The United Arab Emirates (UAE) boasts a robust banking sector with over 50 licensed institutions, including 23 national and 28 foreign banks, regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE. In 2025, the top banks are evaluated based on factors like total assets, customer service, digital innovation, Shariah-compliant options, expat-friendliness, and branch networks. Leading institutions dominate due to their scale, technological advancements, and tailored services for residents, businesses, and non-residents.
Based on recent rankings from financial analysts, industry reports, and customer reviews, here are the top 10 banks in the UAE for 2025. This list prioritizes national banks by prominence and asset size, with brief overviews of key strengths:

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
https://www.bankfab.com

The largest bank in the UAE by assets (over AED 1 trillion), FAB excels in corporate, investment, and personal banking. It offers high-yield savings (up to 4.50% p.a.), global reach with 74 UAE branches, and innovative digital tools like AI-driven wealth management. Ideal for businesses and high-net-worth individuals.



Emirates NBD
https://www.emiratesnbd.com/en
UAE's biggest banking group by market cap, with assets around AED 800 billion. Renowned for exceptional customer service, extensive ATM network (over 1,000), and expat-friendly products like multi-currency accounts and credit cards. Strong in Islamic banking and digital platforms for seamless transfers.

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)
https://www.adcb.com
A top-three giant with AED 411 billion in assets, ADCB focuses on retail and sustainable finance. Highlights include zero-balance accounts, real-time mobile banking, and green initiatives. It won "Best Retail Bank in the UAE" awards and appeals to younger users with hassle-free setups.

Mashreq Bank   
https://www.mashreq.com
One of the oldest (est. 1967) and most innovative, Mashreq leads in digital banking and attractive savings rates. Expat-friendly with low minimum balances for non-residents (AED 30,000+), it offers versatile accounts and crypto custody services. Best for tech-savvy users and global transfers.



Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB)
https://www.dib.ae
The world's largest Islamic bank by assets (AED 300+ billion), DIB provides Shariah-compliant services like fee waivers and competitive rates for expats. It features 221 branches/ATMs and perks for hassle-free finance management, making it a go-to for ethical banking.

Emirates Islamic
https://www.emiratesislamic.ae
A subsidiary of Emirates NBD, it specializes in Islamic products with up to 4.50% expected profit on savings. Standouts include prize-draw accounts and e-Savings options. Popular for its digital-first approach and rewards for bundled services.

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB)
https://www.adib.ae
Fully Shariah-compliant with strong wealth management and trade finance. It offers personalized solutions for SMEs and individuals, backed by a solid network. Ranked highly for corporate advisory and treasury services.



RAKBank (Ras Al Khaimah National Bank)
https://www.rakbank.ae
Known for loans, mortgages, and expat accounts with cash rewards (up to AED 5,000). It has a user-friendly app and no minimum balance for select savings tiers. Great for property buyers and non-residents.

Union National Bank (UNB)
https://www.adcb.com
Note: UNB merged with ADCB in 2019
Merged into ADCB but still prominent in legacy rankings;
focuses on commercial and retail services.
It provides robust SME support and international banking.

National Bank of Fujairah (NBF)
https://nbf.ae
A rising star for corporate and investment banking, with awards for best treasury and SME services. It emphasizes customer service and trade finance, with assets growing rapidly.

Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD)   
https://www.cbd.ae

Standard Chartered UAE   
https://www.sc.com/ae/

HSBC UAE   
https://www.hsbc.ae

Key Trends in UAE Banking for 2025

Digital Focus: Most top banks (e.g., ADCB, Mashreq) offer AI-powered apps for instant payments and virtual assistants.
Islamic Options: Over half of the top 10 are fully or partially Shariah-compliant, reflecting UAE's cultural priorities.
Expat and Non-Resident Access: Banks like Emirates NBD and RAKBank allow accounts with minimal requirements (e.g., passport and visa), though non-residents may need AED 30,000+ balances.
International Banks: For global needs, consider HSBC (wealth management) or Standard Chartered (multi-currency and crypto services), which rank highly for expats but aren't in the national top 10.

When choosing a bank, consider your needs (e.g., savings rates, loans, or business tools) and check minimum balances/fees.

Central Bank of UAE portal.

Official Websites of Top Banks in the UAE
You can access personal, business, and digital banking services through these sites.

Official Websites of Top UAE Banks

Insurance UAE


 

 

Online Shopping