FAB (First Abu Dhabi Bank) Business Account Guide 2026
FAB (First Abu Dhabi Bank) is UAE’s largest bank by assets and the most systemically important bank in the country. FAB is particularly strong for Abu Dhabi-facing businesses and large corporate clients. This guide covers FAB business accounts for 2026.
In this guide:
FAB Overview
- Formation: FAB was created in 2017 by the merger of First Gulf Bank (FGB) and National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD); UAE’s largest bank
- Assets: over AED 1.2 trillion (USD 320 billion); Middle East’s largest bank by assets
- Ownership: Abu Dhabi Government (through Mubadala Investment Company and Abu Dhabi sovereign entities) holds majority stake
- Network: 120+ branches across UAE; 400+ ATMs; strong Abu Dhabi presence; 20+ countries internationally
FAB Business Account Types
- FAB Business Account (SME): for small and medium businesses; minimum balance AED 10,000-25,000; monthly fee if below minimum; full UAE banking features (chequebook, IBAN, SWIFT, trade finance access)
- FAB Corporate Account: for medium to large businesses; dedicated relationship manager; lower fees for higher balances; access to FAB Trade Finance (LC, bank guarantees, documentary collections)
- FAB Digital Business Account: digital-first; apply online via FAB Mobile App; faster onboarding for simple business structures; minimum AED 5,000 balance
FAB Business Account Opening Requirements
- UAE company: valid UAE trade licence (mainland or major free zone); free zone companies need to meet FAB’s free zone acceptance list
- Documents: company trade licence; Memorandum of Association; share certificate; passport and Emirates ID of all shareholders and directors; Ultimate Beneficial Owner declaration
- Business plan: FAB may ask for a simple business plan or description of planned account activity (turnover estimate, transaction volume)
- Minimum deposit: AED 5,000-25,000 depending on account type
- Processing time: 2-4 weeks for standard business accounts; faster for existing FAB customers
FAB — Best For
- Abu Dhabi-based businesses: FAB has the deepest relationship with Abu Dhabi government entities (ADNOC, Mubadala, ADQ suppliers); Abu Dhabi businesses benefit from FAB’s local relationship network
- Trade finance: FAB’s trade finance capabilities are among UAE’s strongest; LC issuance, bank guarantees, supply chain financing for businesses with international trade
- Corporate treasury: large businesses with significant AED and multi-currency cash management needs; FAB has sophisticated treasury solutions