAE, which helps businesses and individuals with cross-border needs. Services include foreign currency accounts, international remittances, and cross-border cash management.
Exact service availability depends on the customer’s profile and the countries involved in the transaction.
Digital Banking and the FAB Mobile App
According to FAB’s own site, customers can open an account and get a credit card instantly through FAB Mobile using just their Emirates ID, with zero paperwork. The app also supports FAB Rewards redemption for bill payments.
FAB Mobile and online banking cover:
- Real-time balance monitoring and transaction history
- Local and international transfers
- Utility bill and credit card payments
- Debit and credit card management, including block and replace
- Beneficiary management and service requests
If FAB Mobile locks you out, FAB’s site directs customers to the ‘Forgot PIN’ option on the login screen to unlock access. For lost cards or suspected fraud, FAB’s published number is 600 52 5500, available 24 hours.
Branch and ATM Network
FAB operates over 60 branches and more than 400 ATMs across the UAE, according to its own website. Coverage is strongest in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
FAB states that customers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are typically 5 to 7 minutes from an FAB ATM. In Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah, that average rises to 10 to 15 minutes.
Branches generally handle:
- New account opening
- Loan and finance applications
- Card replacement and cash or cheque transactions
Use the FAB branch and ATM locator to find the nearest location and confirm current opening hours, since these can vary by branch and change without notice.
SWIFT Code and IBAN
FAB’s SWIFT/BIC code is NBADAEAA, which routes international wire transfers to the bank’s head office in Abu Dhabi. Some correspondent banks list the 11-character form, NBADAEAAXXX, which refers to the same head office.
UAE IBANs follow a standard 23-character format, starting with the country code AE, followed by 2 check digits, a 3-digit bank code, and a 16-digit account identifier. Use FAB’s own IBAN generator tool to convert your FAB account number into the full IBAN, since manually building an IBAN risks a routing error.
Double-check the SWIFT code and IBAN with your sender before any international transfer. Wrong digits are a common reason international payments are delayed or returned.
How to Open a FAB Account
The exact steps depend on the account type and whether you apply in person or through FAB Mobile. A typical application looks like this.
- Compare account types on the FAB Accounts page and pick the one that fits your needs.
- Download FAB Mobile, or visit a branch, to start the application.
- Provide your Emirates ID for identity verification. Expatriates also need a valid passport and UAE residence visa.
- Submit proof of income, such as a salary certificate or bank statements, if the account requires it.
- Complete security verification and any additional document requests from FAB.
- Receive your account details and debit card, either instantly through the app or after branch processing.
Business account opening additionally requires a valid trade licence and, in most cases, an in-branch visit for company documentation.
Who Can Open a FAB Account?
FAB’s own FAQ states that UAE nationals and UAE residents who meet each account’s eligibility rules may open an account. Options exist for both salaried and non-salaried applicants.
Eligible applicants typically include:
- UAE nationals and residents
- Expatriate employees and self-employed professionals
- Entrepreneurs, small businesses, and large corporations
Documents Commonly Required
- Emirates ID
- Valid passport
- UAE residence visa, for expatriates
- Proof of income or salary certificate
- Trade licence, for business accounts
- Any additional document FAB requests during the application
Contact FAB’s customer care centre at 600 52 5500 within the UAE, or +971 2 681 1511 from outside the UAE, to confirm what your chosen account needs.
Pros and Cons of Banking with FAB
| Pros | Cons |
| Largest UAE bank with over 60 branches and 400+ ATMs | Premium cards like FAB Elite need a high minimum salary (AED 40,000) |
| Several accounts, including FAB One and Elite Savings, carry no minimum balance requirement | Some current accounts still carry minimum balance rules, so check before you apply |
| iSave Account advertises a 5.60% per year rate on new funds | Advertised savings rates can change without notice |
| Conventional and Islamic products under one roof | Business accounts generally need an in-branch visit for documentation |
| Instant account opening through FAB Mobile with just an Emirates ID | Full underwriting for loans and mortgages still requires income verification |
What FAB Publishes Against Each Account
FAB lists a short set of promises on its own accounts page. These are the ones it puts in writing, which is a useful filter before you read any marketing.
| Account | What FAB states about it |
| FAB One Account | No minimum balance charges, plus offers and discounts from selected premium UAE retailers |
| Personal Current Account | Free debit card and free lounge access at selected airports |
| Elite Current Account | Free international remittances, lounge access and a free debit card |
| FAB Etihad Guest Account | 500 bonus Etihad Guest Miles on your first salary transfer and one free international remittance a month |
| FAB Etihad Guest Elite Account | 1,000 bonus Etihad Guest Miles on your first salary transfer and no minimum balance requirement |
| iSave Account | 5.60% a year on new funds, no monthly fee, no minimum balance and no limit on the number of withdrawals |
| Personal Savings Account | Free Platinum Mastercard debit card and complimentary airport lounge access across the Middle East |
| Elite Savings Account | Multi-currency with no minimum balance requirement, and the first international remittance each month free |
| Personal Call Account | Available in dirhams and other major currencies, paying interest with access on demand |
Read the words “new funds” on iSave. FAB advertises 5.60% a year on the iSave Account, and it attaches that rate to new funds rather than to money already sitting with the bank. Ask which of your balance qualifies before you move anything.
FAB says there are over 400 FAB ATMs across the UAE, and that an account and a credit card can be opened on the FAB Mobile app with just an Emirates ID and no paperwork.
Why We Do Not Quote FAB’s Fee Table
FAB publishes a single fees and charges document covering personal banking. Its tables are built so that the amounts and the labels sit in separate layers, and the labels do not come out as readable text.
We can read the figures but not reliably match each one to the fee it belongs to, so we do not publish them. Open the document yourself and read the row you need, rather than trusting a number copied from a comparison site.
Where to Take a Complaint FAB Does Not Fix
Complain to FAB first and keep the date they received it. The bank gets its own internal process before anyone else looks at the case.
If 30 calendar days pass without a resolution, take it 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. First Abu Dhabi Bank is licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE, so it falls inside that remit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FAB’s SWIFT code?
FAB’s head office SWIFT/BIC code is NBADAEAA, also written as NBADAEAAXXX. Confirm the code with your sending bank before an international transfer.
How many branches and ATMs does FAB have?
FAB’s own site lists over 60 branches and more than 400 ATMs across the UAE, checked on 2026-09-20. Use the FAB branch locator for the exact count near you, since new locations open and close over time.
Is First Abu Dhabi Bank available for expatriates?
Yes. FAB offers accounts for eligible expatriate residents, subject to Emirates ID, passport, and residence visa requirements.
Does FAB offer Islamic banking?
Yes, through FAB Islamic, covering accounts, financing, and credit cards structured under Islamic finance principles.
Which FAB account has no minimum balance requirement?
FAB’s own site lists the FAB One Account, FAB Etihad Guest Elite Account, iSave Account, and Elite Savings Account as carrying no minimum balance requirement. Other accounts may still apply one, so check the specific product page.
Can I open a FAB account online?
Yes. FAB’s site states you can open an account and get a credit card instantly through FAB Mobile using just your Emirates ID, though some products require extra verification.
Does FAB provide business banking?
Yes. FAB serves startups, SMEs, large corporations, and government organizations with financing, trade finance, and cash management.
What number do I call to report a lost card or fraud?
FAB’s published 24-hour contact centre number is 600 52 5500 inside the UAE, or +971 2 681 1511 from outside the UAE. You can also use ‘Block and replace’ in FAB Mobile.
Which FAB account pays the highest rate?
FAB advertises 5.60% a year on the iSave Account, on new funds, with no monthly fee, no minimum balance and no cap on withdrawals.
Which FAB accounts have no minimum balance?
FAB states no minimum balance charges on the FAB One Account, and no minimum balance requirement on the FAB Etihad Guest Elite Account, the Elite Savings Account and the iSave Account.
What is First Abu Dhabi Bank’s SWIFT code?
NBADAEAA. The BIC registry lists that code against First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC on Sheikh Kalifa Street, a legacy of the National Bank of Abu Dhabi name.
How many ATMs does FAB have?
FAB states there are over 400 FAB ATMs across the UAE, and that most customers are five to seven minutes from one.
Can I open a FAB account without going to a branch?
FAB says you can open an account and get a credit card on the FAB Mobile app with just your Emirates ID and no paperwork.
Where do I escalate a FAB complaint?
To Sanadak, the independent ombudsman unit created under the Central Bank of the UAE. Complain to FAB first and wait 30 calendar days from the date they received it, then call Sanadak on 800 726 2325.
Final Thoughts
First Abu Dhabi Bank is the UAE’s largest bank by its own account, with over 60 branches, 400+ ATMs, and a broad conventional and Islamic product range. Several accounts, like FAB One and iSave, drop the minimum balance requirement entirely.
Before you apply, compare the specific account or card page for fees, minimum salary, and current rates. These change over time, so always confirm against FAB’s own site rather than relying on a cached figure.
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.
- Accounts: FAB’s own personal accounts page, the source for the iSave rate, the no minimum balance accounts and the Etihad Guest Miles bonuses.
- Fees and charges: FAB’s personal banking fee document. Its tables do not render as readable text, which is why no amounts from it are quoted here.
- Branches and ATMs: FAB branch and ATM locator.
- IBAN: FAB’s IBAN generator.
- SWIFT code: the BIC registry entry for NBADAEAA.
- Regulator: Central Bank of the UAE, which licenses and supervises First Abu Dhabi Bank.
- 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 major UAE banks
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.