Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) — UAE Free Zone Business Banking Review 2026
Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) is one of UAE’s mid-size banks with a growing SME banking proposition. Here is the complete 2026 review for free zone business owners.
In this guide:
CBD at a Glance
- Type: UAE-listed public bank; majority shareholder is Investment Corporation of Dubai
- AUM: AED 100+ billion total assets
- Focus: SME banking; retail banking; corporate banking
CBD Business Banking Features (2026)
- CBD Digital Business: SME digital banking platform; AED account; online banking
- Multi-currency: USD, EUR, GBP, and AED accounts available
- SWIFT: International wire transfer capability
- Cheque book: Provided; post-dated cheque management
CBD Account Minimum Balances (2026)
- Current account: Typically AED 50,000 average monthly balance to waive charges
- SME package: Reduced requirements for verified SME clients
CBD Free Zone Company KYC Requirements
- Trade licence (certified)
- MOA
- Passport of all shareholders/signatories
- Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
- Proof of address
- Company profile / business plan
CBD vs Emirates NBD for SMEs
- CBD: Smaller bank; potentially more flexible for SME KYC; less international name recognition
- ENBD: Larger; more international; business account minimum balance higher