Complete list of SWIFT/BIC codes for Agricultural Bank of China (ABC) in the United Arab Emirates. Find the right code for international wire transfers to ABC accounts in the UAE. ABC has only 2 SWIFT codes in the country – one for the Dubai Branch (the UAE’s designated RMB Clearing Bank) and one for the DFSA-regulated DIFC Branch. Despite this compact footprint, ABC’s Dubai SWIFT code carries one of the highest cross-border RMB settlement volumes in the entire Middle East.
Quick Reference
For most international transfers to ABC accounts in the UAE, use ABOCAEAA or ABOCAEAAXXX. For DIFC-booked investment and deposit accounts, use ABOCAEAD or ABOCAEADXXX. If your recipient has provided a specific 11-character code, use exactly what they gave you.
ABC Head Office SWIFT Code in the UAE
Dubai Branch – RMB Clearing Bank & Corporate Banking
All ABC SWIFT Codes by Branch in the UAE
Dubai Branches
ABC SWIFT Codes Summary Table
| SWIFT Code | Branch / Department | Emirate | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABOCAEAA | Dubai Branch (RMB Clearing & Corporate Banking) | Dubai | Office 201, Emaar Business Park Building No.1, The Greens, Sheikh Zayed Road |
| ABOCAEAD | DIFC Branch (Investment Services, DFSA-regulated) | Dubai | Level 29, Al Fattan Currency House Tower 2, DIFC |
Understanding the ABC SWIFT Code
A SWIFT code consists of 8 or 11 characters:
Bank Code
Country
Location
Branch
ABC UAE Location Codes
XXX
Head Office (defaults to Dubai Branch when used with ABOCAEAA)AA
Dubai Branch – Emaar Business Park (RMB Clearing & Corporate Banking)AD
DIFC Branch – Al Fattan Currency House Tower 2 (Investment Services)
How to Send Money to ABC in the UAE
To make an international wire transfer to Agricultural Bank of China in the UAE, you’ll need the following information:
Required Information for Wire Transfer
- SWIFT/BIC Code
ABOCAEAA for the Dubai Branch (Emaar Business Park) or ABOCAEAD for the DIFC Branch (Al Fattan Currency House Tower 2) - Beneficiary’s IBAN
23-character UAE IBAN starting with AE (e.g. AE07 0331 2345 6789 012 3456) - Beneficiary’s Full Name
Exactly as registered with the bank – no initials or abbreviations - Bank Address
Office 201, Emaar Business Park Building No.1, P.O. Box 336760, Dubai, UAE (for ABOCAEAA); or Level 29, Al Fattan Currency House Tower 2, DIFC, P.O. Box 124803, Dubai, UAE (for ABOCAEAD) - Purpose of Payment Code
Required for UAE transfers (e.g. GDS for goods, SAL for salary, FAM for family support, OAT for own-account transfer) - For RMB / CNY transfers
Additional documentation may be required (purpose code, commercial invoice, contract reference) under PBoC and SAFE cross-border RMB rules
FAQ – ABC SWIFT Codes
What is the main SWIFT code for Agricultural Bank of China in the UAE?
The primary SWIFT code for ABC in the UAE is ABOCAEAA, which identifies the Dubai Branch at Emaar Business Park. This is the code most commonly used for international transfers to ABC UAE corporate accounts. An 11-character form ABOCAEAAXXX is identical in routing.
What is the SWIFT code for the ABC DIFC Branch?
The SWIFT code for the DIFC Branch (Al Fattan Currency House Tower 2) is ABOCAEAD (or ABOCAEADXXX). Use this code if your account was opened with the DIFC-licensed branch rather than the onshore Dubai Branch.
Can I use ABOCAEAA instead of ABOCAEAAXXX?
Yes. Both formats route to the same branch. The 8-character version automatically defaults to the head office of that branch. Some originating-bank platforms require exactly 11 characters – in that case pad the code with XXX (ABOCAEAAXXX).
Is ABOCAEAA the same as ABOCCNBJ?
No. ABOCCNBJ is the SWIFT code for ABC’s head office in Beijing, China. ABOCAEAA is the code for ABC’s Dubai Branch in the UAE. If you are sending money to a UAE-resident account at ABC, you must use ABOCAEAA, not the Beijing code.
What happens if I use the wrong ABC SWIFT code?
If you mix up the two UAE codes (e.g. ABOCAEAA instead of ABOCAEAD), the receiving bank’s central processing usually re-routes the payment internally to the correct branch with a delay of 1-3 business days. If you send a payment with a non-UAE ABC code (e.g. ABOCCNBJ) to a UAE beneficiary, the transfer will normally be rejected or returned, often with a return fee.
Is the SWIFT code different for RMB / CNY transfers vs USD transfers?
No. The SWIFT code identifies the branch, not the currency. The same ABOCAEAA code is used for AED, USD, EUR, RMB and any other currency the branch handles. For RMB specifically, ABC Dubai’s role as the RMB Clearing Bank for the UAE means same-day onshore settlement is possible.
Why does ABC have two different SWIFT codes in the UAE?
Because it operates two distinct legal entities in the UAE: the Dubai Branch (onshore, CBUAE-regulated, code ABOCAEAA) and the DIFC Branch (DFSA-regulated, code ABOCAEAD). Each branch holds a separate licence and clears payments through its own settlement infrastructure, so each needs its own SWIFT identifier.
What is the SWIFT code for ABC trade finance and LCs in the UAE?
ABC does not maintain a separate trade-finance SWIFT identifier in the UAE. All letters of credit, bank guarantees and standby LCs are routed through the main Dubai Branch code ABOCAEAA. Quote this code on the originating MT700/MT760 message.
Where do I find ABC’s IBAN format?
A UAE IBAN at ABC starts with “AE” followed by 21 digits (total 23 characters). The bank issues the IBAN at account opening; you cannot derive it from the account number alone. Always confirm the IBAN with the beneficiary in writing before sending a wire.
Does ABC charge fees for incoming SWIFT transfers?
For corporate accounts, charges depend on the specific account agreement; transfers are typically processed under OUR, SHA or BEN charge instructions set on the originating MT103. Confirm with your ABC relationship manager before high-volume use.
What is ABC’s official SWIFT code according to the bank itself?
According to ABC’s official UAE websites (uae.abchina.com for the Dubai Branch and ae.abchina.com for the DIFC Branch), the official SWIFT codes are ABOCAEAA for the Dubai Branch and ABOCAEAD for the DIFC Branch. These match the codes registered with SWIFT and the relevant UAE regulators.
Important Disclaimer
The SWIFT code information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. While we work to keep this information accurate and up-to-date, we recommend verifying the SWIFT code on the official Agricultural Bank of China UAE websites (uae.abchina.com or ae.abchina.com) or contacting the bank directly before making large transfers. We are not liable for any delays, losses or errors that may occur as a result of using incorrect banking details.
