The Islamic banking arm of Emirates NBD, offering Sharia-compliant business accounts with the backing of one of the region's largest banking groups.
Emirae is not the bank. Information here is editorial and should be checked with official bank sources before you apply.
Emirates Islamic operates as the dedicated Islamic banking subsidiary within the Emirates NBD Group, one of the largest banking conglomerates in the Middle East. For business owners who prefer Sharia-compliant financial products but still want access to a well-resourced banking infrastructure, this combination is the core appeal.
The bank has invested heavily in digital channels over recent years, bringing its mobile and online banking closer to the standards set by its conventional parent. Business customers can expect a reasonable range of Islamic financing products, trade services, and cash management tools, though the breadth of corporate offerings may not match what Emirates NBD provides on the conventional side.
For Dubai-based businesses in particular, Emirates Islamic benefits from a solid branch presence across the emirate. However, companies operating primarily out of Abu Dhabi or the northern emirates should check branch accessibility before committing. The bank's onboarding process tends to follow the structured, documentation-heavy approach typical of UAE banking, with Sharia compliance adding a layer of review to financing applications.
Overall, Emirates Islamic occupies a practical middle ground: it is neither the cheapest nor the most digitally advanced Islamic bank in the UAE, but it offers the stability and infrastructure that come with being part of a major banking group.
Data last reviewed: 11 April 2026
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emarati Absher Business Account | AED 105 | AED 5,000 | Free for first 6 months, AED 52.50 thereafter per month | AED 21 | AED 31.50 per transfer | AED 210 within 6 months |
| Tajer/E-Trader | Nil | AED 3,000 | Free for first 12 months, AED 315 thereafter per month | AED 10.50 | AED 15.75 per transfer | AED 210 within 6 months |
| Businesswomen Account | AED 105 | AED 10,000 | Free for first 12 months, AED 315 thereafter per month | AED 10.50 | AED 15.75 per transfer | AED 210 within 6 months |
| Digital | AED 236.25 | AED 10,000 | AED 52.50 per month | AED 1.05 | AED 21 per transfer | AED 210 within 6 months |
| Premium | AED 131.25 | AED 50,000 | AED 315 per month | AED 21 | AED 31.50 per transfer | AED 210 within 6 months |
| Gold | Nil | AED 150,000 | AED 446.25 per month | AED 10.50 | AED 26.25 per transfer | AED 210 within 6 months |
| Platinum | Nil | AED 400,000 | AED 682.5 per month | Free | AED 15.75 per transfer | AED 210 within 6 months |
| Diamond | Nil | AED 3,500,000 | AED 2,100 per month | Free | Free lowest per transfer | AED 210 within 6 months |
A reference card from the bank profile. A row is printed only when its field is filled.
Emirates Islamic is positioned well for small and mid-sized businesses in Dubai that require day-to-day Sharia-compliant banking: current accounts, business financing, and trade-related services. Trading companies dealing in halal-certified goods or those whose shareholders prefer Islamic finance for ethical reasons will find a practical set of products here. The bank is less suited to complex structured finance or large-scale project financing, where the parent group's conventional arm or specialist banks may be better equipped.
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.
Business owners in Dubai who want Sharia-compliant banking backed by a large, established group. Suitable for SMEs and trading companies that need Islamic trade finance, as well as entrepreneurs who already bank personally with Emirates Islamic or Emirates NBD and want to consolidate their banking relationships.
Companies that need highly specialized corporate or investment banking products may find the range limited compared to standalone Islamic banks like Dubai Islamic Bank. Startups seeking fast, fully digital account opening with minimal friction may also find the onboarding process slower than newer digital-first alternatives.
Practical onboarding considerations - not bank criticism. Outcomes depend on the bank's own review.
| 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 |
From request to activation - what happens and how long it takes.
Account opening timelines vary depending on business structure and documentation completeness. Simple sole proprietorship accounts may be processed within a few business days, while multi-shareholder companies or those requiring additional compliance review could take two to four weeks. These are general observations and not guaranteed timeframes.
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.
Expect to provide a valid UAE trade license, passport copies for all shareholders and signatories, Emirates ID copies, a Memorandum of Association, proof of business address, and a board resolution authorising account opening. Islamic financing applications may require additional documentation related to the underlying asset or business activity to satisfy Sharia compliance review.
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Common questions about this bank. Answers are editorial and do not confirm eligibility, approval or account terms.
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Get bank account supportYes. Emirates Islamic is a separately licensed bank regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE, though it operates as a subsidiary of the Emirates NBD Group. It has its own Sharia Supervisory Board and independent product governance.
Yes, many business owners maintain accounts at both banks. They are separate legal entities, so each account requires its own application and documentation.
The bank offers Sharia-compliant financing products including Murabaha (cost-plus financing), Ijara (leasing), and working capital facilities. Specific product availability depends on your business profile and eligibility.
Generally yes, though acceptance depends on the specific free zone and business activity. Some free zone categories may face additional scrutiny or may not be eligible for all products.
Emirates Islamic has made significant improvements to its digital platforms, but the conventional parent bank's digital offering is generally considered more mature. Basic business banking functions are available online and via the mobile app.
Yes, business accounts typically carry minimum balance requirements. The specific amount varies by account type and may change, so confirm current requirements directly with the bank before applying.
The fundamental difference is Sharia compliance: Emirates Islamic does not charge or pay interest. Instead, it uses profit-sharing and asset-backed financing structures. Day-to-day banking functions like transfers, payments, and card services operate similarly to conventional accounts.
New companies can apply, though the bank may require additional supporting documentation such as a business plan, proof of initial capital, or evidence of existing business relationships. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on the bank's risk assessment.
Other UAE business banks with a comparable profile, by bank type or banking model.
Money rows - Source: Emirates Islamic Business Banking Schedule of Charges, retrieved 2026-08-10.
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