Best Banks in UAE: Comprehensive Guide for 2025

The United Arab Emirates’ banking sector in the UAE is known as one of the most advanced and stable systems in the world. This makes it attractive not only for residents but also for expats and international companies. Choosing the right bank in the UAE can give you access to top-notch financial services, help you manage your personal and corporate funds more efficiently, and even reduce your expenses. In 2025, the top 10 banks in Dubai and other emirates will continue to employ new technologies such as artificial intelligence and mobile banking and make service provision even more advanced.

Leading banks in the UAE: an overview

Let us give you a brief overview of the top banks in the UAE.

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)

First Abu Dhabi Bank is the largest bank in the Middle East and the UAE in terms of total assets. This bank offers a range of services to corporate clients, including investment banking and asset management. FAB is also a strong partner for international companies as it provides tailored solutions for their financial operations in the UAE. If you’re looking for stability and reliability, this bank from the UAE might be the best option.

Emirates NBD

Emirates NBD is one of the most innovative banks in Dubai. It’s known for its excellent customer service and extensive digital banking solutions. Clients can manage their accounts with the help of a user-friendly mobile app and access various products, including mortgages and investments.

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank is famous for the high interest on savings accounts that it offers. This commercial bank has invested heavily in digital services and provides advanced banking solutions. This makes it a great choice for those who value convenience and efficiency. ADCB also offers a broad range of products and services for both individuals and businesses including mortgages and corporate financing.

Dubai Islamic Bank

Dubai Islamic Bank specializes in providing banking services based on Sharia principles. It’s the largest Islamic bank in the UAE and it offers unique products and services to businesses and individuals, such as investment accounts and corporate financing. Clients who prefer Islamic banking choose DIB for its commitment to Sharia law and its reliability. The activities of Islamic banks in Dubai are governed by a special federal law in the UAE.

Noor Bank, based in Dubai, was known for offering Sharia-compliant financial services, catering to both individuals and businesses. It provided a wide range of banking solutions, including personal and corporate accounts, wealth management, and investment opportunities. In 2020, Noor Bank merged with Dubai Islamic Bank, further strengthening its position in the Islamic finance sector.

Mashreq Bank

Mashreq Bank is one of the oldest banks in the UAE and it’s constantly developing digital and innovative banking solutions. It attracts expats by offering flexible terms on loans and savings accounts. Besides, the bank is known for its high level of customer service and convenient mobile banking applications.

RAKBANK

RAKBANK is renowned for its services to small and medium-sized businesses. It offers favorable terms on loans and banking products for entrepreneurs. The bank is also a great choice for individuals thanks to its competitive interest rates on loans and ease of use via digital platforms.

HSBC Middle East

HSBC Middle East offers comprehensive services to international clients, including asset management and investment opportunities. The bank specializes in serving high-net-worth individuals and offers tailored solutions and global transaction opportunities. It’s an ideal choice for those who need international banking support.

Standard Chartered UAE

Standard Chartered UAE provides premium banking services to affluent clients and international businesses. The bank is known for its high-quality solutions in asset management, investments, and corporate accounts. It has a wide range of products and services and a global network, which makes it a popular choice for clients looking for international financial solutions.

Citi UAE

Citi UAE specializes in global transactions and premium banking services. Clients can have access to wealth management services, investment products, and multi-currency accounts. This bank in the UAE is perfect for international clients who need handy solutions for cross-border operations.

Comparing UAE banks by key parameters

You can easily compare the top banks in the UAE using the table below:

Best UAE banks for specific needs

Some banks in the UAE are better suited for some specific needs. Let’s explore some of the best banks in Dubai and the UAE to try and find a bank you need. 

Best for expats

Dubai Islamic Bank and Mashreq Bank stand out for expats. These banks offer great options for non-residents, including attractive savings accounts and flexible loan products. Both banks also provide services in English, which makes personal finance management easier.

Best for corporate accounts

As far as businesses are concerned, the top choices are First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and Emirates NBD. Both banks offer a wide range of services for companies, including corporate loans, asset management, and smooth international transactions.

Best for savings accounts

In the savings accounts category, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) and Mashreq Bank shine with their high interest rates and additional benefits such as easy mobile banking and flexible withdrawal conditions.

Best for loans and mortgages

If you are looking for competitive loan and mortgage conditions, RAKBANK and Dubai Islamic Bank are worth considering. These banks offer attractive interest rates and a variety of loan products for both individuals and businesses.

How to choose the best bank in the UAE

Key considerations

You have to take several factors into account when choosing a bank in the UAE.

• Account opening and maintenance fees. Compare service fees and monthly charges.
• Interest rates. Different banks offer different rates on savings and investment accounts.
• Customer service quality. 24/7 support, dedicated account managers, and user-friendly digital platforms that a bank provides can be key in your decision.
• Branch and ATM network availability. If access to physical bank offices is important to you, choose a bank with a wide network of branches and ATMs.

Compare interest rates and fees

Comparing interest rates is crucial when trying to find the best  bank in the UAE. For instance, Mashreq Bank offers up to 3% per year on savings accounts while Emirates NBD offers only up to 1.5%. It’s also important to take the monthly maintenance fees into account. These can range from 25 to 50 AED depending on the bank and the type of account.

Assess digital services

Digital banking is rapidly evolving in the United Arab Emirates, and a user-friendly mobile app can make managing your finances very easy. Emirates NBD and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank both offer advanced mobile apps with features such as account management, transfers, and investment tools.

How to open a bank account in the UAE

Opening a bank account in the UAE is a demanding process, but the task is far from impossible.

Requirements for residents and non-residents

Opening a bank account in the UAE is possible for both residents and non-residents, even though the requirements differ. Residents generally have to provide:

• A passport and Emirates ID.
• Proof of income (such as a salary certificate).
• Documents verifying their place of residence.

Non-residents are typically required to provide the following documents:

• A foreign passport.
• A bank statement from an international bank.
• Proof of income and a recommendation letter. (We dwell on non-residential banking in the UAE in more detail below.)

The process of opening a bank account in the UAE normally involves the following steps:

• Choosing the bank. Compare the options from different banks in the UAE, taking their terms and conditions into account.
• Submitting documents. Collect the necessary paperwork depending on your status (resident or non-resident).
• Scheduling an appointment. Many banks in the UAE require in-person visits to open an account, especially for non-residents. In rare cases, however, it is possible to open a bank account in the UAE remotely.
• Receiving approval. It usually takes banks a few days to process the application and grant you access to your account.

Tips for choosing the type of bank account

When choosing the best bank account in the UAE, it’s important to align it with your financial goals. If saving is your priority, consider a savings account with higher interest rates. For businesses, corporate accounts with low fees and easy asset management are advisable.

Non-resident banking in the UAE

Opening a bank account in the UAE for a non-resident is more challenging than for a resident, but it’s certainly possible if some conditions are met. The main difference lies in the documentation requirements and enhanced checks.

Requirements for non-residents to open a bank account in the UAE

Opening a bank account in UAE as a non-resident involves more paperwork and time compared to a resident. Here are the key requirements:

1. Foreign passport. You have to provide your passport with a visa that confirms the legality of your entry into the UAE.
2. Proof of income. Banks may request bank statements from your home country for the past few months (usually 3 to 6 months).
3. Recommendation letter. Some banks ask for a reference letter from a bank where you already hold an account.
4. Proof of address in the country where you live (not necessarily in the UAE). This can include paid utility bills or a rental agreement.
5. Résumé or professional activity information. This helps banks assess your financial stability and sources of income.
6. Minimum deposit. Non-residents are often required to maintain a security balance that can range from AED 20,000 to AED 100,000 (approximately $5,500 to $27,000).

Banks in the UAE that are liberal to non-residents

Some banks in the UAE are more accommodating to non-residents. These include:

• Mashreq Bank. This bank allows non-residents to open accounts remotely via its mobile app.
• RAKBANK. It has more lenient requirements for the minimum deposit, so you can open an account with a smaller amount of money.
• Dubai Islamic Bank and Emirates NBD also offer options for non-residents, but they require personal visits to complete the account set-up process.

While it is possible for a non-resident to open a bank account in the UAE, they have to meet additional requirements and comply with the bank’s conditions.

Trends in the UAE banking sector for 2025

We can point out several trends in the UAE banking sector.

The rise of digital and neo-banks

Digital banks such as Liv. Emirates NBD and Mashreq NEO have been gaining popularity thanks to their convenience and accessibility. These neo-banks offer a full range of banking services without the need to visit physical branches, which is especially appealing to the younger generation and tech-savvy clients. The coming year is expected to see further growth in digital banking, as new services and features are going to be introduced.

Innovation in banking

The adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and partnerships with Fintech companies is becoming a key trend in the UAE banking system. Banks in the UAE are doing their best to automate processes, improve personalized offers for clients, and increase transaction security. This enhances service quality and speeds up banking operations.

Conclusion

Choosing the right bank in the UAE in 2025 depends on your personal goals—whether you want a personal account, business services, or investment solutions. Each of the top 10 banks in UAE offers a unique set of services, from flexible loan options to innovative digital solutions. For expats and non-residents, Mashreq Bank and Dubai Islamic Bank offer favorable conditions, while for businesses and corporate clients, First Abu Dhabi Bank and Emirates NBD give access to the best opportunities. It’s important to carefully examine the available offers, compare fees and interest rates, and assess the level of customer support and availability of digital services. It’s not less important to seek professional consultation on opening a foreign bank account as the task is not a trivial one.

In view of the rise of digital banks and the introduction of innovations, it is reasonable to assume that the banking sector in the UAE will continue to be a reliable partner for international clients and maintain high standards of service and financial stability.