fab overview
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE and is the largest bank in the UAE by total assets. It offers a range of retail accounts for residents, including a zero-balance account that can be opened fully online using an Emirates ID, with no branch visit required. FAB also offers savings products with competitive profit rates alongside its standard current account lineup.
What to compare across United Arab Emirates bank accounts
GCC retail banking has its own quirks compared with European or North American norms. When you compare fab with other providers, run through this checklist before deciding:
- -Salary transfer rules. Many GCC banks require a monthly salary transfer above a stated threshold to waive fees or unlock perks. If you are self-employed, a freelancer, or on an investor visa, check whether the account accepts non-salary funding.
- -Minimum balance. Some accounts levy a fee if the balance drops below a published minimum. Confirm the threshold and how it is measured (average vs end-of-month).
- -International transfer charges. Compare both the explicit fee and the exchange-rate spread. The cheapest cross-border path is often a dedicated remittance provider funded from the local account.
- -Card network and rewards. Check which network the debit or credit card runs on (Visa, Mastercard, Mada in KSA) and which rewards or cashback actually apply to spend outside the country.
- -Onboarding requirements. Confirm the list of documents (residence permit, passport, proof of address, salary certificate) so you do not turn up missing one.
- -Branch and ATM coverage. Digital-first banks save fees but rely on partner ATMs for cash. If you handle a lot of cash, check the network.
- -Support hours and channels. A bank you can reach by chat at 2am behaves very differently from one with call-centre hours only.
How GCC retail banking works for expats
All retail banks in United Arab Emirates are supervised by the country's central bank. The supervision sets capital requirements, consumer-protection rules, and anti-money-laundering controls - it does not endorse any specific product. To verify a bank's licence, look it up on the central bank's public register (linked in the Official sources section below).
Expat onboarding in the region typically requires an active residence permit, a passport, and a proof of address. Some account tiers also ask for a salary certificate from your employer or proof of source of funds for self-employed applicants. Account-opening flows have moved largely online, but a small number of products still require a branch visit - check fab's own onboarding page for the current process.
Deposit insurance and consumer-protection arrangements vary by country. Confirm what cover applies in United Arab Emirates before holding large balances at any single institution.
fab quick facts
Source: editorial review. Confirm current terms on the bank's own website.
| Minimum balance | AED 0 on the zero-balance account variant; see FAB schedule of charges for minimum balance requirements on other account tiers |
| Monthly fee | See FAB schedule of charges |
| Card type | Debit card issued on account opening; credit card products available separately |
| Salary transfer required | Not required for the zero-balance account; may be required or incentivised on other account tiers - see FAB schedule of charges |
What stands out
- +Zero-balance account available, removing the risk of minimum-balance penalty charges for lower-salary earners and new arrivals
- +Fully digital onboarding: account can be opened online using an Emirates ID with no branch visit required
- +Regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE, giving depositors access to the UAE's depositor protection framework
- +High-yield savings products available, with FAB named among UAE banks offering online-first savings accounts with above-standard profit rates in 2026
- +Wide physical and ATM network across the UAE, useful for expats who occasionally need in-branch or cash services
Things to know
- -The zero-balance account is a specific product tier; other FAB account types may carry minimum balance requirements and associated penalty fees if the balance falls below the threshold - check the FAB schedule of charges before opening
- -Savings and deposit profit rates are variable and can change in line with UAE interest rate movements; rates are not locked unless you hold a fixed-term deposit
- -FX risk note: any cross-border transfers or remittances sent from your FAB account will be subject to an exchange rate applied at the time of the transaction. FAB's quoted rate will include an FX margin above the mid-market rate. Always compare the recipient amount - not just the headline fee - at the exact minute you send, as the margin is where the real cost sits
- -Zero-fee or low-fee marketing on certain products should be read carefully; where a monthly account fee is waived, an FX margin or other transactional charge may still apply - see the full FAB schedule of charges
- -Customer service wait times and digital app experience can vary; check recent user reviews on the UAE App Store or Google Play for the most current picture
Opening a fab account
- Check eligibility. Confirm you hold a valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID. FAB's online zero-balance account opening is available to UAE residents. Have your Emirates ID and passport ready before starting.
- Go to the FAB website or app. Navigate to the official FAB website (bankfab.com) or download the FAB Mobile app. Select the account type you want to open - choose the zero-balance account option if you want to avoid minimum balance requirements.
- Complete the digital application. Enter your personal details as they appear on your Emirates ID. FAB's system reads Emirates ID data to pre-populate fields. No branch visit is required for the zero-balance account.
- Submit identity documents. Upload a scan or photo of your Emirates ID and passport when prompted. Ensure images are clear and unobstructed to avoid processing delays.
- Review and submit. Review the account terms, schedule of charges, and any salary transfer conditions before submitting. Confirm you understand the fee structure applicable to your chosen account tier.
- Receive account details. Once approved, FAB will issue your account number and IBAN. Your debit card will be dispatched to your registered UAE address or made available for collection, depending on the option selected during application.
fab fees
Fees can change. Confirm current pricing on the bank's own schedule of charges.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum balance (zero-balance account) | AED 0 |
| Minimum balance (other account tiers) | See FAB schedule of charges |
| Monthly account fee | See FAB schedule of charges |
| Debit card issuance | See FAB schedule of charges |
| Local ATM withdrawals (FAB ATMs) | See FAB schedule of charges |
| Non-FAB ATM withdrawals (UAE) | See FAB schedule of charges |
| International ATM withdrawals | See FAB schedule of charges |
| Outward international wire transfer | See FAB schedule of charges - note: recipient amount will also be affected by the FX margin applied at time of transfer |
| Cheque book issuance | See FAB schedule of charges |
| Account closure | See FAB schedule of charges |
Frequently asked questions
- Where do I check fab's licence?
- Look up fab on the Central Bank of the UAE - Licensed Banks. The link is in the Official sources section below.
- What documents are usually required to open a bank account in United Arab Emirates?
- Banks in the GCC typically request a valid government-issued ID (Emirates ID, National ID), a passport copy, proof of address, and may ask for a salary certificate or recent payslip. Exact requirements vary by bank and account type - confirm on the bank's own website.
- Can I open a fab account online?
- Onboarding options vary by bank and product. Check fab's own website or app for the current application flow.
Official sources
Verify fab's licence status on the Central Bank of the UAE - Licensed Banks.