Arab Bank PLC UAE Review

The Global Arab Banking Network in the UAE – Is It Right for You?

★★★★☆
3,8 / 5

Editor’s Verdict for Arab Bank PLC

Arab Bank PLC has operated in the UAE since 1971, making it one of the longest-standing foreign commercial banks in the country. As the UAE arm of Arab Bank Group – headquartered in Amman, Jordan, listed on the Amman Securities Exchange, and present in 28 countries with 600+ branches – it brings the weight of a century-old global network to a deliberately focused local footprint. In the UAE, the bank operates across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah, serving retail, corporate, and SME clients who value international connectivity and a relationship-first approach over branch density.

✓ Best For

Professionals and executives with financial ties to Jordan, Palestine, Egypt, Lebanon, or the wider Arab world – free online transfers between all Arab Bank accounts globally
Salary customers seeking lifetime-free Classic and Gold Visa credit cards with zero annual fee and no conditions
High-net-worth clients qualifying for the Elite program – dedicated relationship manager, waived fees, and access to premium Visa Signature and MasterCard World Elite cards
SME and corporate clients who need a bank with strong regional correspondent banking, trade finance, and FX capabilities

✗ Not Ideal For

Customers who need an extensive branch and ATM network across all seven emirates – Arab Bank has fewer than 10 full branches in the UAE
Digital-first customers expecting a polished, feature-rich mobile app comparable to ENBD X or Mashreq Neo
Freelancers or self-employed individuals with irregular income (AED 25/month fall-below fee applies if balance drops under AED 3 000)
Anyone needing full banking coverage in Fujairah or Umm Al Quwain – no full branches operate in those emirates

Quick Facts

Bank Type	Commercial / Retail / Corporate / SME Banking
Parent Group	Arab Bank Group PLC (Amman, Jordan) – founded 1930
Established in UAE	1971 (one of the first foreign banks licensed in the UAE)
Global Network	600+ branches in 28 countries across 5 continents
UAE Branch Network	8 branches (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah)
ATM Network (UAE)	40+ ATMs including mall and self-service locations
Mobile App	Arabi Mobile (iOS / Android / Huawei App Gallery)
Online Banking	Arabi Online – arabbank.ae
Languages Supported	English, Arabic
SWIFT/BIC Code	ARABAEAD (All Arab Bank UAE SWIFT Codes)
Credit Rating	BB / Stable Outlook (Fitch, October 2025)

🌐 Official Website
📄 Schedule of Fees
📍 Branch Locator

Arab Bank PLC Pros & Cons

✓ Pros

Free lifetime credit cards
Visa Classic and Visa Gold carry zero annual fee for all customers – no salary conditions, no thresholds, no catch
Free global Arab Bank transfers
Online transfers between any Arab Bank accounts worldwide cost nothing – a genuine advantage for customers with family or business partners in 28 countries
Elite program
Dedicated relationship manager, 1 free international transfer per month, waived premium card fees, and a genuinely personalised banking experience for qualifying clients
Competitive personal loans
Rates from 6,74% p.a., up to AED 730 000, with a 90-day grace period before the first installment – plus a loan buyout facility from other banks
Visa Signature travel perks
Access to 1 300+ airport lounges in 500+ cities, multi-trip travel insurance, concierge services, and cinema buy-one-get-one offers for qualifying cardholders

✗ Cons

Small UAE branch network
With fewer than 10 full branches, customers outside Dubai and Abu Dhabi face limited in-person access – no presence in Fujairah or Umm Al Quwain
Mobile app lags behind competitors
Arabi Mobile is functional but lacks the design polish and feature depth of leading UAE banking apps
ATM fees add up
Withdrawals at other UAE banks’ ATMs cost AED 2 each; GCC ATMs AED 6; international non-Arab Bank ATMs incur 4,5% fee plus USD 2,75
High credit card late payment fee
AED 230 per missed payment – one of the higher fixed penalties in the UAE market; auto-payment setup is strongly recommended
Outward remittance cost
AED 100 plus correspondent fees for transfers outside the Arab Bank network; only Elite and Premium customers receive 1 free transfer per month

Arab Bank PLC Popular Products

Current Account & Salary Account

Visa Signature Credit Card

Best for Travelers & Lifestyle

The Visa Signature is Arab Bank UAE’s flagship lifestyle card, offered exclusively to the bank’s most valued clients. It provides access to 1 300+ airport lounges in more than 500 cities worldwide via the Visa Airport Companion app, multi-trip travel insurance covering you and your family (including COVID-19 coverage), 24-hour concierge service with restaurant bookings, travel arrangements and shopping recommendations, plus meet-and-assist services at 450+ destinations globally.Current lifestyle benefits include a free Careem Plus annual subscription (until July 2026 with promo code “ARABIPLUS”), buy-one-get-one movie tickets at VOX, Reel, Roxy, and Novo Cinemas, 20% off Talabat food orders (2 transactions per month, up to AED 20), and 11% off international transfers via GetTransfer.com. Automatic enrollment in the Arabi Points rewards program applies to all card spend.

The annual fee is AED 1 000 (waived for Elite program customers). The monthly interest rate is 3,59%. Cash advance fee is 3% with a minimum of AED 100. A grace period of up to 52 interest-free days applies when you pay in full by the due date.

Reality check: The Visa Signature earns its AED 1 000 annual fee back quickly for frequent travelers who use the lounge access and travel insurance. For customers spending primarily within the UAE, the free-for-life Visa Gold card offers better cost-to-value. Elite program members get the Signature at zero cost.

Elite Banking Program

For High-Net-Worth Clients

Who it’s for: High-net-worth individuals and senior executives who want relationship-driven banking rather than transactional service.Arab Bank’s Elite program is the bank’s private-banking-lite offering. Members receive a dedicated relationship manager who knows their financial profile by name, access to an exclusive contact center, 1 free outward international transfer per month through any channel, and waived annual fees on Visa Platinum and Visa Signature cards. Elite customers also gain exclusive access to the Visa Travel Mate (AED 600/year) and MasterCard World Elite (AED 1 900/year) cards, which are unavailable to standard retail customers.

Fee benefits for Elite customers include discounted safe box rentals (small box from AED 750 vs. AED 1 000 standard), free Visa Platinum card (normally AED 500), free Visa Signature card (normally AED 1 000), MasterCard Titanium at AED 150 (vs. AED 300 standard), and free all outward Arab Bank PLC transfers globally via online channels.

The core value: If you are a high-frequency transactor or regularly manage significant cross-border flows, the fee savings and relationship management model typically outweigh any Elite enrollment threshold within the first few months of membership.

Arab Bank PLC Fees & Charges

Understanding the fee structure prevents unpleasant surprises:

Minimum Balance Fee

AED 25 / month

Applies if your average monthly balance falls below AED 3 000 on Current or Savings accounts. Time Deposit accounts require AED 5 000 minimum (AED 75 quarterly if below). Elite and Premium program customers have separate balance thresholds. Keep a buffer above AED 3 000 – especially during months with large outgoing payments.

Outward International Transfer

AED 100 + correspondent fees

Applies to all transfers outside the UAE or in foreign currency within the UAE through the branch. Transfers between Arab Bank PLC accounts globally are free via Arabi Online. Elite and Premium customers receive 1 free outward transfer per month through any channel. Arabi Access Transfer product costs AED 10 per transfer.

Credit Card International Transaction

Up to 3%

Applied to all cross-border POS transactions on Visa credit cards (up to 3% plus exchange rate). Visa Electron and debit cards incur up to 4% on foreign POS transactions. This is in line with UAE market standards but adds up for frequent international shoppers.

ATM Withdrawal – UAE Switch (Other Banks)

AED 2 / transaction

Applies when withdrawing cash at other UAE banks’ ATMs. Withdrawals at Arab Bank’s own ATMs are free. GCC ATMs cost AED 6. International non-Arab Bank ATMs cost 4,5% of the amount plus USD 2,75 – budget carefully if you travel frequently and rely on cash.

Early Account Closure Fee

AED 100

Applies if you close your account within the first 6 months of opening. No fee for accounts older than 6 months. Ensure all linked cards, loans, and standing orders are cancelled before requesting closure to avoid delays.

Credit Card Late Payment Fee

AED 230

A fixed fee applied per missed payment cycle – one of the higher flat penalties in the UAE retail banking market. Monthly interest rate on outstanding balances is 3,59%. Setting up an auto-payment standing order for at least the minimum due amount is strongly recommended to avoid this charge.

Dormant Account

Varies

Accounts with no transaction activity for extended periods face maintenance fees. After two years of inactivity, balances are transferred to the UAE Central Bank as unclaimed funds per CBUAE regulations. Ensure at least one transaction per year – even a balance enquiry counts – to keep the account active.

Personal Loan Processing Fee

1% (min AED 500 / max AED 2 500)

Applied on new personal loans and top-ups. The same processing fee structure applies to auto loans. Early or partial settlement costs 1% of the remaining balance (max AED 10 000). Deferment of one installment costs AED 100 per deferment request.

Digital Experience

Arabi Mobile App

🍎

iOS App Store

★ 3,8 / 5

1 100+ ratings

🤖

Google Play

Available

Android & Huawei

The Arabi Mobile app is available on iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play), and Huawei App Gallery. Registration requires a valid debit card and an active SMS Express service subscription. Login options include fingerprint, Face ID (iPhone only), and pattern, depending on device capability.

What works well: The app handles all essential daily banking without branch visits – account balances and transaction history, fund transfers within Arab Bank UAE and globally, local and international bank transfers, credit card payments, bill payments, loan and card applications, scheduled and future-dated transfers, IBAN sharing via WhatsApp or email, and a built-in branch and ATM locator. Second-password management and beneficiary management (add, edit, delete, mark as trusted) are smooth and intuitive.

What frustrates users: The app interface has not kept pace with the design evolution of leading UAE banking apps. Navigation feels dated, and some features require multiple taps to reach. The app rating of 3,8 on the App Store (Arabic region) reflects user frustration with occasional session timeouts and limited advanced features compared to challenger-bank alternatives. The app does what it needs to do – it just does not do it elegantly.

Arabi Online – Web Banking

The Arabi Online portal at arabbank.ae provides the full range of account management functions including statements, transfers, card payments, bill payments, and fixed deposit management. Existing Arabi Online credentials work directly in Arabi Mobile without separate registration. Complex tasks such as account closure, loan applications, and dispute resolution may still require a branch visit or Customer Care Center call. The online IBAN Generator tool on the homepage is a genuinely practical feature for customers who need to share their IBAN quickly.

Arab Bank PLC Contact Information & Support

Customer Service

Customer Care Center

04-445 0000

English & Arabic

From Outside UAE

+971 4 445 0000

International callers

Email – Customer Care

Customer.care@arabbank.ae

General enquiries & complaints

Loan Calculator / IBAN

arabbank.ae

Online tools – homepage

Email – Complaints

complaintsuae@arabbank.ae

Fax – Complaints Unit

+971 4 321 4775

Headquarters (UAE)

Arab Bank PLC UAE Branches
Emaar Square, Building 2, 6th Floor
P.O. Box 11364
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Quick Actions

🔒 Block Lost Card (24/7)
📍Find Branch / ATM
🚨 Report Fraud

Arab Bank PLC Branch Network

Arab Bank PLC operates 8 full-service branches across five UAE emirates, supported by 40+ ATMs including locations in major malls such as Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, Mirdif City Centre, Ibn Battuta Mall, Sahara Centre (Sharjah), Safeer Mall (Ajman), and Dalma Mall (Abu Dhabi). All branches offer the full range of retail and corporate banking services. Standard branch hours: Sunday – Thursday 08:00 – 15:00 | Friday 07:30 – 12:30 | Saturday 08:00 – 14:00.

Abu Dhabi

Branch	Address
Abu Dhabi Main Branch	Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohamed Building, Al Nasr Street, Abu Dhabi. P.O. Box 875
Al Zahiya Branch	Al Salmeen Golden Tower, Zayed The First Street (E15), Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi
Al Hisn Branch	Al Hoson Tower, Al Abhar Street (W2), Al Hisn, Abu Dhabi

Dubai

Branch	Address
Dubai Main Branch (Deira)	Al Gurg Tower 3, Baniyas Street, Deira, Dubai. P.O. Box 11364
Business Bay Branch	Escape Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, Dubai. P.O. Box 1650
Sheikh Zayed Road Branch	Eiffel 1 Building, Umm Al Sheif Area, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Motor City Branch	Kojak Building, Motor City, Dubai

Sharjah

Branch	Address
Sharjah Branch	Sarh Al Emarat Tower, Corniche Road, Al Majaz, Sharjah. P.O. Box 130

Ajman

Branch	Address
Ajman Branch	Sheikh Rashid Al Naimi Street, Ajman

Ras Al Khaimah

Branch	Address
Ras Al Khaimah Branch	Al Naeem Tower 2, Al Jazaah Road, Al Nakheel, Ras Al Khaimah

Information may change – verify current terms on the official Arab Bank UAE website (arabbank.ae) before making financial decisions. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

FAQ – Arab Bank PLC UAE

How do I open an Arab Bank account as a UAE resident?

You need a valid passport with at least 6 months’ remaining validity, a valid UAE residence visa, an Emirates ID, a recent utility bill or tenancy contract as proof of address, and a salary certificate or employment letter. Visit any branch or call 04-445 0000 to begin. Processing typically takes 2-5 business days for straightforward resident applications.

Can non-residents open an Arab Bank UAE account?

Non-resident accounts are not a standard retail product at Arab Bank UAE. The bank primarily serves UAE residents with valid residence visas. Corporate and trade finance accounts for non-resident entities may be available through the corporate banking team – contact the branch directly for a case-by-case assessment.

What is the minimum balance requirement at Arab Bank UAE?

AED 3 000 average monthly balance for Current and Savings accounts. AED 5 000 for Time Deposit accounts. If the balance falls below AED 3 000 on a Current or Savings account, a fee of AED 25 per month is applied. Elite and Premium program customers have separate threshold and fee structures as set out in their program terms.

How long do international transfers take from Arab Bank UAE?

Transfers between Arab Bank PLC accounts globally via Arabi Online are processed quickly, often same-day. Standard SWIFT transfers to banks outside the Arab Bank network typically take 1-3 business days depending on the receiving bank and correspondent relationships. The Arabi Access Transfer product offers faster processing at AED 10 per transaction.

How do I close my Arab Bank UAE account?

Visit any branch with your Emirates ID and debit card. Settle all outstanding balances, cancel linked credit cards and standing orders first, then submit a written closure request. Processing takes approximately 3-7 business days. A fee of AED 100 applies if the account is closed within the first 6 months of opening. No fee is charged for accounts older than 6 months.

What happens if my Arab Bank account goes dormant?

Accounts with no transaction activity for an extended period are subject to dormancy maintenance charges. After two years of inactivity, balances are transferred to the UAE Central Bank as unclaimed funds in accordance with CBUAE regulations. To prevent this, ensure at least one transaction per year and keep your contact details current with the bank.

What are the requirements for an Arab Bank personal loan in the UAE?

You need a valid UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, passport, a recent salary or employment verification document, a salary transfer letter, and 6 months of bank statements. Rates start from 6,74% per annum with loan amounts up to AED 730 000 and repayment tenure up to 4 years. A 90-day grace period is available before the first installment. Processing fee is 1% of the loan amount (minimum AED 500, maximum AED 2 500). Apply online, by calling 04-445 0000, or by visiting any branch.

How do I check my Arab Bank credit card application status?

Call the Customer Care Center on 04-445 0000, log into Arabi Online at arabbank.ae, or check via the Arabi Mobile app. Branch staff can also check application status with your Emirates ID.

What should I do if my Arab Bank card is lost or stolen?

Call 04-445 0000 immediately to block the card, or use the Arabi Mobile app to stop the card directly. A card replacement fee of AED 75 applies for credit cards; AED 25 for debit/ATM cards.