National Bank of Fujairah (NBF) Review

National Bank of Fujairah (NBF)

The Trade Finance Specialist of the UAE?

★★★★☆
4,1 / 5

Editor’s Verdict for NBF

National Bank of Fujairah (NBF) is a publicly listed UAE bank founded in 1982 by royal decree, with operations commencing in 1984. Headquartered in the Emirate of Fujairah and majority-owned by the Government of Fujairah (50,33%), the bank is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange under the ticker NBF. NBF specializes in corporate banking, trade finance, treasury services, precious metals and diamonds financing, alongside personal banking and an Islamic banking window. The bank reported a record net profit after tax of AED 1,2 billion for 2025, a 41,8% year-on-year increase.

✓ Best For

  • Corporate clients and SMEs needing trade finance, cash management and treasury solutions
  • Businesses dealing in precious metals, diamonds or commodities – a niche NBF historically leads
  • UAE nationals and residents in Fujairah and the Northern Emirates with strong local branch coverage
  • Customers seeking Shariah-compliant financing via the NBF Islamic window
  • Priority Banking clients who value personalized relationship management

✗ Not Ideal For

  • Customers seeking the largest branch and ATM network in the UAE (NBF has 15 branches vs. 200+ at major retail banks)
  • Digital-first users who want a fully app-driven challenger bank experience
  • Residents in Ajman and Umm Al Quwain – NBF has no full-service branches in these emirates

Quick Facts

Bank Type Corporate / Commercial / SME / Personal / Islamic Banking
Founded 1982 (operations commenced 1984)
Headquarters Hamad Bin Abdullah Street, P.O. Box 887, Fujairah, UAE
Corporate Office (Dubai) Al Fujairah Building, Khalid Bin Al Waleed Street, P.O. Box 2979, Bur Dubai
Branch Network 15 branches across the UAE
ATM Network 74 ATMs and CDMs across UAE
Branch Hours Mon-Thu & Sat: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm; Fri: 7:30 am – 12:30 pm (selected branches may have shorter hours)
Mobile App NBF Direct App (iOS rating: 4,4/5; Android: 2,8/5)
Online Banking NBF Direct Online Banking
Languages Supported English, Arabic
SWIFT/BIC Code NBFUAEAFXXX (All NBF Swift Codes)
Stock Exchange Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX: NBF)
CEO Adnan Anwar
Net Profit 2025 AED 1,2 billion (after tax)

NBF Pros & Cons

✓ Pros

  • Strong trade finance franchise
    NBF is a market leader in trade finance, precious metals and commodities financing in the UAE
  • Government backing
    50,33% majority ownership by the Government of Fujairah provides long-term stability
  • Islamic banking integration
    First conventional UAE bank to join the Nasdaq Dubai Murabaha Platform (2017)
  • Personalized service
    Smaller network means stronger relationship banking for Priority and corporate clients
  • Fujairah & Northern Emirates coverage
    Most extensive footprint in Fujairah of any UAE bank

✗ Cons

  • Limited retail network
    Only 15 full-service branches versus 200+ at top retail banks
  • Lower-rated Android app
    NBF Direct App on Google Play scores 2,8/5 with user complaints after updates
  • Less competitive on consumer products
    Credit card rewards and digital banking lag behind retail-focused competitors
  • No presence in Ajman & Umm Al Quwain
    Only ATMs in Ajman; no service points in Umm Al Quwain
  • Limited working hours
    Some branches close as early as 1:00 PM, limiting walk-in access

NBF Popular Products

NBF Priority Banking

Most Popular

Who it’s for: Affluent professionals and families seeking dedicated relationship management.

NBF Priority Banking provides customers with a dedicated relationship manager, preferential FX and deposit rates, exclusive airport lounge access, lifestyle privileges and priority service at all NBF branches. The proposition includes premium debit and credit cards, complimentary account services, and tailored wealth solutions.

For UAE nationals, NBF also offers the bespoke NBF AlSamy proposition with exclusive benefits and dedicated service standards. Eligibility requires a minimum relationship balance or salary credit; speak to a branch for current thresholds.

Watch out: If your relationship balance falls below the qualifying threshold, you may be downgraded to a standard banking package with associated fees.

NBF Infinite Credit Card

Best for Lifestyle

The NBF Infinite is the bank’s flagship credit card, offering premium travel and lifestyle benefits including unlimited airport lounge access via LoungeKey, complimentary golf at top UAE courses, travel insurance, concierge service and accelerated rewards on dining, travel and international spending.

NBF also issues a range of Visa Classic and Platinum cards – several of which are marketed as free-for-life with no annual or joining fees – making them attractive for customers seeking everyday rewards without high entry costs. Cashback, rewards points and welcome bonuses (such as AED 300 for spending AED 6 000 in 60 days on selected cards) are regularly available.

Reality check: NBF cards are competitive on fee structure but less rewarding on miles compared to airline-co-branded cards from larger retail banks. Best suited for customers who value low fees over premium rewards programs.

NBF Ajyal Account

For Families & Youth

Who it’s for: Parents who want to introduce children and young adults to banking with safe, supervised access.

NBF Ajyal is a youth-focused savings proposition designed for minors and young adults. The account introduces savings habits early, with parental controls, goal-based savings features, exclusive birthday rewards, and educational benefits. Children’s accounts can be opened with parental consent using the child’s birth certificate, passport and the parents’ Emirates IDs.

Beyond Ajyal, NBF offers a full range of personal accounts including Current Accounts, Savings Accounts and Fixed Deposits in AED and major foreign currencies, with salary-transfer customers benefiting from waived minimum balance requirements.

Trade-off: Designed primarily as a savings tool — children’s accounts have transactional restrictions and limited card functionality until the holder reaches adulthood.

NBF Hidden Fees & Charges

Understanding the fee structure prevents unpleasant surprises. Always consult the latest NBF Schedule of Charges for current rates.

Minimum Balance Fee
AED 25 / month
Applies if your average monthly balance falls below AED 3 000 on standard current accounts. Salary account holders with regular salary credits are typically exempt. Priority Banking clients have higher relationship balance requirements with no fall-below penalties.
International Transaction Fee
~2,99%
On all foreign currency card transactions, including ATM withdrawals abroad and online purchases in non-AED currencies. Competitive with the UAE banking market but higher than specialist multi-currency providers.
International SWIFT Transfer
From AED 75 / transfer
Outgoing SWIFT transfers are charged a flat fee plus correspondent bank charges depending on the corridor and currency. Priority Banking clients may receive preferential rates or fee waivers.
Early Account Closure
AED 100
Applies if you close your account within 12 months of opening. No fee for accounts older than one year.
Dormant Account Fee
Varies
Accounts with no activity for extended periods may incur maintenance charges and eventually transfer to the UAE Central Bank’s unclaimed funds register after the dormancy period defined by Central Bank regulations.
Credit Card Late Payment
AED 230 (max)
Late payment charges capped per UAE Central Bank guidelines. Interest accrues on outstanding balances at rates between 33% and 39% APR depending on the card tier.

Digital Experience

NBF Direct App

🍎
iOS App Store
★ 4,4 / 5
141+ ratings
🤖
Google Play
★ 2,8 / 5
50K+ downloads

The NBF Direct App is the bank’s mobile banking platform, supporting day-to-day banking without branch visits. A separate NBF Direct Security Token app provides two-factor authentication for sensitive web banking transactions.

What works well: Account overview, local UAEFTS transfers and international SWIFT payments are reliable. Bill payments, credit card management, cheque deposit via mobile capture, and beneficiary management work smoothly. The in-app security token streamlines login and authentication.

What frustrates users: Android users report stability issues following app updates and a less polished interface compared to challenger banks. The app feels conservative in design, prioritizing reliability over modern UX. iOS performance is significantly better than Android.

Online Banking

NBF Direct Online Banking at nbf.ae provides comprehensive account management including statements, transfers (within NBF, UAEFTS and SWIFT), standing instructions, beneficiary management and service requests. The portal is functional and stable but less feature-rich than larger retail bank platforms. Complex tasks like account closure or dispute resolution still require branch visits or phone calls.

NBF Contact Information & Support

Customer Service

Main Contact (Inside UAE)

8008NBF (8008623)
Also: 600 565551

Customer Care (Outside UAE)

+971 4 815 7555
International support

General Enquiries

Online Contact Form
Personal & business segments

Treasury

+971 4 520 6666

Investor Relations

+971 9 202 9210

Investor Relations Fax

+971 9 222 9858

Fraud Reporting

fraud@nbf.ae

Treasury / Markets

grp-nbfmarkets@nbf.ae

Investor Relations

nbf-investorrelations@nbf.ae

Data Protection Officer

dpo@nbf.ae

Headquarters & Registered Office

National Bank of Fujairah PJSC
Hamad Bin Abdullah Street, P.O. Box 887, Fujairah, UAERegistered Office (Dubai):
Al Fujairah Building, Khalid Bin Al Waleed Street
P.O. Box 2979, Bur Dubai, UAE

Quick Actions

NBF Branch Network

NBF operates 15 full-service branches across the UAE, with the largest concentration in its home emirate of Fujairah (7 branches), followed by Dubai (3), Abu Dhabi (3), Sharjah (1) and Ras Al Khaimah (1). Standard branch hours are Mon-Thu & Sat 8:00 am – 3:00 pm and Fri 7:30 am – 12:30 pm. While the network is smaller than the largest retail banks, NBF offers extended service hours at select POD-friendly branches.

Abu Dhabi

Branch Address
Abu Dhabi Branch (POD Friendly) Al Danat Square Mall, Ground Floor (beside Viva Supermarket), Al Sa’adah, Zone 1, Abu Dhabi
Al Ain Branch Al Mandhour Street, opposite Al Ain Mall, Al Ain
Mussafah Branch Al Bustan Guardian Building, Ground Floor, Musaffah Sector 1, M1, P.O. Box 786, Abu Dhabi

Dubai

Branch Address
Al Ras Branch Mohammad Ahmad Al Sakit Building, Ground Floor, Al Khor Street, Al Ras, Dubai
Bur Dubai Branch (POD Friendly) — Registered Office Al Fujairah Building, Khalid Bin Al Waleed Street, P.O. Box 2979, Bur Dubai, Dubai
Jebel Ali Branch NBF Building, next to Etisalat, Jebel Ali, P.O. Box 17676, Dubai

Sharjah

Branch Address
Sharjah Branch Faya Business Building, Ground Floor (opposite Al Majaz Park and Khalid Lake), Al Majaz 2, P.O. Box 1416, Sharjah

Ras Al Khaimah

Branch Address
Ras Al-Khaimah Branch Golf Apartment F Building, Unit No. GF001-GF003, Ground Floor, Al Jazeera, Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah

Fujairah

Branch Address
Dibba Branch Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Street, P.O. Box 11700, Dibba Al Fujairah
Fujairah Branch (POD Friendly) — Head Office Siji Residences, Ground Floor, Sheikh Hamad Bin Abdullah Al Sharqi Street, Fujairah City Centre, P.O. Box 887, Fujairah
Fujairah Court Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road, Fujairah Court House, Fujairah
Fujairah Free Zone Branch NBF Building, Fujairah, Khorfakkan Road, P.O. Box 887, Fujairah
Masafi Branch NBF Building, Masafi, P.O. Box 11208, Fujairah
Qidfah Branch NBF Building, Qidfah, P.O. Box 12002, Fujairah
Tawian Branch NBF Building, Dibba Road, Tawian, P.O. Box 30098, Fujairah

Information may change – verify current terms on the official NBF website before making financial decisions. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

FAQ – National Bank of Fujairah (NBF)

How do I open an account with NBF as a UAE resident?

UAE residents need a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity), Emirates ID, salary certificate or proof of income, and proof of UAE address (Ejari or utility bill). Visit any NBF branch with these documents. Account opening typically takes 1-3 business days for salaried residents.

Can non-residents open an NBF account?

NBF offers limited non-resident account services, primarily tied to investment, property ownership or business relationships in the UAE. Requirements include a valid passport, proof of overseas address, bank reference letter and a minimum deposit. Speak to NBF Priority Banking for specifics.

What is the minimum balance requirement at NBF?

Salary-transfer customers typically have no minimum balance requirement. Standard current accounts require an average monthly balance of around AED 3 000 to avoid a fall-below fee of approximately AED 25 per month. Priority Banking has higher relationship balance requirements with no fall-below penalties.

How long do international transfers take with NBF?

Standard SWIFT transfers typically take 1-3 business days depending on the destination country and correspondent banks involved. Same-day or express options may be available for select corridors at additional cost. UAEFTS transfers within the UAE settle within the same business day.

What is the NBF SWIFT code?

The main SWIFT/BIC code for National Bank of Fujairah is NBFUAEAFXXX. Branch-specific codes include NBFUAEAFDXB (Dubai), NBFUAEAFAUH (Abu Dhabi), NBFUAEAFFUJ (Fujairah) and NBFUAEAFSHJ (Sharjah). Check your specific branch details in Online Banking or on your chequebook.

How do I close my NBF account?

Visit an NBF branch with your Emirates ID and debit card. Clear all outstanding balances and cancel linked services (credit cards, loans, standing instructions) first. Processing typically takes 5-7 business days. An AED 100 fee may apply if closing within 12 months of account opening.

Does NBF offer Islamic banking?

Yes. NBF operates a Shariah-compliant banking window offering Murabaha financing, Islamic deposits, trade products and Islamic-compliant treasury solutions. In 2017, NBF became the first conventional UAE bank to join the Nasdaq Dubai Islamic Murabaha Platform for enhanced Islamic financing capabilities.

What is the NBF customer service number?

Inside the UAE: 8008NBF (8008623) or 600 565551. Outside the UAE: +971 4 815 7555.

How many branches does NBF have?

NBF operates 15 full-service branches across the UAE — concentrated in Fujairah (7 branches), Dubai (3), Abu Dhabi (3), Sharjah (1) and Ras Al Khaimah (1). Additional service is available via 74 ATMs and CDMs at hypermarkets, malls, exchange houses and government offices nationwide.

Who owns National Bank of Fujairah?

As of 2026, NBF’s major shareholders are the Department of Industry and Economy – Government of Fujairah (50,33%), Easa Saleh Al Gurg LLC (18,54%), Investment Corporation of Dubai (7,54%), Fujairah Investment Company (5,04%) and UAE Citizens (18,55%). The bank is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange under the ticker NBF.

Is NBF a safe bank?

NBF is regulated and licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE, listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, majority-owned by the Government of Fujairah and reported a record net profit after tax of AED 1,2 billion in 2025 – all indicators of a stable, well-capitalized institution.