First Abu Dhabi Bank UAE (FAB) – Accounts, Cards, Loans & Banking Guide 2026

If you live or work in the UAE, there is a good chance you have come across First Abu Dhabi Bank, better known as FAB. It is not just a bank people use for salary transfers. FAB offers personal accounts, savings, credit cards, loans, business banking, international transfers and digital banking through FAB Mobile. For someone comparing UAE banks, the useful question is not simply “What is FAB?” but which FAB service actually fits your situation?

This guide focuses on the practical side of First Abu Dhabi Bank UAE—how its main accounts work, who can apply, what documents may be needed, how FAB Mobile fits into everyday banking, and what to check before choosing a FAB loan, credit card or business account.

Safety Note: Always use the official FAB website or FAB Mobile when opening an account, applying for a loan or card, or providing Emirates ID and banking information. Never share your OTP, PIN, password or full card details with someone claiming to be a bank representative. Official First Abu Dhabi Bank website: bankfab.com – First Abu Dhabi Bank UAE

What Is First Abu Dhabi Bank?

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is a UAE-based banking group headquartered in Abu Dhabi.

The current bank was created through the merger of First Gulf Bank (FGB) and National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD). The merger was approved by shareholders in December 2016, and FAB began trading under its new identity in April 2017.

That history explains why FAB has such a broad banking offering today.

The former FGB business brought a strong consumer-banking and credit-card franchise, while NBAD had significant strengths in wholesale banking and capital-markets activities.

Today, FAB serves individuals, businesses, institutions and other customers in the UAE and international markets.

FAB Banking in the UAE

For UAE customers, FAB’s services can broadly be divided into two areas:

Personal banking

This includes current accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, personal loans, car finance and digital banking.

Business banking

This includes business accounts, commercial cards, loans, trade and working-capital facilities, foreign-exchange services and cash-management solutions.

This distinction matters because the requirements and pricing for a personal account are very different from those for a company account.

FAB Personal Bank Accounts

FAB currently offers several types of personal accounts rather than one account designed for everyone.

Its current account range includes:

• Personal Current Account
• FAB One Account
• Elite Current Account
• FAB Etihad Guest Account
• FAB Etihad Guest Elite Account

The bank also offers savings and call-account options.

The right account depends on your salary, whether you need international transfers, your preferred rewards and whether you want a minimum-balance-free option.

FAB Personal Current Account

The FAB Personal Current Account is designed for everyday banking.

According to FAB, eligible UAE residents can apply, including salaried, self-employed and non-salaried customers. The bank lists a valid passport/resident visa/Emirates ID and proof of income among the required documentation, although additional documents may be requested depending on the application.

The account currently includes a FAB Mastercard debit card and a first cheque book free, subject to the applicable terms.

FAB also lists daily debit-card limits of up to AED 15,000 for ATM withdrawals and AED 20,000 for retail purchases on the standard debit card. Platinum limits are higher.

Always check the latest fees and terms before applying because banking tariffs can change.

FAB One Account

The FAB One Account is aimed at customers who want a relatively straightforward current account with specific eligibility conditions.

FAB currently lists:

• UAE residency
• Minimum monthly salary of AED 10,000 for salaried customers
• Or a minimum initial deposit of AED 10,000 for non-salaried customers

The account comes with a Platinum Mastercard debit card and associated lifestyle benefits.

This is a useful example of why you should check the eligibility criteria for the exact FAB account you want instead of assuming all FAB accounts have the same requirements.

FAB Savings Accounts

If your priority is saving rather than everyday transactions, FAB has several savings options.

The current range includes:

• Personal Savings Account
• iSave Account
• Elite Savings Account
• Personal Call Account

FAB currently advertises an iSave rate of 4.00% per year on new funds, while its comparison page shows no monthly fee or minimum balance requirement for that account. Rates and qualifying conditions can change, so check the official product page before making a decision.

The Personal Savings Account has different requirements, including a listed minimum balance of AED 3,000.

FAB Mobile App

For many customers, FAB Mobile is more important than the physical branch because much of everyday banking can be done through the app.

FAB says eligible customers can use the app to:

• Open accounts
• Check balances
• Send money
• Manage products
• Apply for selected banking products
• Access FAB Rewards
• Manage cards and payments

FAB also states that new customers can open certain accounts through FAB Mobile using their Emirates ID and completing the required security verification.

This makes FAB particularly relevant for people who prefer digital banking.

Can You Open a FAB Account Online?

For eligible products, yes.

FAB currently promotes instant account opening through FAB Mobile for selected accounts.

The exact process depends on the account, but you should expect identity verification and eligibility checks.

For a personal current account, FAB lists UAE residency and supporting identification and income documentation among its requirements.

So “open online” should not be interpreted as “no verification required.”

FAB Credit Cards

FAB has a broad credit-card range covering different spending habits.

Current categories include cards focused on:

• Rewards
• Cashback
• Travel
• Lifestyle
• ADNOC spending
• Etihad Guest benefits

For example, FAB currently lists the FAB Rewards Active Credit Card, FAB ADNOC Rewards Credit Card, FAB Z Card, and FAB Cashback Credit Card, among others.

Minimum salary requirements vary by card.

Several cards currently show a minimum monthly salary of AED 5,000, but this should not be treated as a universal FAB credit-card requirement. Each card has its own eligibility criteria.

FAB Credit Card Rewards

If you regularly use a credit card for groceries, fuel, travel or online spending, rewards can matter more than simply choosing the card with the highest advertised headline benefit.

For example, the current FAB ADNOC Rewards card advertises ADNOC Rewards Points and cashback on selected spending categories, while the FAB Cashback card advertises cashback on categories such as dining, fashion and groceries.

Before choosing a card, compare:

• Annual fee
• Minimum salary
• Cashback limits
• Reward expiry rules
• Foreign transaction fees
• Interest/profit charges
• Late-payment consequences
• Instalment-plan fees

A reward is only useful if the overall cost of the card makes sense for your spending pattern.

FAB Personal Loans UAE

FAB offers personal loans for both UAE nationals and expatriates, subject to eligibility.

Its current personal-loan page lists a minimum monthly salary of AED 7,000 and additional employment and documentation requirements.

The bank currently advertises representative fixed rates starting from 4.79% per year, but the actual rate depends on factors such as income, employer, credit profile and affordability assessment.

This distinction is important.

The advertised starting rate is not necessarily the rate every applicant will receive.

FAB Personal Loan Amount

FAB currently lists potential personal-loan amounts of up to:

AED 5 million for UAE nationals

AED 2 million for expatriates

subject to the bank’s eligibility and assessment.

A higher maximum does not mean a customer should borrow that amount.

Your monthly repayment needs to fit comfortably within your income and existing financial commitments.

FAB Personal Loan Documents

Depending on your situation, FAB may require:

• Passport
• UAE residence visa
• Emirates ID
• Salary certificate or salary-transfer letter
• Recent bank statements where applicable
• Liability or clearance letter for certain buyout cases
• Completed application

FAB states that additional documentation may be required.

If your salary is not already credited to FAB, recent statements showing salary credits may be requested.

FAB Loan Interest and Fees

This is an area where customers should read the details rather than focus only on the headline rate.

FAB currently states that a 1.05% processing fee applies to its personal loan, subject to a minimum of AED 525 and a maximum of AED 2,625, inclusive of VAT.

The bank also notes that life insurance charges may apply.

Early settlement can also involve charges, depending on the product and applicable terms.

Before signing a loan agreement, calculate the total amount you will repay rather than looking only at the monthly EMI.

FAB Loan Calculator

FAB provides an online loan calculator that lets customers estimate repayments based on income, borrowing amount, loan term and applicable rate assumptions.

A calculator is useful for planning, but it is not an approval decision.

Your final loan amount, rate and repayment conditions can differ after the bank completes its affordability and credit assessment.

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Important: This version uses a standard monthly-payment formula for estimation. It should not be presented as FAB's official calculator or as an exact quotation from First Abu Dhabi Bank.

FAB Car Loans

FAB also offers car-financing options for customers buying vehicles.

The bank's current loan section includes car loans alongside personal loans, secured loans and buyout loans.

If you are comparing car finance, look beyond the monthly payment.

Check:

• Down payment
• Financing rate
• Processing charges
• Insurance requirements
• Early settlement terms
• Total repayment
• Maximum financing period

A lower monthly instalment can sometimes simply mean a longer repayment period.

FAB Business Banking

FAB is also a major business bank in the UAE.

Its business-banking services include:

• Business accounts
• Commercial cards
• Business loans
• Trade and working capital
• Foreign exchange
• Cash management
• Insurance and wealth-related services

This makes FAB relevant not only to individual customers but also to UAE companies and entrepreneurs.

FAB Business Basic Account

The Business Basic Account is designed for businesses that need everyday banking functionality.

FAB currently lists:

• AED and multi-currency options
• USD, GBP, JPY and EUR options
• Reduced banking-service rates
• AED 10,000 minimum average monthly balance
• Free inward remittances for local and foreign currencies
• UAE branch, ATM and cash-deposit access
• Online business banking

For a small business, the AED 10,000 minimum average balance is an important point to understand before opening the account.

FAB Business Advantage Account

The Business Advantage Account is aimed at businesses that maintain a considerably larger balance.

FAB currently lists a AED 250,000 minimum average monthly balance.

The account also includes features such as a dedicated relationship manager, free inward remittances and unlimited cheque books, subject to the applicable terms.

This is clearly a different proposition from the Basic account.

A small company should not choose it simply because it has more features if it cannot comfortably maintain the required balance.

FAB Business Preferred Account

The Business Preferred Account is designed for customers seeking a higher-tier business banking arrangement.

FAB currently lists a AED 500,000 minimum average monthly balance for this account.

It also advertises preferential pricing, free inward remittances, teller transactions and unlimited cheque books, among other features.

Again, the balance requirement is something a business owner should consider carefully before applying.

FAB Business Call Account

FAB also offers a Business Call Account for local and foreign currencies.

The bank states that this account is available to UAE residents and non-residents and lists a minimum balance of AED 10,000 or foreign-currency equivalent.

For companies holding surplus cash, this type of account may be worth comparing with ordinary business-account arrangements.

FAB Business Financing

FAB's business-finance offering extends beyond simple business accounts.

Its current business-banking services include:

• POS loans
• Commercial mortgages
• Trade finance
• Working-capital facilities
• Overdraft facilities
• Invoice discounting
• Letters of credit
• Guarantees
• Other trade-related facilities

The appropriate product depends heavily on why the business needs financing.

For example, working-capital finance and commercial property finance solve very different problems.

FAB International Transfers

International banking is another important part of FAB's offering.

The bank provides multi-currency account options for both personal and business customers, while its business accounts support currencies including AED, USD, GBP, JPY and EUR.

However, international transfers can involve more than the fee shown by the sending bank.

FAB specifically warns that correspondent-bank or beneficiary-side financial-institution charges may apply, and that foreign-exchange movements can affect transactions.

So if you regularly send money abroad, compare the total cost, not just FAB's stated transfer fee.

FAB Payit Universal Account

FAB has also expanded its digital financial-services offering through Payit.

In May 2026, FAB announced the launch of the Payit Universal Account, designed under the Central Bank of the UAE's Universal Accounts framework.

FAB says the account is intended to provide basic regulated financial and payment services digitally, including for some customers who may not qualify for traditional banking products. It has no minimum balance requirement and supports services such as transfers, bill payments, merchant transactions and cash deposits and withdrawals through FAB ATMs.

This is particularly relevant for people searching for low-barrier digital banking options in the UAE.

FAB Islamic Banking

FAB also has Islamic banking products.

Its business key-facts section currently includes Islamic corporate accounts and Islamic trade and working-capital products such as Islamic letters of credit, guarantees and Commodity Murabaha financing.

Customers looking for Islamic finance should examine the specific product structure and terms rather than assuming all products work in the same way.

FAB Branches and ATMs

Although FAB has invested heavily in digital banking, branches and ATMs remain important for customers who need cash deposits, physical services or support with certain banking requirements.

FAB says its account offering provides access to an extensive network of branches and ATMs across the UAE, making it easier for customers to access cash and everyday banking services. You can also find a FAB ATM near you to locate convenient banking access across the Emirates. FAB ATM Near Me

For the nearest location, it is better to use FAB's official branch and ATM locator because locations and operating hours can change.

Who Can Open a FAB Account?

FAB states that UAE nationals and residents who meet the relevant eligibility requirements can open accounts.

The requirements vary between products, and FAB offers options for both salaried and non-salaried customers.

That means you should first select the exact account and then check its eligibility rather than assuming one set of requirements applies to every FAB product.

FAB Account Opening Documents

For many personal accounts, the bank may ask for:

• Emirates ID
• Passport
• UAE residence documentation
• Proof of income
• Completed application

FAB notes that the exact requirements vary by account and additional documents may be requested on a case-by-case basis.

For business accounts, expect substantially more documentation because the bank needs to understand the company, ownership and business activity.

FAB Online Banking and Security

Digital banking is convenient, but it also means customers need to be careful about fake websites, phishing messages and fraudulent calls.

If you receive a message asking you to "verify" your FAB account through a link, do not automatically click it.

Instead, open the official FAB website or the genuine FAB Mobile app yourself.

Never give someone your:

• OTP
• PIN
• Online-banking password
• Full card details
• Security codes

If you suspect fraudulent activity, FAB advises customers to contact its 24-hour contact centre and says the Block and Replace option can be used in FAB Mobile when a card is suspected of fraudulent activity.

FAB in 2026

FAB continues to report strong financial performance.

For the first half of 2026, FAB reported AED 13.20 billion in profit before tax, with operating income of AED 19.50 billion and net profit of AED 10.73 billion.

The bank also reported a 6% year-on-year increase in second-quarter profit before tax to AED 7.08 billion.

These figures are useful for understanding the scale of the institution, but they should not be confused with a recommendation to open an account or buy a financial product.

Is FAB a Good Bank for Salary Accounts?

FAB can be a practical option for salary banking if the account's requirements and features match your situation.

The bank offers current accounts, debit cards, digital banking, international transfers and a range of credit products.

However, salary customers should compare:

• Minimum salary requirements
• Account fees
• Minimum balance
• Remittance costs
• Credit-card eligibility
• Loan eligibility
• ATM availability
• Mobile banking features

The most attractive account on paper is not necessarily the cheapest or most useful for your particular salary and spending pattern.

Is FAB Suitable for Small Businesses?

FAB has dedicated business accounts and financing products, so it can be relevant for UAE SMEs.

The key issue is the minimum balance.

For example, the current Business Basic Account lists AED 10,000 as the minimum average monthly balance, while Advantage and Preferred accounts list AED 250,000 and AED 500,000 respectively.

A small company should calculate whether it can maintain the required balance without unnecessarily tying up working capital.

FAB vs Other UAE Banks

It is tempting to ask whether FAB is better than Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq or another UAE bank.

There is no universal answer.

Instead, compare the specific product.

For example:

What you need	What to compare
Salary account	Fees, salary requirement, ATM access, remittances
Savings	Rate, minimum balance, withdrawal rules
Credit card	Annual fee, rewards, cashback, interest/profit
Personal loan	Rate, processing fee, total repayment
Business account	Minimum balance, transfers, digital banking
International transfers	FX rate, transfer fees, correspondent charges
Digital banking	App features, security, account opening

This approach is much more useful than choosing a bank simply because it is large or well known.

Frequently Asked Questions About First Abu Dhabi Bank UAE

What does FAB stand for?

FAB stands for First Abu Dhabi Bank.

Is First Abu Dhabi Bank a UAE bank?

Yes. FAB is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

When was FAB established?

FAB was created following the merger of First Gulf Bank and National Bank of Abu Dhabi. The new FAB identity was launched in 2017.

Can I open a FAB account online?

Yes. FAB allows eligible customers to open selected accounts through the FAB Mobile app. Requirements depend on the account.

What is the minimum salary for a FAB personal loan?

FAB currently lists a minimum monthly salary of AED 7,000 for its personal loan, along with other eligibility requirements.

What is the minimum salary for a FAB credit card?

There is no single minimum salary for every FAB credit card. Several current cards list AED 5,000 as the minimum monthly salary, but eligibility varies by card.

What is the minimum balance for a FAB Business Basic Account?

FAB currently lists an AED 10,000 minimum average monthly balance for its Business Basic Account.

Can FAB business accounts support multiple currencies?

Yes. FAB's business accounts list AED and multi-currency options including USD, GBP, JPY and EUR.

Does FAB offer Islamic banking?

Yes. FAB provides Islamic banking products, including Islamic corporate accounts and Islamic trade and working-capital solutions.

How can I check FAB's latest fees?

Fees and charges vary by product. The safest approach is to check the relevant product's official FAB fees, tariff and key-facts documents before applying.

Final Thoughts

First Abu Dhabi Bank UAE has a wide range of products, which is both its strength and the reason customers need to choose carefully. A person looking for a simple current account has very different needs from someone comparing a credit card, personal loan or business account.

FAB's current offering covers personal banking, savings, cards, loans, digital services, business banking, trade finance and Islamic financial products. Its digital services have also expanded, including the 2026 launch of the Payit Universal Account.

Before opening an account or taking any FAB financial product, check the latest eligibility requirements, fees, rates, minimum balances and terms directly with FAB. Financial products can change, and an advertised rate or benefit may apply only to customers meeting specific conditions.

For more practical UAE banking and finance guides, UAEFinBiz.com focuses on explaining the details that matter before you make a financial decision.