Al Khaliji France S.A. Review
A Niche Bank for Corporate & High-Net-Worth Clients?
Editor’s Verdict for AKF
Al Khaliji France S.A. (AKF) is not a mass-market retail bank. It is a French-registered bank, regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE, that has operated in the country since 1973 and today runs just two branches – one in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi. The business is built around two divisions: Premium Banking for individuals (personal and premium accounts, term deposits, retail finance) and Corporate Banking (corporate accounts, deposits, trade finance, corporate loans). Its ultimate parent is Al Rayan Bank in Doha, Qatar, which manages the UAE operations through its Dubai regional office. If you want a quiet, relationship-driven bank for business or high-balance personal banking, AKF fits. If you want a branch on every corner and a slick consumer app ecosystem, this is not that bank.
✓ Best For
- Corporates and SMEs needing trade finance, corporate loans, and dedicated relationship banking
- High-net-worth individuals looking for premium accounts and competitive term-deposit rates
- Clients with cross-border ties between the UAE, the wider Middle East, and Europe (France)
- Customers who prefer a personal, low-volume banking relationship over a mass-retail experience
✗ Not Ideal For
- Everyday retail customers who want branches and ATMs across all seven emirates
- Expats outside Dubai and Abu Dhabi (the bank has no branches in the other emirates)
- Customers who prioritise a large, feature-rich consumer mobile-banking ecosystem
Quick Facts
| Bank Type | Corporate / Premium / Private Banking (niche) |
|---|---|
| Founded | French-registered bank; operating in the UAE since 1973 |
| Parent Company | Al Rayan Bank, Doha, Qatar (ultimate parent) |
| Headquarters | 49-51 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris, France |
| UAE Regional Office | Al Gurg Tower 2, Baniyas Road, Riggat Al Butteen, Deira, Dubai |
| Branch Network | 2 branches in the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) |
| Main Products | Premium & corporate accounts, term deposits, trade finance, corporate loans, retail finance |
| Channels | Branches, online banking, mobile app (al khaliji france mobile) |
| Regulator | Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates |
| SWIFT/BIC Code | LICOAEAD |
🌐 Official Website (France)
📍 Contact & Branches
Al Khaliji France Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- Relationship-driven banking
A small, focused operation that gives corporate and premium clients personal attention - Cross-border reach
Roots in the Middle East and Europe make it useful for UAE-France and regional business flows - Trade finance and corporate loans
A genuine corporate-banking specialist rather than a retail bank stretching into business - Competitive deposits
Attractive term-deposit and AED fixed-deposit rates for premium clients - Long UAE track record
Present in the UAE since 1973 and regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE
✗ Cons
- Tiny branch network
Only two branches nationwide; nothing outside Dubai and Abu Dhabi - Not built for everyday retail
Limited mass-market consumer products compared with the big local banks - Premium-oriented entry
Better suited to higher-balance and corporate customers than budget savers - Smaller digital ecosystem
The app and online channels are functional but not as feature-rich as larger rivals - Limited public fee transparency
Detailed schedules of charges are best confirmed directly with the branch
AKF Popular Products
Premium & Personal Accounts
Most Popular
Who it’s for: Higher-balance individuals who want a relationship-based banking experience rather than mass-market retail.
Al Khaliji France’s Premium Banking division covers personal and premium current and savings accounts, with access to term deposits and retail finance. The focus is on service quality and competitive rates rather than a long menu of consumer add-ons, which suits clients who value a dedicated point of contact over a high-volume product range.
Accounts are opened through the Dubai or Abu Dhabi branch with standard UAE documentation – passport, Emirates ID, and proof of income or address. Because the bank is corporate and premium oriented, entry conditions and minimum balances are generally aimed at higher-balance customers.
Term & Fixed Deposits
For Savers
Who it’s for: Clients with surplus funds looking for competitive, predictable returns in AED or foreign currency.
AKF promotes attractive rates on AED fixed deposits (the bank has advertised rates of up to 3,00% p.a. on AED fixed deposits, subject to terms and conditions). Term deposits sit at the centre of its premium proposition, giving savers a straightforward way to earn a fixed return without market exposure.
This is one area where a niche bank can compete strongly with the large local players, since deposit pricing is a key tool for attracting premium balances.
Corporate Banking & Trade Finance
For Businesses
Who it’s for: Companies and SMEs that need corporate accounts, trade finance, and lending from a specialist rather than a retail bank.
The Corporate Banking division offers corporate accounts, corporate deposits, trade finance, and corporate loans. With operations rooted in both the Middle East and Europe, AKF positions itself for businesses with cross-border activity – particularly between the UAE, the wider region, and France.
For trade-driven companies, a focused corporate bank with direct relationship management can be more responsive than a large retail institution where business banking is one division among many.
Al Khaliji France Fees & Charges
Al Khaliji France is a premium and corporate bank, so its fee structure is tailored to the client relationship rather than published as a single mass-market tariff. The points below are general guidance – always confirm the exact figures with your branch:
Digital Experience
al khaliji france mobile App
The al khaliji france mobile app gives customers safe, secure 24/7 access to their accounts from a smartphone. Core features include viewing account balances, reviewing transactions, and transferring funds. The bank also supports Aani – the Central Bank of the UAE instant-payment service powered by Al Etihad Payments – allowing 24/7 local transfers and requests using a mobile number instead of an IBAN.
What works well: The app covers the essentials reliably – balances, statements, and transfers – with secure login, and Aani integration adds fast, account-number-free local payments.
What to expect: As a niche bank, the digital ecosystem is leaner than the large local players. The focus is on dependable core banking rather than a broad consumer feature set, so power users may find fewer extras.
Online Banking
The online banking portal handles day-to-day account management, statements, and transfers for both premium and corporate clients. For complex corporate transactions and trade finance, servicing is typically coordinated directly with the relationship team at the Dubai or Abu Dhabi branch.
Al Khaliji France Contact Information & Support
Customer Service
UAE Call Centre
UAE Regional Office (Dubai)
Abu Dhabi Branch
Head Office (France)
Call Centre (from overseas)
Premium Banking (from overseas)
Complaints
Premium Banking Email
UAE Regional Office
Al Gurg Tower 2, Baniyas Road
Riggat Al Butteen, Deira
PO Box 4207, Dubai, U.A.E.
Quick Actions
Al Khaliji France Branch Network
Al Khaliji France S.A. operates two branches in the UAE – one in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi – both focused on corporate and premium banking. The bank is not represented in the other five emirates. All addresses below are taken from the bank’s official website.
Abu Dhabi
| Branch | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Branch | Hamdan Bldg, Corniche Road, PO Box 3771, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 412 2900 |
Dubai
| Branch | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Branch (Regional Office) | Al Gurg Tower 2, Baniyas Road, Riggat Al Butteen, Deira, PO Box 4207, Dubai | +971 4 416 1100 |
Al Khaliji France SWIFT / BIC Codes
Al Khaliji France S.A. uses a single SWIFT/BIC code for its UAE operations. The 8-character code (LICOAEAD) and its 11-character form (LICOAEADXXX) both refer to the head office; the “XXX” suffix indicates the primary office rather than a separate branch code.
| SWIFT Code | Branch / Department | Emirate | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| LICOAEAD | Head Office / Main | Dubai | Al Gurg Tower 2, Baniyas Road, Riggat Al Butteen, Deira |
If you’re not sure what this means, see what is a SWIFT code. To browse every bank, open the full UAE SWIFT code table, or check this SWIFT code.
Information may change – verify current terms on the official Al Khaliji France S.A. website before making financial decisions. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
FAQ – Al Khaliji France S.A.
What kind of bank is Al Khaliji France S.A.?
Al Khaliji France S.A. (AKF) is a French-registered bank that has operated in the UAE since 1973. It specialises in Corporate Banking and Premium Banking rather than mass-market retail, and is regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE. Its ultimate parent is Al Rayan Bank in Doha, Qatar.
How many branches does Al Khaliji France have in the UAE?
The bank has two branches in the UAE – one in Dubai (which also serves as the UAE regional office) and one in Abu Dhabi. It does not operate branches in the other emirates.
What is the Al Khaliji France SWIFT code?
The SWIFT/BIC code is LICOAEADXXX (also written as the 8-character LICOAEAD). It is registered to the head office at Al Gurg Tower 2, Baniyas Road, Riggat Al Butteen, Deira, Dubai. Always confirm with the recipient before sending an international transfer.
Where is the Al Khaliji France UAE regional office?
The UAE regional office is in Dubai at Al Gurg Tower 2, Baniyas Road, Riggat Al Butteen, Deira, PO Box 4207. You can reach it on +971 4 4161 100. The Abu Dhabi branch is on Corniche Road (Hamdan Bldg) and can be reached on +971 2 4122 900.
How do I contact Al Khaliji France customer service?
Within the UAE you can call the bank on 800 5425454. You can also contact the Dubai regional office on +971 4 4161 100 or the Abu Dhabi branch on +971 2 4122 900. The head office in Paris can be reached on +33 (0)1 49 52 49 52.
What products does Al Khaliji France offer?
The bank is split into two divisions. Premium Banking offers personal and premium accounts, term deposit accounts, and retail finance. Corporate Banking offers corporate accounts, corporate deposits, trade finance, and corporate loans.
Does Al Khaliji France offer competitive deposit rates?
Yes – the bank has promoted AED fixed-deposit rates of up to 3,00% p.a., subject to terms and conditions. Rates depend on the deposit amount and tenor and change over time, so confirm the current rate with the bank before committing.
Is Al Khaliji France a good choice for everyday retail banking?
It is better suited to corporate clients and higher-balance premium customers than to everyday retail banking. With only two branches and a premium-oriented product range, customers who want a wide branch and ATM network across all emirates may be better served by a large local retail bank.
Does Al Khaliji France support instant local transfers?
Yes. The bank supports Aani, the Central Bank of the UAE instant-payment service powered by Al Etihad Payments, which allows 24/7 local transfers and money requests using a mobile number instead of a bank account number or IBAN.
Who owns Al Khaliji France S.A.?
Al Khaliji France S.A. is a French-registered bank whose ultimate parent company is Al Rayan Bank, headquartered in Doha, Qatar. The Dubai regional office manages the UAE branch operations.
