FAB (First Abu Dhabi Bank) is the UAE’s largest bank by assets and a leading business banking provider for UAE SMEs. Here is the complete 2025 guide to FAB SME banking.
FAB Business Banking Overview
FAB (formed in 2017 from the merger of First Gulf Bank and National Bank of Abu Dhabi) is the UAE’s largest bank by total assets (AED 1.4 trillion+). FAB is government-linked (Abu Dhabi government owns 37%+ of FAB shares). FAB Business Banking serves: SMEs and mid-market companies, large corporations and multinationals, government and semi-government entities, and free zone companies with UAE and international banking needs.
FAB Business Account for Free Zone Companies
FAB accepts free zone company accounts: strong acceptance of DIFC companies, ADGM companies, DMCC companies, JAFZA companies. Also accepts IFZA, RAKEZ, and other free zones subject to documentation review. FAB is particularly strong for: Abu Dhabi-based businesses and businesses working with Abu Dhabi government entities, businesses needing AED and USD accounts, and companies with significant trade finance needs. FAB documentation requirements: trade licence, Memorandum of Association, shareholder passport copies, Emirates ID, business plan for new companies, and bank reference letters (for some cases).
FAB Trade Finance
FAB Trade Finance products: Letters of Credit (LC) for international trade, Bank Guarantees, Documentary Collections, Supply Chain Finance, and Export Finance. FAB is the largest trade finance bank in Abu Dhabi and one of the top UAE trade finance providers. For commodity trading companies (oil, metals, agricultural products): FAB’s trade finance capabilities make it a preferred banking partner. FAB accepts commodity-based trade finance for JAFZA, ADGM, and DMCC-based trading companies.