United Arab Bank (UAB) Review
A Boutique UAE Bank Worth Considering?
Editor’s Verdict for UAB
United Arab Bank (UAB) is one of the older national banks in the country, incorporated on 21 January 1975 and headquartered in Sharjah. Compared to the retail giants, UAB runs a compact network of branches across the UAE and positions itself as a relationship-focused bank with a strong tilt toward corporate, SME and commercial clients alongside personal and Islamic banking. The bank is rated investment grade by both Moody’s (Baa2) and Fitch (BBB+), reflecting a stable financial profile after years of restructuring.
✓ Best For
- Corporate, commercial and SME clients looking for a relationship-driven banking partner in the UAE
- Customers based in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates who value a Sharjah-headquartered bank
- Clients seeking both conventional and Sharia-compliant (Islamic) banking under one roof
- Those who prefer a smaller bank with more personalised service over large branch queues
✗ Not Ideal For
- Customers who need an extensive nationwide branch and ATM footprint
- Expats who rely on a very large international remittance and rewards ecosystem
- Users who want the most feature-rich, market-leading mobile banking app
Quick Facts
| Bank Type | Commercial / Retail / Corporate / SME / Islamic Banking |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1975 (incorporated 21 January 1975 in Sharjah) |
| Headquarters | UAB Tower, Al Majaz 1, Buhaira Corniche, Sharjah, UAE |
| Branch Network | Compact network of branches across the UAE |
| ATM Network | UAB ATMs and cash points across the UAE |
| Mobile App | UAB Mobile Banking (iOS & Android) |
| Online Banking | UAB Online Banking |
| Languages Supported | English, Arabic |
| SWIFT/BIC Code | UARBAEAA (UARBAEAAXXX) |
| Credit Rating | BBB+ (Fitch), Baa2 (Moody’s) |
📍 Branch Locator
📄 About UAB
United Arab Bank Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- Established heritage
One of the oldest national banks in the UAE, operating since 1975 - Investment-grade ratings
Rated BBB+ by Fitch and Baa2 by Moody’s, signalling financial stability - Strong corporate & SME focus
Tailored working-capital, trade finance and business banking solutions - Islamic banking option
Sharia-compliant products available alongside conventional banking - Relationship banking
Smaller scale often means more personalised service for clients
✗ Cons
- Limited branch network
Far fewer branches than the major UAE retail banks - Smaller ATM footprint
Less convenient cash access compared to the largest banks - Narrower retail rewards
Fewer co-branded cards and lifestyle programs than larger rivals - Less brand visibility
Lower public profile than Tier-1 UAE banks - Digital experience
App and online tools are functional but not market-leading
UAB Popular Products
Personal Current / Salary Account
Most Popular
Who it’s for: Salaried residents and UAE nationals who want a straightforward day-to-day banking account.
UAB’s personal current and salary accounts cover everyday banking needs, including a debit card, cheque book facility, online and mobile banking access, and the ability to receive salary transfers. Salary customers typically benefit from preferential conditions on loans and account services.
To open an account, residents generally need a valid passport, Emirates ID, residence visa and a salary certificate from their employer. The account can be opened at any UAB branch.
Corporate & SME Banking
Best for Businesses
UAB has a long-standing focus on corporate, commercial and SME clients. Its business offering covers working-capital finance, trade finance, business current accounts, cash management and lending solutions designed around the needs of companies operating in the UAE.
For small and medium enterprises, UAB positions itself as a relationship bank – assigning dedicated support and structuring facilities to match a company’s cash-flow cycle rather than offering a one-size-fits-all package.
Islamic Banking
Sharia-Compliant
Who it’s for: Customers who want banking products structured in line with Islamic finance principles.
UAB offers a range of Sharia-compliant products for both personal and business customers, supervised in accordance with Islamic banking standards. This allows clients to access financing, accounts and other services without conventional interest-based structures, while still banking with an established UAE institution.
Having both conventional and Islamic options under one roof gives customers flexibility to choose the structure that best fits their preferences.
United Arab Bank Fees & Charges
Fee structures vary by account type and product. Always confirm the current Schedule of Charges with UAB before opening an account or making a transaction. Typical fee categories at UAE banks include:
Digital Experience
UAB Mobile Banking App
The UAB mobile banking app is the primary digital channel for everyday banking, covering balance checks, transfers, bill payments and card management for retail customers.
What works well: Core banking tasks such as viewing balances, transferring funds between accounts, paying bills and managing cards are handled through the app and online banking without needing to visit a branch. SMS banking is also available for quick account alerts.
What to keep in mind: As a smaller bank, UAB’s digital tools are functional but generally offer fewer advanced features than the apps of the largest UAE retail banks. For complex requests, a branch visit or phone call may still be required.
Online Banking
UAB’s online banking portal provides account management, transfers and service requests for both personal and business customers. It covers the essentials reliably, though some specialised tasks may still require branch or phone support.
United Arab Bank Contact Information & Support
Customer Service
UAB Toll Free (UAE)
International Callers
Sadara Toll Free
Complaints Unit
Abuse / Phishing Reporting
Fraud Reporting
RSA Token Activation
Feedback & Complaints
Corporate Care
Sharia Control
Investor Relations
Headquarters
UAB Tower, Al Majaz 1
Buhaira Corniche, Sharjah, UAE
P.O. Box 25022
Quick Actions
United Arab Bank SWIFT Code
United Arab Bank operates under a single SWIFT/BIC code, registered to its head office in Sharjah. All international transfers to UAB are routed through this central code – the bank does not publish separate branch-level SWIFT codes. When receiving an international payment, use the code below together with your full account details (IBAN).
| SWIFT Code | Branch / Department | Emirate | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| UARBAEAA | Head Office | Sharjah | UAB Tower, Al Majaz Street, Buhaira Corniche, Sharjah |
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.
United Arab Bank Branch Network
United Arab Bank operates a compact branch network across the UAE, with its head office in Sharjah and branches in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. All branches offer personal, corporate and Islamic banking services. The branch list below is sourced from the official UAB website.
Abu Dhabi
| Branch | Address |
|---|---|
| Dalma Mall Branch | Al Wazn St, Abu Dhabi Industrial City, ICAD 1, 1st Floor, Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| Khalifa Street Branch | GIBCA Building, Khalifa Street, P.O. Box 3562, Abu Dhabi, UAE |
Dubai
| Branch | Address |
|---|---|
| Al Quoz Branch | Al Quoz First Area, Reemas Building Ground Floor, Showrooms 1 to 3, First Floor, Offices 1, 2, 8, 9, 10 & 11, Sh. Zayed Road, P.O. Box 392066, Dubai, UAE |
| Deira Branch | Deira, Baniyas Street, Al Salamiyah Tower, P.O. Box 4579, Dubai, UAE |
| Festival City Mall Branch | Festival City Mall, Ground Floor, Dubai, UAE |
| Festival Plaza Mall Branch | Festival Plaza, Jebel Ali 1, Ground Floor, Dubai, UAE |
Sharjah
| Branch | Address |
|---|---|
| UAB Tower Branch | Al Majaz 1, UAB Tower, P.O. Box 25022, Sharjah, UAE |
Ras Al Khaimah
| Branch | Address |
|---|---|
| Ras Al Khaimah Branch | Muntasir Road, Al Nakheel, P.O. Box 615, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE |
Information may change – verify current terms on the official United Arab Bank website before making financial decisions. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
FAQ – United Arab Bank (UAB)
How do I open a United Arab Bank account as a resident?
Residents typically need a valid passport, Emirates ID, UAE residence visa, and a salary certificate from their employer. Visit any UAB branch to start the application. Always confirm the latest document list directly with the bank, as requirements can change.
What is the United Arab Bank SWIFT code?
The main SWIFT/BIC code for United Arab Bank is UARBAEAA, also written as UARBAEAAXXX. It is registered to the head office in Sharjah (UAB Tower, Buhaira Corniche). UAB does not publish separate branch-level codes – all international transfers route through this central code.
How can I contact United Arab Bank customer service?
You can call the UAB toll-free number 800 474 within the UAE, or +971 6 5987332 from outside the country. Sadara priority customers can call 800 72 32 72. General enquiries can also be sent to info@uab.ae.
Where is United Arab Bank headquartered?
United Arab Bank’s head office is located at UAB Tower, Al Majaz 1, Buhaira Corniche, Sharjah, UAE (P.O. Box 25022). The bank was incorporated in Sharjah on 21 January 1975.
In which emirates does UAB have branches?
According to the official UAB branch locator, the bank has branches in Sharjah (head office), Abu Dhabi (including Al Ain), Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. It does not currently list branches in Ajman, Fujairah or Umm Al Quwain.
Does United Arab Bank offer Islamic banking?
Yes. UAB offers Sharia-compliant (Islamic) banking products for both personal and business customers, alongside its conventional banking services, giving clients the flexibility to choose the structure that best suits their needs.
Is United Arab Bank financially stable?
UAB is rated investment grade by both major agencies – BBB+ by Fitch and Baa2 by Moody’s – reflecting a stable financial profile. As with any financial decision, check the most recent ratings and reports before relying on them.
Does UAB serve business and SME customers?
Yes. UAB has a strong focus on corporate, commercial and SME clients, offering working-capital finance, trade finance, business accounts and cash-management solutions, often with a relationship-banking approach.
How long has United Arab Bank been operating?
United Arab Bank was incorporated on 21 January 1975, making it one of the longer-established national banks in the UAE, with a history closely tied to the country’s economic development.
How do I report a lost card or fraud at UAB?
Call UAB immediately on the toll-free number 800 474 within the UAE (or +971 6 5987332 from abroad) to block a lost or stolen card or report suspicious activity. You can also email info@uab.ae or visit any UAB branch.
