First Abu Dhabi Bank
Choose FAB for Abu Dhabi roots, the largest balance sheet in the Middle East and a strong private-banking and corporate franchise. The default for wealth clients and businesses with international needs.
Bank comparison · Tier 1 · 2026
FAB vs Emirates NBD in the UAE (2026)
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Updated September 2026 · CBUAE register verified methodology
The two largest banks in the UAE, compared on facts that don't expire: structure, network, product line-up and who each bank serves best. Rates and fees change monthly — they belong in your application conversation, not on this page.
Verdict
The short answer
Emirates NBD
Choose Emirates NBD for the country's widest branch and ATM network, retail salary packages and the Liv digital brand for younger customers. The practical default for everyday Dubai banking.
Side by side
Facts side by side
Evergreen parameters only — type, products, process and identifiers. Rates, fees and minimum balances change too often to be compared honestly on a static page; confirm them with the banks directly.
| Parameter | First Abu Dhabi Bank | Emirates NBD |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Local conventional bank | Local conventional bank |
| Islamic banking | No (conventional) | No (conventional; Islamic via Emirates Islamic group) |
| Founded | 2017 (NBAD + First Gulf Bank merger) | 2007 (Emirates Bank + NBD merger) |
| Headquarters | Abu Dhabi | Dubai |
| Network | Branches across all emirates + international footprint | Widest branch and ATM network in the UAE |
| Digital brands | FAB mobile app; wealth platforms | Liv. — digital bank for young customers |
| Product line-up | Full: retail, private banking, corporate | Full: retail, corporate, business |
| SWIFT/BIC | NBADAEAA | EBILAEAD |
How to choose
Choose First Abu Dhabi Bank if… / choose Emirates NBD if…
First Abu Dhabi Bank
- You prioritise private banking and wealth management
- Your business needs international coverage
- You live or work in Abu Dhabi
Emirates NBD
- Cash access and branch coverage matter most
- You want a salary-transfer package for everyday banking
- You'd use a youth-oriented digital brand (Liv)
FAQ
FAB vs Emirates NBD — FAQ
Which is bigger, FAB or Emirates NBD?
FAB is the largest bank in the UAE and the Middle East by assets; Emirates NBD is the largest banking group headquartered in Dubai and leads on retail branch and ATM coverage.
Do both banks offer Islamic products?
Both are conventional banks. FAB offers selected Sharia-compliant products, and Islamic retail banking in the Emirates NBD group runs through its subsidiary Emirates Islamic.
Which bank is better for a new expat?
For everyday cash access and salary transfers, Emirates NBD's network is the practical default; for higher balances with wealth services, FAB is the stronger fit. Both onboard resident expats routinely.
Can I keep accounts at both banks?
Yes — many residents hold a primary salary account at one bank and a secondary account at the other. There are no restrictions on holding accounts at multiple UAE banks.
Still choosing?
Both banks approve different profiles. We match your residency, income structure and business to the bank that actually says yes — and prepare the KYC pack to its standard.