Strengths
- Business accounts in AED with multi-currency options including USD, GBP, JPY and EUR
- Broad business banking positioning beyond a basic account
- Relevant for established SMEs and more structured business cases
UAE Business Banking
First Abu Dhabi Bank Business Account in the UAE
First Abu Dhabi Bank, the largest bank in the UAE: Business Basic needs an AED 10,000 average balance, Advantage AED 250,000 and Preferred AED 500,000; fees are quoted before VAT.
Local Conventional
Moderate onboarding
Hybrid
Emirae is not the bank. Information here is editorial and should be checked with official bank sources before you apply.
First Abu Dhabi Bank review
Verdict
Typical issues
- Applications with weak documentation can slow down quickly
- Complex ownership or unclear source of funds narratives may create friction
- Large bank positioning does not automatically mean faster onboarding
A good fit for: small businesses, trading companies, corporate and holdings.
May be less suitable: FAB may be less suitable for founders who are looking only for the easiest possible onboarding path, very early stage setups with weak documentation, or applicants who expect a minimal context review.
Bank snapshot
FAB at a glance
Key figures for this bank, from the bank profile. A tile is printed only when its field is filled.
Minimum balance
AED 10,000
Business Basic, monthly average
Account currencies
AED, USD, GBP, JPY, EUR
Cash withdrawal
AED 50,000
per day
About this bank
About First Abu Dhabi Bank
First Abu Dhabi Bank, or FAB, is licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE. For business clients it publishes three main SME current accounts (Business Basic, Business Advantage and Business Preferred) plus call, merchant and fixed deposit accounts, with minimum average monthly balances from AED 10,000 (Basic) to AED 500,000 (Preferred). Applications start on the FAB Business portal. FAB is usually a strong consideration for established SMEs, trading businesses, groups with cross border activity and companies that value scale, depth and long term banking capacity more than the lightest possible onboarding path.
Data last reviewed: 3 October 2026
Schedule of charges
Fees and charges
Figures published by the bank itself, not estimates. A fee position with no published value is not printed.
| Plan | Monthly fee | Min. average balance | Fall-below fee | Local transfer (AED) | International transfer | Account closure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Basic | AED 250 or free fees page Apr 2026: AED 250; KFS Jul 2025: free | AED 10,000 | AED 100 or AED 250 per month | AED 50 | AED 70 per transfer | AED 150 within 6 months |
| Business Advantage | Free | AED 250,000 | AED 350 per month | AED 25 | AED 60 per transfer | AED 250 within 6 months |
| Business Preferred | Free | AED 500,000 | AED 500 per month | AED 20 | AED 45 lowest per transfer | AED 500 within 6 months |
| Merchant Account | Free for FAB card terminal users | AED 10,000 | AED 250 per month | AED 15 | AED 50 per transfer | AED 150 within 6 months |
| Call Account | Free residents and non-residents | AED 10,000 | AED 250 per month | AED 30 | AED 70 per transfer | AED 150 within 6 months |
Regulation
Is First Abu Dhabi Bank safe?
A reference card from the bank profile. A row is printed only when its field is filled.
Regulator
Sanadak / Central Bank of the UAE
Headquarters
Abu Dhabi, UAE
License number
01.01.01.008.1968.01
License type
National Bank, Conventional Retail
Business banking fit
How this bank fits a business
Which FAB business account fits
- Business Basic: AED 10,000 average monthly balance; AED and multi-currency options (USD, GBP, JPY, EUR); first cheque book free. Two FAB documents disagree on its fees: the fees page (April 2026) lists an AED 250 monthly maintenance fee and AED 100 a month if the balance falls below, while the Key Facts Statement (July 2025) lists no relationship fee and AED 250 if below. Ask FAB which applies before you sign.
- Business Advantage: AED 250,000 average balance, AED 350 a month if below; dedicated relationship manager and free unlimited cheque books.
- Business Preferred: AED 500,000 average balance, AED 500 if below; free teller transactions and unlimited cheque books.
- Business Call Account: AED 10,000 or the foreign currency equivalent, AED 250 if below; open to residents and non-residents. The Merchant Account has the same balance and is only for businesses that use FAB card terminals.
- Fees are before 5% VAT. Transfers abroad cost AED 70 on Basic, AED 60 on Advantage and AED 45 on Preferred; closing within 6 months costs AED 150 to AED 500 depending on the account; the debit card is AED 100 once.
Who can open it
FAB publishes no eligibility rules. Its account opening form lists limited liability companies, partnerships, sole proprietorships, free zone establishments and branches of foreign companies, and says free zone customers need additional documents. Only the Call Account is stated to be open to non-residents.
How opening works and how long it takes
The "Apply now" button leads to the FAB Business portal; a paper account opening form is also available, and FAB says supporting documents must be originals seen by its staff. FAB does not publish a document checklist or how many days opening takes.
Since 13 September 2026 a Central Bank of the UAE regulation for SME customers requires banks to complete account opening within three business days for applicants assessed as low risk, counted from the full set of documents, and caps other delays at two weeks; banks may not charge a closing fee once an account has been open for six months.
Sources, checked 3 October 2026: FAB business accounts; FAB fees and charges; Business Accounts Key Facts Statement; CBUAE SME customer protection regulation (C 2/2026).
Suitability
Who this bank may suit
A quick read on where this bank is usually a stronger fit - and where another bank may serve you better. This is editorial guidance, not eligibility.
Good fit for
FAB is usually a better fit for established SMEs, trading companies, multi shareholder businesses, companies with recurring operational flows, and groups that may later need a wider banking stack rather than only a basic account. It is also relevant for businesses that want a more serious institutional banking relationship from the start.
May not suit
FAB may be less suitable for founders who are looking only for the easiest possible onboarding path, very early stage setups with weak documentation, or applicants who expect a minimal context review. It may also feel heavier for companies that mainly want a light digital first setup with limited relationship complexity.
Strengths & friction
Strengths and friction points
Practical onboarding considerations - not bank criticism. Outcomes depend on the bank's own review.
Strengths
- Business accounts in AED with multi-currency options including USD, GBP, JPY and EUR
- Broad business banking positioning beyond a basic account
- Relevant for established SMEs and more structured business cases
- Can make sense for cross border and operationally heavier businesses
- Better fit when banking depth matters more than a minimal onboarding path
Common friction points
- Applications with weak documentation can slow down quickly
- Complex ownership or unclear source of funds narratives may create friction
- Large bank positioning does not automatically mean faster onboarding
- Heavier review can be frustrating for very early stage businesses
- Cross border activity usually requires a cleaner and more coherent explanation
Corporate banking outcomes depend on the bank's internal review, documents, ownership, activity and transaction profile.
Account types
What kind of account do you need with First Abu Dhabi Bank
| Account type | Who it suits | |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate bank account for a UAE company | Mainland and free zone companies that need a business account in their own name | View service |
| Personal bank account for a resident or investor | Residents, investors and shareholders opening an account in their own name | View service |
| Fintech and digital business account (EMI) | Companies that need a fast digital account instead of a traditional bank | View service |
| KYC and bank document preparation | Applicants asked for extra documents, source of funds or business proof | View service |
| Reapplication after a bank account rejection | Companies already refused by a bank and reapplying | View service |
How it works
First Abu Dhabi Bank account opening
From request to activation - what happens and how long it takes.
Hybrid
FAB does not publish how long opening takes. A Central Bank regulation in force since 13 September 2026 asks banks to open accounts for low-risk applicants within three business days of receiving all documents.
1
Send your request
account type, emirate, company and activity
2
Eligibility check
a consultant confirms what First Abu Dhabi Bank asks for in your case
3
Documents
trade licence, shareholder papers, proof of business activity
4
Application
submitted to the bank, with a meeting or online onboarding
5
Compliance review and activation
the bank reviews, then the account and online banking open
Timelines depend on the bank's review
Open an Account with First Abu Dhabi Bank
Preparation
What to prepare before approaching this bank
A practical checklist. Complete documents do not guarantee approval - the bank makes the decision.
Missing something from this list? A consultant can prepare the file with you - use the request button.
Preparation quality matters
For FAB, documentation quality matters a lot. The business narrative should be consistent across the trade licence, website, invoices, counterparties and onboarding explanation. If the company expects international flows, prepare a clear explanation of business markets and payment logic before approaching the bank.
Applicants should be prepared for standard UAE compliance scrutiny. Cases with cross border flows, trading activity, layered ownership or a weak operating story usually need a more coherent source of funds and business rationale package. Do not present the case as simple if the actual structure is not simple.
Timeline expectations
Timelines depend on the bank's review.
Open an Account with First Abu Dhabi Bank
Complaints & escalation
Official complaint path
If you have an issue with the bank, use the official channels below. A review on Emirae is not a formal complaint.
Regulated by Sanadak / Central Bank of the UAE
How to raise an issue
- First use the bank's own complaint and support channels and follow its published process.
- If the issue is not resolved and the case is eligible, external escalation may be reviewed through the relevant consumer protection route.
- Keep records of your correspondence and reference numbers throughout.
Customers should first use FAB’s own complaint channels. If the issue is not resolved and the case is eligible, escalation can be reviewed through Sanadak as the UAE ombudsman route for licensed financial institutions.
A review on this page is not a formal complaint. For official escalation, use the links provided.
Reviews
Reviews
Moderated user experiences with this bank. Reviews are verified by email and checked before publication.
First review
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Moderated before publication
Reviews are verified by email and reviewed before they appear publicly.
Reviews are not formal complaints. For official complaint routes, use the bank's complaint channel or the relevant escalation path.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this bank. Answers are editorial and do not confirm eligibility, approval or account terms.
Still weighing your options?
Verified consultants can review your case and help you prepare a banking application.
Get bank account supportWhat is the minimum balance for a FAB business account?
Business Basic, the Merchant Account and the Call Account need an AED 10,000 average monthly balance, Business Advantage AED 250,000 and Business Preferred AED 500,000.
Does FAB Business Basic have a monthly fee?
FAB sources disagree. The fees page dated April 2026 lists an AED 250 monthly maintenance fee, while the Key Facts Statement of July 2025 lists no relationship fee. Confirm with FAB before opening.
What does FAB charge if the balance falls below the minimum?
AED 350 a month on Advantage and AED 500 on Preferred. On Basic the fees page says AED 100 and the Key Facts Statement says AED 250. Fees are before 5% VAT.
Can a non-resident open a FAB business account?
FAB states that its Business Call Account is open to residents and non-residents. For current accounts of companies owned by non-residents it publishes no rule.
Can a free zone company open a FAB account?
Yes. The account opening form lists free zone establishments among account holders and says free zone customers need additional documents.
How do I apply for a FAB business account?
Through the FAB Business portal from the "Apply now" button, or with the paper account opening form. Original documents are seen by FAB staff.
What do transfers cost at FAB?
Inward transfers in AED are free. Transfers to other UAE banks cost AED 50 on Basic, AED 25 on Advantage and AED 20 on Preferred; transfers abroad AED 70, AED 60 and AED 45, before VAT.
How long does FAB take to open an account?
FAB does not publish a figure. A Central Bank regulation in force since 13 September 2026 requires opening within three business days for low-risk applicants with complete documents.
Compare
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First Abu Dhabi Bank
This page
- Opening mode
- Hybrid
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Regulator
- Sanadak / Central Bank of the UAE
- Head office
- Abu Dhabi
- Best for
- Small Businesses, Trading Companies, Corporate, Holdings
- Min. average balance
- AED 10,000, Business Basic, monthly average
Published charges
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
- Opening mode
- Hybrid
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Regulator
- Sanadak / Central Bank of the UAE
- Head office
- Abu Dhabi
- Best for
- Small Businesses, Trading Companies, Corporate, Holdings
- Monthly fee
- AED 131.25, monthly service fee, VAT included
- Min. average balance
- None, SmartStart; Business Choice Gold AED 50,000, Platinum AED 100,000
Published charges
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
- Opening mode
- Hybrid
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Regulator
- Sanadak / Central Bank of the UAE
- Head office
- Abu Dhabi
- Best for
- Small Businesses, Trading Companies, Corporate, Holdings
- Monthly fee
- AED 125 + VAT, Business Connect and Business Elite
- Min. average balance
- None, Business Connect; Business One above AED 5,000
Published charges
Agricultural Bank of China UAE
- Opening mode
- Hybrid
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Regulator
- Sanadak / Central Bank of the UAE
- Head office
- Dubai
- Best for
- Trading Companies, Corporate, Holdings
Ajman Bank
- Opening mode
- Hybrid
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Regulator
- Sanadak / Central Bank of the UAE
- Head office
- Ajman
- Best for
- Small Businesses, Trading Companies, Freelancers
- Min. average balance
- AED 25,000, Basic, monthly average
Published charges
Money rows - Source: FAB Business Banking fees and charges page (April 2026) and Business Accounts Key Facts Statement (July 2025), fees before 5% VAT, retrieved 2026-10-03.
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
ADCB SmartStart costs AED 131.25 a month with VAT and needs no minimum balance, for UAE nationals and residents; Business Choice accounts ask for AED 50,000 or AED 100,000. View Bank
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank runs Sharia compliant business accounts: Business Connect costs AED 125 + VAT a month with no minimum balance, Business One AED 450 + VAT above an AED 5,000 balance. View Bank
Agricultural Bank of China UAE
Agricultural Bank of China has a wholesale branch in Dubai, the RMB clearing bank in the UAE, and a DIFC branch for professional clients; it offers corporate current accounts but publishes no fees, tariff or minimum balance. View Bank
Ajman Bank
Ajman Bank has three Islamic business packages with no monthly fee: Basic needs an AED 25,000 monthly average balance, Premium AED 100,000 and Platinum AED 250,000, with AED 350, AED 500 or AED 650 + VAT if it falls below. View Bank
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