Emirates NBD Bank Review
Best Bank for Expats in the UAE?
Editor’s Verdict for ENBD
Emirates NBD stands as the largest bank in the UAE with over 200 branches and 900 ATMs across the country. Formed from the 2007 merger of Emirates Bank International and National Bank of Dubai, it dominates Dubai’s retail banking landscape. The bank reported a record profit of AED 29,8 billion in 2025, cementing its position as a financial puse.
✓ Best For
- Salaried professionals earning AED 5 000+ monthly who need a reliable, full-service bank
- Expats frequently sending money to India, Philippines, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Egypt, or the UK via DirectRemit
- Emirates Skywards members looking to maximize airline miles on everyday spending
- Anyone who values extensive ATM coverage and branch accessibility
✗ Not Ideal For
- Freelancers or self-employed individuals with irregular income (strict minimum balance penalties)
- Budget-conscious customers seeking zero-fee banking without conditions
- Those who prioritize digital-only banking with minimal bureaucracy
Quick Facts
| Bank Type | Commercial / Retail / SME / Private Banking |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2007 (merger of Emirates Bank International and National Bank of Dubai) |
| Headquarters | Baniyas Road, Deira, Dubai, UAE |
| Branch Network | 200+ branches in the UAE |
| ATM Network | 900+ ATMs and CDMs across UAE |
| Mobile App | ENBD X (iOS rating: 4,7/5 with 17K+ reviews) |
| Online Banking | ENBD X Online Banking |
| Languages Supported | English, Arabic, Hindi (phone banking) |
| SWIFT/BIC Code | EBILAEADXXX (All Emirates NBD Swift Codes) |
| Credit Rating | A+ (Fitch), A1 (Moody’s) |
📄 Schedule of Fees
📍 Branch Locator
Emirates NBD Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- Massive ATM network
The widest coverage in Dubai means you’re never far from a cash machine - DirectRemit
Free instant transfers to India, Philippines, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Egypt, and UK - Liv. digital bank
A sleek, paperless banking option for younger customers within the Emirates NBD ecosystem - Skywards integration
Direct earning and redemption of Emirates miles through co-branded credit cards - Bon Appétit program
Discounts at 2 000+ restaurants and entertainment venues across the UAE
✗ Cons
- Minimum balance penalties
AED 26,25 monthly fee if your balance drops below AED 3 000 - Customer service wait times
Long hold times on phone support; complex IVR system frustrates many users - Account closure hassle
Closing an account can take longer than opening one; requires formal process - International transfer fees
3% markup on foreign currency transactions is standard but adds up - KYC requirements
Strict documentation demands; late updates may trigger account restrictions
ENBD Popular Products
Salary Account
Most Popular
Who it’s for: Employed expats and UAE nationals receiving regular monthly salaries.
The Emirates NBD salary account waives the minimum balance requirement entirely as long as your employer transfers your salary directly into the account. For salary transfers of AED 5 000 and above, you avoid the AED 26,25 monthly fall-below fee that applies to non-salary accounts.
Key features include a free debit card, optional chequebook, and access to the bank’s full range of credit products including personal loans with preferential rates for salary customers. The account opens quickly for residents with valid Emirates ID, passport, and salary certificate from your employer.
Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card
Best for Travelers
The Skywards Infinite is the flagship travel rewards card for Emirates frequent flyers. It offers up to 100 000 bonus Skywards Miles as a welcome offer, complimentary Emirates Skywards Silver membership, and unlimited airport lounge access worldwide. The card earns miles on every purchase, with accelerated earning on Emirates flights and travel bookings.
The annual fee sits at AED 1 500 (first year free for UAE Nationals), with a minimum salary requirement of AED 30 000. The annual percentage rate is 37,08%. For occasional travelers, the Skywards Signature card offers similar benefits at a lower tier.
Liv. Digital Bank
For Gen Z
Who it’s for: Gen Z and millennials who want a smartphone-first banking experience without branch visits.
Liv. by Emirates NBD functions as a fully digital bank account with instant paperless onboarding. You scan your Emirates ID and take a selfie – account opens in minutes. The app offers up to 4% interest on savings, free international transfers to select countries, and a Visa World debit card.
Liv. has no minimum balance requirements for basic accounts, making it ideal for those starting out in the UAE. The Liv X app includes features like spend tracking, bill splitting, and gamified savings goals. You get the stability of Emirates NBD’s infrastructure without the traditional banking bureaucracy.
Emirates NBD Hidden Fees & Charges
Understanding the fee structure prevents unpleasant surprises:
Digital Experience
ENBD X Mobile App
The ENBD X app serves as the primary digital banking channel for Emirates NBD customers. It handles most everyday banking needs without branch visits.
What works well: Account overview and transaction history are clean and accessible. Fund transfers between Emirates NBD accounts happen instantly. The Smart Pass feature provides secure two-factor authentication for sensitive transactions. Bill payments, credit card management, and DirectRemit transfers function smoothly.
What frustrates users: The 2023 app redesign drew criticism for buried features and a confusing interface. Password reset issues lock users out following app updates. The app requires approximately 1 GB of storage – heavy for a banking application.
Online Banking
The web portal at emiratesnbd.com provides comprehensive account management including statements, transfers, and service requests. It works reliably but feels dated compared to challenger banks. Complex tasks like account closure or dispute resolution still require branch visits or phone calls.
Emirates NBD Contact Information & Support
Customer Service
Personal Banking
Priority Banking
Business Banking
Private Banking
Corporate and Institutional Banking
Customer Support
Headquarters
Baniyas Road, Deira
Dubai, UAE
P.O. Box 777
Quick Actions
Emirates NBD Branch Network
Emirates NBD operates over 200 branches across all seven emirates of the UAE, making it the leading retail banking franchise in the country. The branches listed below are sourced from the bank’s official branch locator. All branches offer comprehensive banking services including priority banking, business banking, and digital banking support.
Abu Dhabi
| Branch | Address |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Main office Branch | Ground floor, Capital Plaza tower, Abu Dhabi |
| Al Ain Khalifa Street Branch | Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed St, (in front of Burjeel Hospital), Al Ain |
| Al Ain Main Branch – Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium | Unit 4B, Ground floor, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium- Al Ain |
| Al Nahyan Branch | Ground Floor, Mashwi Al Qubaisi building, Al Nahyan area, Abu Dhabi |
| Dalma Mall Branch | Shop Nos. GR-133 & GR 134, Ground Floor, Dalma Mall, Mussafah Area, Abu Dhabi |
| Deerfields Mall Branch | Lower Ground Floor, Deerfields Mall, Albahiya Street, Abu Dhabi |
| Electra Street Branch | Al Owais Building, Shaikh Zayed Second Street, near LLH Hospital, Al Danah, Zone 1, Abu Dhabi |
| Khalidiya Branch | Nayel and bin Harmal Tower, Zayed 1st Street, Al Khalidiya Area, Abu Dhabi |
| Khalifa Branch | Ground Floor, Al Neem Building, Shaikh Khalifa street, Abu Dhabi |
| Madinati Mall Branch | Ground floor, Madinati Mall, Abu Dhabi |
| Mussafah Branch | Ground Floor, Al Bustan Guardian Building, Mussafah Industrial, Abu Dhabi |
| Reem Mall Branch | L1, Reem Mall, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi |
| Tourist Club Branch | Ground Floor, Al Balooshi Tower, Zayed The Second St, Abu Dhabi |
| Yas Mall Branch | G Floor, Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi |
Dubai
| Branch | Address |
|---|---|
| Al Aweer Branch | Emirates NBD Building, Al Aweer Area, Oman-Hatta Road, Dubai |
| Al Barsha Branch | Emirates NBD Building, Al Barsha 2, Dubai |
| Al Fahidi Branch | Al Fahidi St, Bur Dubai, Dubai |
| Al Mankhool Branch | Nashwan Building, Al Mankhool Rd, Dubai |
| Al Muraqqabat Branch | Emirates NBD Building, Mezzanine Floor, Hor Al Anz Road, Dubai |
| Al Qiyadah Branch | Al Ittihad Rd, next to Dubai Police Head Quarters, Dubai |
| Al Quoz Branch | Ground Floor, Al Shafar Building, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, UAE |
| Al Qusais Branch | Damascus St, Near Dubai Grand Hotel, Al Qusais, Dubai |
| Al Satwa Branch | 2nd Floor, Al Badaa St, Satwa Road, Dubai |
| Al Twar Branch | Dubai Airport Free Zone, East Admin Bldg, Ground Floor, Al Twar Area, Al Qusais, Dubai |
| Bank Street Branch | Ground Floor, Burjuman Shopping Center, Khalid Bin Waleed Street, Bur Dubai, Dubai |
| Burj Khalifa Branch | 1st Floor, Boulevard Plaza Tower 2, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai |
| Business Bay Branch | Ground Floor, Bldg. # 2, Bay Square, Al Asayel Road, Business Bay, Dubai |
| Deira Branch | Ground Floor, new Emirates NBD Building at Abra Rd, Deira, Dubai |
| Deira City Centre Branch | Ground Floor, Deira City Centre, Al Ittihad Road, Dubai |
| Dubai Airport T3 Branch | Dubai Airport Terminal 3 Departure, Airport Road, Dubai |
| Dubai Courts Branch | Ground Floor, Dubai Courts, Riyadh Road, Dubai |
| Dubai Design District Branch | Shop No. R01, Ground Floor, Dubai Design District, Dubai |
| Dubai Festival City Branch | Ground Floor, Dubai Festival Mall, IKEA Building, Al Badia, Dubai |
| Dubai Hills Mall Branch | Ground Floor, Parking Entrance, E, Dubai Hills Mall, Umm Suqeim Street, Hadaeq Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, Dubai |
| Dubai Mall Branch | Lower Ground Floor, Dubai Mall, Emaar Blvd, Dubai |
| Dubai Media City Branch | Ground Floor, Shop, 16, Business Central Towers, Al Safouh Second, Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis Branch | First Floor, Silicon Central Mall, Nadd Hessa, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai |
| Emirates Airline HQ Branch | Second Floor Atrium, Emirates Group Headquarters, Airport Road, Dubai |
| Emirates Mall Branch | Entrance C, Ground Floor, Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai |
| Emirates Towers Branch | Upper Level, The Boulevard, Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai |
| Group Head Office Branch | Ground Floor, Emirates NBD Group Head Office, Baniyas Road, Deira, Dubai |
| Hamriya Branch | Ground Floor, Union Cooperative Hyper Market, Hamriya Shopping Complex, Hor Al Anz, Dubai |
| Hatta Branch | Emirates NBD Building, opposite Hatta Hotel, Dubai-Hatta Road, Dubai |
| Ibn Battuta Mall Branch | Ground Floor, Persia Court, IBN Battuta Shopping Mall, Jebel Ali, Dubai |
| Jebel Ali Branch | Jebel Ali Free Zone, Next to CBD and HSBC |
| Jumeirah Beach Residence Branch | Unit No. GM07, Bahar The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai |
| Jumeirah Beach Road Branch | Jumeira 1, Jumeira Beach Road, before Mercato Mall |
| Jumeirah Branch | Emirates NBD Building, Al Wasl Rd Intersection, Umm Suquiem 3, Jumeirah, Dubai |
| Jumeirah Lake Towers Branch | Ground Floor, Al Mas Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers Area, Dubai |
| Jumeirah Village Circle Branch | 056B Ground floor Circle Mall, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai |
| Junction Mall Branch | Unit No. Shop G03 & G04, Ground Floor, Junction Mall, Dubai investment park 1, Dubai |
| Mirdif City Centre Branch | Ground Floor, North Entrance, Mirdif City Centre, Dubai |
| Mizher Mall Branch | Mizher Mall, Al Mizher First Area, Dubai. |
| Nad Al Sheba Mall Branch | Level 2, Nad Al Sheba Mall, Nad Al Sheba Third, Dubai |
| Nad Al Shiba Branch | Dubai-Al Ain Highway, Next to EPPCO Petrol Station, Dubai |
| Oud Metha Branch | Ground Floor, Gulf Residence Building, Oud Metha Road, Dubai |
| Ras Al Khor Branch | Civil Defense Bldg, Ras Al Khor Fruit & Vegetable Market, Al Aweer, Dubai |
| Rashidiya Branch | Rashidiya Central Market, Rashidiya, Dubai |
| Sheikh Zayed Road Branch | Ground Floor, Saeed Tower, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai |
| The Greens Branch | Ground Floor, Onyx Tower 2, The Greens, Dubai |
| Umm Suqeim Branch | Ground Floor, Spinneys Al Wasl Branch, Umm Suquiem Road, Dubai |
| Wafi Mall Branch | Ground Floor, Atrium, Wafi Mall, Al Garhoud, Dubai |
Sharjah
| Branch | Address |
|---|---|
| Al Zahia City Centre Branch | Ground Floor, City Centre Al Zahia, Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, Sharjah |
| Matajer Al Quoz Branch | Ground Floor, Matajer Al Qouz Mall, Al Quoz area, Sharjah |
| Sahara Mall Branch | Unit 1 C, Basement Parking, Sahara Centre, Al Ittihad Street, Al Nahda Area, Sharjah |
| Sharjah AlSuyouh Branch | Ground Floor, Suyoh Mall, Maleha Road, Sharjah |
| Sharjah City Center Branch | 1st Floor, Sharjah City Center, Al Wahda Street, Sharjah |
| Sharjah Main Branch | Ground Floor, Emirates NBD Building, Immigration Road, Al Qassimia Area, Sharjah |
Ajman
| Branch | Address |
|---|---|
| Ajman City Centre Branch | Ground Floor, Ajman City Centre, Ittihad Road, Jurf Industrial 3, Ajman |
| Ajman Main Branch | Emirates NBD Building, Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid St, Al Sawan, Ajman |
Ras Al Khaimah
| Branch | Address |
|---|---|
| Ras Al-Khaimah Corniche Branch | Yousef Obaid Al Neaimi Building, Corniche Street, Ras Al-Khaimah |
Fujairah
| Branch | Address |
|---|---|
| Fujairah Main Branch | Sheikh Hamad Bin Abdullah Street, Town Centre 3, Fujairah, Opposite Al Diar Siji Hotel, Fujairah |
Umm Al Quwain
| Branch | Address |
|---|---|
| Umm Al Quwain Branch | King Faisal Road, Al Raas B, Umm Al Quwain, Near Umm Al Quwain Hospital, Umm Al Quwain |
Information may change – verify current terms on the official Emirates NBD website before making financial decisions. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
FAQ – Emirates NBD Bank
How do I open an Emirates NBD account as a resident?
Residents need a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity), Emirates ID, proof of address (utility bill or tenancy contract), and a salary certificate from their employer. Visit any branch or start the application online. Processing typically takes 1-3 business days for straightforward applications.
Can non-residents open an Emirates NBD account?
Yes, Emirates NBD offers non-resident accounts for property owners and investors. Requirements include a valid passport, proof of address in your home country, bank reference letter, and recent bank statements. Non-resident accounts may require higher minimum balances (AED 30 000 fixed deposit is common).
What is the minimum balance requirement?
For salary accounts with regular salary credits: no minimum balance required. For standard current accounts: AED 3 000 monthly average balance to avoid the AED 26,25 fall-below fee. Priority Banking and Private Banking have higher balance requirements with correspondingly enhanced benefits.
How long do international transfers take?
DirectRemit transfers to supported countries (India, Philippines, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Egypt, UK) arrive within minutes to hours depending on the receiving bank. Standard SWIFT transfers to other countries typically take 1-3 business days. Express options are available for urgent transfers at additional cost.
What is the Emirates NBD SWIFT code?
The main SWIFT/BIC code is EBILAEADXXX. Individual branches may have extended codes – check your specific branch details in Online Banking or on your chequebook.
How do I close my Emirates NBD account?
Visit a branch with your Emirates ID and debit card, or email the account closure form to the bank from your registered email address if you’re abroad. Clear all outstanding balances and cancel linked services (credit cards, loans) first. Processing takes 3-7 business days. An AED 100 fee applies if closing within 6 months of account opening.
What happens if my account goes dormant?
After two years of no transactions, dormant accounts transfer to the UAE Central Bank as unclaimed funds. Contact Emirates NBD at least annually to maintain account activity. Low-cost transactions like balance inquiries count as activity.
What are the requirements for a personal loan?
Salaried employees need minimum monthly income of AED 5 000, at least 3 months with current employer, and valid UAE residency. Self-employed individuals face stricter requirements including business financials and higher minimum income thresholds. Loan amounts and rates depend on salary level and employment status.
How do I check my credit card application status?
Call +971 600 540000 and select the credit card option, or log into the ENBD X app to view pending applications. Branch staff can also check status with your Emirates ID.
Does Emirates NBD support cryptocurrency?
Emirates NBD does not currently offer direct cryptocurrency trading or custody services through its main banking platform. The bank continues to explore digital asset opportunities but has not announced retail crypto products.
