The National Bank of Abu Dhabi, a bank which NBAD used to be a very essential one in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) until 2017. It was based in Abu Dhabi and helped many people and businesses with money matters in the Gulf area. The bank had a lot of different services, such as personal banking, helping large companies, and specific Islamic banking.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
| Founded | 1968 |
| Headquarters | Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| Regulatory Body | Central Bank of the UAE |
| Employees (2016) | 6,500+ |
| Total Assets (2016) | AED 406 billion (≈ USD 110 billion) |
| Merger Date | April 1, 2017 |
| Merged Entity | First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) |
NBAD Bank UAE
The NBAD Bank UAE came up in 1968 when the ruler of Abu Dhabi said that it should be established and followed by the establishment day. NBAD is the first bank established in Abu Dhabi. Over time, it became stronger and worked in 17 different countries. The bank directed itself towards the overall population, small businesses, big companies, and other groups that needed bank intermediation. It offered the typical Islamic banking and one that accords with the religious constraints as well.
| Service | Access / Details |
| FAB Prepaid Card | FAB website → Personal → Prepaid Cards |
| FAB Online Banking | https://online.bankfab.com (legacy NBAD iBanking portal) |
| FAB Mobile App | Download via App Store / Google Play (“FAB Mobile”) |
| NBAD Balance Inquiry (App/Online) | Log in to the FAB Online/Mobile dashboard |
| NBAD Bank Balance Inquiry (ATM) | Any FAB ATM → Insert card → Select “Balance” |
| NBAD Bank Balance Check (SMS) | SMS “BAL <last 4 digits>” → 2121 |
| Customer Care (UAE) | Call 600 52 5500 |
| Customer Care (International) | +971 2 681 1511 |
| NBAD → FAB Merger | NBAD + First Gulf Bank → FAB (Apr 2017) |
Core Services and Innovations
Helping people with their money was the way NBAD operated. We facilitated savings and spending with bank accounts. We were into issuing credit cards, car loans, and home loans. People who had investable money got advice on how to make it grow.
To businesses, the options we gave included buying goods from other countries, borrowing cash, and fund’s management. Besides, we assisted them with sending money to the other side of the globe.
A separate unit of the bank was opened on the model of Islamic law. It served as a banking platform for individuals as well as firms. Besides, the bank was also contracting with the mighty players in the market.
Branch & ATM Network
NBAD Bank UAE operates a widespread domestic network of 115+ branches, 460+ ATMs across all seven emirates, ensuring customers have 24/7 access to cash and in-branch services. An interactive branch locator on the NBAD website allows users to filter by service type, hours, and ATM features.
| Institution | Branches | ATMs | Coverage |
| NBAD (c. 2011–12) | 115 + | 460 + | All seven emirates |
| FAB (2025) | 60 + | 400 + | All seven emirates |
Mobile and Internet Banking Services
NBAD kept in touch with digital banking through a mobile app and website. The app received thumbprints to log in and was used for fast money transfer within the country and abroad. The user had the ability to pay bills and use a digital wallet.
The website showed the accounts in different currencies. It was a great help to businesses in the matters of the trade of money. Almost every person had a special view of their accounts.
In 2018, NBAD allowed other money companies to his system. This was the first time NBAD was one of the few banks in its region to join Ripple’s money network.
NBAD Around the World
NBAD had its outposts in 17 different foreign countries. Leading centers were set up in cities such as London, Paris, Washington D.C., New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, Geneva, and Cairo.
This extended network of connections on the 3 continents, namely Asia, Africa, and Europe was the main factor that drove UAE business and the country’s government support facility in terms of consumer credits this time, respectively. The bank’s international branches engaged in large business transactions and cooperated with other banks and private clients.
The London office held great value. It was engaged in a lot of transactions for European markets.
Current Deposit & Lending Rates
| Product | Rate (p.a.) | Tenor / Notes |
| iSave Account (campaign) | 5.00 % | New funds until 31 Jan 2025 |
| Fixed Deposit (1 month) | 3.38 % – 3.43 % | Flexible tenures 1 week–12 months |
| Personal Loan (expatriates) | From 5.44 % | Up to 5 years |
| Home Mortgage (reducing balance) | From 3.89 % | Up to 25 years; offer valid till 31 May 2025 |
NBAD had a special savings account called iSave. It gave people 4.75% more per year. The nice thing was that this happened even on a day when the balance was zero or even negative.
In case you wanted to deposit money in the bank for a year, NBAD could give you an even 5.25% higher amount. This was one of the options for fixed deposits. Customers could get a personal loan at a rate starting from 7.5%.
SWOT Analysis
| Strengths | Weaknesses | Opportunities | Threats |
| Leading UAE bank by assets | Higher cost structure vs peers | Digital‑banking AI rollout | Regional economic volatility |
| Strong ESG financing pipeline | Legacy system integration issues | Expansion in Africa & Asia‑Pacific | Competition from fintech challengers |
| Diversified revenue streams | Dependence on an oil‑linked economy | Green bond and sustainable finance | Regulatory changes in global markets |
Awards & Recognitions
Between 2015 and 2018, NBAD Bank UAE was repeatedly named “Best Bank in UAE” by Global Finance and “UAE’s Leading Corporate Bank” by Euromoney. Its CSR arm received the “Excellence in Sustainable Finance” award in 2017 for green sukuk structuring.
Shareholder & Governance Structure
The National Bank of Abu Dhabi was 48% owned by the Abu Dhabi Investment Council. The share of big companies was 25%, and private ownership was there by regular citizens was 27%. The leader, as the Chairman, was Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The CEO was Hesham Al Qassim. A specialist in the bank was responsible for the delivery of new technology.
Merger with FGB to Form FAB
In April 2017, NBAD along with the First Gulf Bank (FGB), made the superstar bank FAB. FAB would be the leading bank in the UAE and the one having a strong presence in the Middle East and North Africa.
Abu Dhabi did not want to limit itself to just a regional bank. The need for the merger was the emergence of growth opportunities at the global level. The concept of creating two different banking structures was, however, the idea behind the deal. In the short term, FAB decided to keep the leaders who worked at the top of NBAD and did not switch the brand. NBAD’s license was transferred to FAB so that it can carry out its activities.
FAB’s Current Status
In the beginning of 2025, FAB collected 5.13 billion AED. This meant a surge of 23% over the last year, with total assets now amounting to AED 1.31 trillion.
The bank gained AED 17.1 billion in 2024, which was a 4% increase from 2023.
Shareholders of FAB cashed out an amount of AED 8.3 billion during 2023. This, in fact, was the highest the bank had ever paid back its owners in cash terms.
Bank Structure
Hana Al Rostamani is still in charge of FAB. Corporate Banking, Retail, Investment Banking & Markets, and Group Services are the four main parts of the bank. Linos Lekkas are the new leader of Investment Banking.
New Plans
For the last part of the year 2024, FAB consolidated its global money lending business after collaborating with Broadridge. FAB continues to make its phone and computer banking better. Additionally, it still uses technologies such as Ripple for sending money to other countries.
Being Green
In April this year FAB had a breakthrough and became the first bank in its region to conduct an analysis of a relationship between nature and finance. Green bondmaking is a trend that FAB keeps on investing in for environmental protection.
NBAD (FAB) Contact Numbers
- FAB Customer Care (UAE):
- Toll‑free (Etisalat): 600 568 000
- Toll‑free (Du): 800 368 0000
- International: +971 2 610 3000
Conclusion
The bank is remembered as First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB). FAB honours the 50-year history of NBAD and further develops it. The bank devotes itself to technological advances, such as bringing more people into the banking sector and expanding its outlets in the country.
FAQs
Is NBAD and FAB the same bank?
Yes. National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) merged with First Gulf Bank (FGB) in April 2017 to form First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB).
Which is the No 1 bank in the UAE?
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is the largest bank in the UAE by total assets.)
What is the salary at Abu Dhabi Bank?
The average annual salary at First Abu Dhabi Bank is AED 148,728.
What is the full form of NBAD bank?
NBAD stands for “National Bank of Abu Dhabi.
Who is the CEO of FAB Bank UAE?
Hana Al Rostamani is the Group Chief Executive Officer of First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Who is the CEO of FGB?
André Sayegh served as Chief Executive Officer of First Gulf Bank before its merger into FAB.
