Opening a Bank Account

It is nearly impossible to survive in Dubai without a Bank Account. It is very easy to open a bank account, but it could be time consuming as well. The banking service in Dubai is not sufficient, and the staff is rarely helpful. Also, there are always some hidden charges which you will come accross once you have opened an account. So keep a check on your statements whenever you receive them.

Documents Required

Original Passport and 2 Passport Photocopies including the Residence Visa page (to be on the safe side) because the banks will not photocopy the passport for you.

Procedure

You will have to personally visit the bank branch closest and most convenient to you. Speak to the staff and get a waiting ticket if service available. Some banks require a minimum deposit in order to cover the maintenance or charge monthly for not maintaining a minimum balance.

Fees Involved

There is no fee involved to open a bank account, but most banks require a minimum deposit. In most banks the minimum deposit is AED 5000 which should be maintained throughout the year.

Important Numbers

ABN Amro Bank NV
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait
Al Rafidain Bank
Arab African International Bank
Arab Bank For Investment And Foreign Trade
Arab Bank PLC
Bank Melli Iran
Bank of Baroda
Bank of Sharjah
Bank Saderat Iran
Blom Bank France SA
Banque Du Caire
Calyon Bank
BLC Bank
BNP Paribas Bank
HSBC Bank Middle East
CitiBank NA
Commercial Bank International
Commercial Bank of Dubai
Dubai Islamic Bank
Dubai Bank PJSC
El Nilein Bank
Emirates Bank International
Emirates Islamic Bank
First Gulf Bank
Habib Bank Limited
Habib Bank AG Zurich
Invest Bank
Janata Bank
Lloyds Bank TSB
Mashreq Bank
National Bank of Abu Dhabi
National Bank of Bahrain
National Bank of Dubai
National Bank of Fujairah
National Bank of Oman
National Bank of RAK
National Bank of UAQ
Sharjah Islamic Bank
Standard Chartered Bank
Union National Bank
United Arab Bank
United Bank Limited

You can click on any of the names to visit their sites.

Time for the Process

It could take from 20 minutes – 1 hour depending on the bank and the branch and ofcourse the queue.