The United Arab Emirates has a robust banking sector, with several financial institutions directly or majority-owned by federal or emirate-level governments. These banks play a central role in the economy, supporting major projects, businesses, and individual customers. Below is a comprehensive directory of UAE government-owned banks, including those with significant government shareholding.
Fully Government-Owned and Majority Government-Owned Banks
| Bank Name | Emirate | Major Shareholder/Owner | Notes |
| First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) | Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi government | Formed by merger of National Bank of Abu Dhabi and First Gulf Bank |
| Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) | Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi government | Strategic merger with Union National Bank; acquired Al Hilal Bank |
| Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) | Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi government | |
| Emirates NBD | Dubai | Dubai government (majority) | Dubai major stakeholder, hence often termed “semi-government” |
| National Bank of Fujairah | Fujairah | Fujairah government | |
| National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (RAKBANK) | Ras Al Khaimah | Ras Al Khaimah government | |
| National Bank of Umm Al Quwain | Umm Al Quwain | Umm Al Quwain government | |
| National Bank of Ajman | Ajman | Ajman government | |
| Invest Bank | Sharjah | Sharjah government (majority) | Shareholding through local entities |
| Bank of Sharjah | Sharjah | Sharjah government (partially) | Government among major shareholders |
| Sharjah Islamic Bank | Sharjah | Sharjah government (partially) | Government among major shareholders |
| Ajman Bank | Ajman | Ajman government | |
| Al Hilal Bank | Abu Dhabi | ADCB Group (government ownership) | Fully integrated into ADCB |
| Emirates Development Bank (EDB) | UAE (federal) | UAE federal government | Focuses on development finance, SME support |
| Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) | UAE (federal) | UAE federal government | Regulator, not a commercial bank |
Key Notes
- Emirates NBD is widely considered a government bank due to the Dubai government’s effective control. While not 100% state-owned, the government’s holding is substantial and strategically significant.
- Abu Dhabi-based banks (FAB, ADCB, ADIB) are directly owned by the Abu Dhabi government through sovereign wealth vehicles and investment authorities.
- Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) is the country’s central monetary authority and regulator, not a commercial bank.
- Emirates Development Bank (EDB) is a federal government entity focused on national development and supporting SMEs.
- Local emirate banks (e.g., National Bank of Fujairah, National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah, National Bank of Umm Al Quwain, National Bank of Ajman) are owned by their respective emirate governments and serve both local and broader UAE markets.
- Al Hilal Bank is now fully owned by Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) after integration, and ADCB itself is majority government-owned.
- Invest Bank, Bank of Sharjah, Sharjah Islamic Bank, Ajman Bank have significant government shareholding (often majority at the emirate level), but may also have private shareholders.
- Dubai Islamic Bank is a major Islamic bank, but not directly majority-owned by the Dubai government—unlike Emirates NBD.
Not Government-Owned
Major UAE banks like Dubai Islamic Bank, Mashreq, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Commercial Bank International, United Arab Bank, and Emirates Investment Bank are not government-owned; they are either privately held or publicly listed with diverse private and institutional shareholders.
Specialized and Community Banks
- Al Maryah Community Bank and Ruya Community Islamic Bank are community-focused banks, but their government ownership status is less clear and they are not considered major government banks.
- Wio Bank and Zand Bank are new digital banks; ownership is not predominantly government.
Summary Table
| Bank Type | Examples |
| Fully/Majority Government | FAB, ADCB, ADIB, Emirates NBD, National Bank of Fujairah, RAKBANK, National Bank of Umm Al Quwain, National Bank of Ajman, Invest Bank, Bank of Sharjah, Sharjah Islamic Bank, Ajman Bank, Al Hilal Bank, EDB |
| Partially Government (minority) | Some emirate banks have both government and private shareholders |
| Federal Central Bank | Central Bank of the UAE (regulator) |
| Prominent Private/Public Banks | Dubai Islamic Bank, Mashreq, Commercial Bank of Dubai, United Arab Bank, Emirates Investment Bank |
Insights
- Most UAE government-owned banks are at the emirate level, reflecting the federal structure of the country.
- Abu Dhabi and Dubai lead in terms of assets, branch networks, and international presence.
- Government banks dominate retail, corporate, and investment banking in the UAE.
- Emirate-level banks often have strong local roots but also serve nationwide customers.
For official, up-to-date lists of all licensed banks (including government-owned), the Central Bank of the UAE maintains a public register. For specific ownership percentages or recent changes, consulting the latest annual reports or the UAE Central Bank’s official website is recommended.
This directory provides a current and accurate snapshot of the UAE’s government-owned banking landscape, reflecting the country’s unique federal-emirate governance model and the central role of state-owned financial institutions in its economy.
