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UAE Business Banking

Al Masraf Business Account in the UAE

Al Masraf (Arab Bank for Investment and Foreign Trade) sells business bundles: Entelaqati for Emirati founders with no minimum at AED 250 + VAT a month, and Gold, Platinum and Titanium from AED 500 a month with AED 30,000 to AED 200,000 balances.

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Emirae is not the bank. Information here is editorial and should be checked with official bank sources before you apply.

Arab Bank for Investment and Foreign Trade review

Verdict

Strengths

  • Institutional roots in trade and foreign investment give depth in trade finance services
  • Abu Dhabi headquartered with familiarity across the capital's business zones
  • More accessible relationship management than the largest national banks

Typical issues

  • Entities working from flexi desks or business centres are not eligible for a current account, and the lease must be registered with the Land Department or Municipality
  • Digital banking platform is less developed than major competitors
  • Brand recognition is lower, which can complicate vendor or partner perceptions
A good fit for: trading companies and small businesses.
May be less suitable: Non-Emirati founders looking for the Entelaqati startup bundle: Al Masraf says it is exclusively designed for Emirati business owners, with eligibility including a UAE National owner, membership of a government-supported SME programme, a business established within the last 6 years and turnover below AED 50 Million (the Entelaqati KFS does not repeat the nationality and turnover rules).
About this bank

About Arab Bank for Investment and Foreign Trade

Al Masraf, the Arab Bank for Investment and Foreign Trade PJSC, was set up by Union Decree in 1976 and is headquartered in Abu Dhabi; the Emirates Investment Authority owns 60%. For businesses it sells bundles with a monthly membership fee: Entelaqati for Emirati founders with no minimum balance, and Gold, Platinum and Titanium with balances from AED 30,000 to AED 200,000.

Its current account requires a lease registered with the land department or municipality, so companies on flexi desks or in business centres are not eligible.

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 feeMin. average balanceFall-below feeInternational transferAccount closure
Entelaqati AED 250 lowest Emirati owners only None None per month AED 100 online per transfer AED 250 within 6 months
Gold AED 500 AED 30,000 AED 250 per month AED 65 online per transfer AED 250 within 6 months
Platinum AED 750 AED 100,000 AED 150 per month AED 45 online per transfer AED 250 within 6 months
Titanium AED 1,000 AED 200,000 AED 75 per month AED 25 online lowest per transfer AED 250 within 6 months

All charges attract an additional 5% VAT unless stated otherwise.

Source: Al Masraf Business Bundles Schedule of Charges and Corporate Banking Schedule of Charges (September 2026), fees before 5% VAT, retrieved 2026-10-03.

Regulation

Is Arab Bank for Investment and Foreign Trade 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 01.01.01.030.1976.01
License type National Bank, Conventional Retail
Bank support and complaintswww.almasraf.ae Consumer protection routesanadak.gov.ae
Business banking fit

How this bank fits a business

Which Al Masraf bundle fits

  • Entelaqati: no minimum balance, AED 250 + VAT (AED 262.50) a month. Only for Emirati owners who are members of a government SME programme such as Khalifa Fund or Mohammed Bin Rashid Fund, with a business up to 6 years old and turnover under AED 50 million. International online transfers AED 100.
  • Gold: AED 500 a month, AED 30,000 minimum balance, AED 250 if it falls below; 50 free cheque leaves a month; international online transfers AED 65.
  • Platinum: AED 750 a month, AED 100,000, AED 150 if below; 100 free cheque leaves; international transfers AED 45.
  • Titanium: AED 1,000 a month, AED 200,000, AED 75 if below; 150 free cheque leaves; international transfers AED 25.

The fall-below charge does go down as the bundle goes up; three bank documents agree on it. Without a bundle the corporate current account needs AED 20,000 with AED 250 if below. Membership fees are monthly and VAT is added on top. Closing an account within 6 months costs AED 250, and leaving a bundle within 12 months costs three times its monthly fee. Al Masraf documents disagree on whether bundle holders get free domestic online transfers and WPS records (the bundle schedule) or standard pricing of AED 25 and AED 3 (the corporate schedule).

Who can open it

Any entity established in the UAE with a valid trade licence and a lease registered with the land department or municipality; companies working from a flexi desk or business centre are not eligible for the current account. Rules for free zone and offshore companies, freelancers and non-resident owners are not published.

How opening works

You send the online enquiry form, which says you will be notified of the status within 2 working days, or contact a branch. Al Masraf's key facts statements refer to an account opening checklist that is not on its site, and no opening time is published.

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: Al Masraf business bundles schedule of charges; Al Masraf corporate banking schedule of charges; Entelaqati; Corporate current account KFS; 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

Emirati founders in a government SME programme (Entelaqati), and established companies with their own registered premises that want a bundle with free cheque leaves and cheaper international transfers at higher tiers. Not for companies on flexi desks or in business centres.

May not suit

Non-Emirati founders looking for the Entelaqati startup bundle: Al Masraf says it is exclusively designed for Emirati business owners, with eligibility including a UAE National owner, membership of a government-supported SME programme, a business established within the last 6 years and turnover below AED 50 Million (the Entelaqati KFS does not repeat the nationality and turnover rules). Businesses working from a flexi desk or business centre, which are not eligible for a current account. Freelancers without a trade licence: no offer is published. Large multinational corporations needing full-service global banking.

Strengths & friction

Strengths and friction points

Practical onboarding considerations - not bank criticism. Outcomes depend on the bank's own review.

Strengths

  • Institutional roots in trade and foreign investment give depth in trade finance services
  • Abu Dhabi headquartered with familiarity across the capital's business zones
  • More accessible relationship management than the largest national banks
  • Experience handling import/export documentation and correspondent banking
  • Can serve as a strong secondary banking partner for trade-heavy businesses

Common friction points

  • Entities working from flexi desks or business centres are not eligible for a current account, and the lease must be registered with the Land Department or Municipality
  • Digital banking platform is less developed than major competitors
  • Brand recognition is lower, which can complicate vendor or partner perceptions
  • Product range for non-trade businesses is narrower
  • Customer support channels may have limited availability compared to larger banks
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 Arab Bank for Investment and Foreign Trade

Account typeWho 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
Open an Account with Arab Bank for Investment and Foreign Trade
How it works

Arab Bank for Investment and Foreign Trade account opening

From request to activation - what happens and how long it takes.

Typical opening time
2 working days
Hybrid

Al Masraf publishes no account opening time; its online enquiry form promises a status update within 2 working days.

1
Send your request
account type, emirate, company and activity
2
Eligibility check
a consultant confirms what Arab Bank for Investment and Foreign Trade 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
You will need: Trade licence Shareholder papers Proof of business activity Full requirements
Timelines depend on the bank's review Open an Account with Arab Bank for Investment and Foreign Trade
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

Expect standard UAE corporate account documentation: trade license, memorandum of association, passport copies and Emirates IDs for shareholders and signatories, board resolution, and proof of business address. For trade-focused accounts, the bank may request additional details about your trading partners, jurisdictions, and expected transaction volumes. Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Abu Dhabi free zone entities should verify acceptance of their specific license type.

Al Masraf follows Central Bank of the UAE regulations on KYC, AML, and beneficial ownership transparency. Trade-focused businesses should be prepared for questions about counterparty jurisdictions and trade corridors, as these attract additional scrutiny under UAE compliance frameworks. Multi-layered ownership structures will require full disclosure documentation.
Timeline expectations

Timelines depend on the bank's review.

Open an Account with Arab Bank for Investment and Foreign Trade
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

  1. First use the bank's own complaint and support channels and follow its published process.
  2. If the issue is not resolved and the case is eligible, external escalation may be reviewed through the relevant consumer protection route.
  3. Keep records of your correspondence and reference numbers throughout.
Contact your relationship manager first, then the branch manager. Al Masraf's customer service team handles formal complaints. If the bank does not resolve your issue satisfactorily, escalate through Sanadak, the Central Bank of the UAE's consumer complaint mechanism.
A review on this page is not a formal complaint. For official escalation, use the links provided.
Official bank complaint pagewww.almasraf.ae Consumer protection escalation routesanadak.gov.ae
Reviews

Reviews

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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.

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Does Al Masraf have a business account with no minimum balance?

Yes, Entelaqati, at AED 250 + VAT a month, but only for Emirati business owners in a government SME programme with a business up to 6 years old.

What are Al Masraf bundle fees?

Monthly membership of AED 500 for Gold, AED 750 for Platinum and AED 1,000 for Titanium, before VAT.

What is the minimum balance on Al Masraf bundles?

AED 30,000 on Gold, AED 100,000 on Platinum and AED 200,000 on Titanium; AED 20,000 on the corporate current account without a bundle.

Why is the Al Masraf fall-below fee lower on higher bundles?

That is how the bank prices them: AED 250 on Gold, AED 150 on Platinum and AED 75 on Titanium, confirmed in three of its documents.

Can a company in a business centre open an Al Masraf account?

No. Al Masraf says entities working from flexi desks and business centres are not eligible for a current account.

What do international transfers cost at Al Masraf?

Online, AED 100 on Entelaqati, AED 65 on Gold, AED 45 on Platinum and AED 25 on Titanium, before VAT.

What is the full name of Al Masraf?

Arab Bank for Investment and Foreign Trade PJSC, set up by Union Decree in 1976, with its head office at Al Masraf Tower, Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi.

Who owns Al Masraf?

At the end of 2025: Emirates Investment Authority 60%, Libyan Foreign Bank 29.3% and Banque Exterieure d'Algerie 10.7%.

Compare

Compare similar banks

Other UAE business banks with a comparable profile, by bank type or banking model.

Compare with:
Arab Bank for Investment and Foreign Trade This page
Opening mode
Hybrid
Difficulty
Moderate
Regulator
Sanadak / Central Bank of the UAE
Head office
Abu Dhabi
Best for
Trading Companies, Small Businesses
Published charges
Min. average balance
None, Entelaqati, Emirati owners only; Gold AED 30,000
Open an Account
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
Published charges
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
View profile
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
Published charges
Monthly fee
AED 125 + VAT, Business Connect and Business Elite
Min. average balance
None, Business Connect; Business One above AED 5,000
View profile

Money rows - Source: Al Masraf Business Bundles Schedule of Charges and Corporate Banking Schedule of Charges (September 2026), 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. LocalConventional 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. LocalIslamic 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. Foreign with UAE PresenceConventional 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. LocalIslamic View Bank
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