SendMoneyCompare — International Money Transfer Comparison

Akif Hazarvi

United Arab Emirates IBAN

AE·AED

The International Bank Account Number (IBAN) for United Arab Emirates is 23 characters long and is used to identify bank accounts for international transactions via the SWIFT network.

A United Arab Emirates IBAN begins with the country code AE and two check digits, followed by the 19-character BBAN (Basic Bank Account Number). The United Arab Emirates BBAN encodes a 3-character bank code, followed by a 16-character account number. International transfers to United Arab Emirates are processed in AED via SWIFT, typically taking 1–3 business days. Always include the full 23-character IBAN together with the bank's BIC/SWIFT code when making or receiving international payments.

IBAN Length

23 chars

Currency

AED

SEPA

No

Banks

25+

Example IBAN

Electronic format

AE070331234567890123456

Print format

AE07 0331 2345 6789 0123 456

IBAN structure for United Arab Emirates

A United Arab Emirates IBAN is 23 characters long and consists of the following components:

Country code

AE

Check digits

07

Bank code

3 chars

Account number

16 chars

Total length23 characters

BBAN format details

The Basic Bank Account Number (BBAN) is the domestic part of the IBAN, following the country code and check digits. Here is the BBAN validation format for United Arab Emirates:

Bank code3 characters

^[0-9]{3}

Account number16 characters

^[0-9]{16}

Major banks in United Arab Emirates

25 banks in United Arab Emirates that support IBAN-based international transfers:

H

Habib Bank Ag Zurich

I

Investbank

C

Citibank N.A.

N

National Bank Of Abu Dhabi

N

Noor Islamic Bank

N

National Bank Of Ras Al-khaimah, The

A

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank

U

Union National Bank

N

National Bank Of Umm Al Qaiwain Psc.

E

Emirates Islamic Bank

A

Al Hilal Bank

A

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank

C

Commercial Bank International

U

United Arab Bank

S

Standard Chartered Bank

F

First Gulf Bank

A

Ajman Bank Pjsc

D

Dubai Islamic Bank

C

Central Bank Of The U.A.E.

H

HSBC Bank Middle East Limited

E

Emirates Nbd Bank Pjsc

S

Sharjah Islamic Bank

M

Mashreqbank Psc.

B

Bank of Baroda

S

Standard Chartered

Understanding IBAN in United Arab Emirates

What is the IBAN format in the United Arab Emirates

An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is an internationally-agreed code made up of up to 34 letters and numbers that helps banks make sure that international transfers are processed correctly. Each set of characters represents a different detail for your bank account. You can see the breakdown of this IBAN below.

What is the IBAN code in the United Arab Emirates

IBAN in the United Arab Emirates consists of 23 characters: 2 letter country code 2 digit check number 3 characters from the bank's bank code 16 digit code for the bank account number

Do you need an IBAN in the United Arab Emirates

Yes. If you’re making – or expecting to receive – an international money transfer to a bank account in the United Arab Emirates, then just a standard bank account number isn’t enough. If you want your money to arrive quickly and safely, you’ll usually need to give the bank a few extra details, such as an IBAN or SWIFT code. Banks assign IBANs to each of their accounts to make sure that international transfers are processed correctly. IBANs contain all of the country, bank, and account details you need to send or receive money internationally. This system is used throughout Europe, and also recognised in some areas of the Middle East, North Africa and the Caribbean.

Frequently asked questions

What is the IBAN format for the UAE?

A UAE IBAN is exactly 23 characters long. It starts with the country code AE, 2 check digits, a 3-digit bank code, and a 16-digit account number. Example: AE07 0331 2345 6789 0123 456.

When did the UAE start using IBAN?

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) mandated IBAN for all bank accounts from May 2011. Since then, every UAE bank account has a 23-character AE IBAN, and it is the required format for all domestic interbank transfers through UAEFTS and for international wire transfers.

Is the UAE part of SEPA?

No. The UAE is not part of SEPA. All international transfers to UAE bank accounts are processed through the SWIFT network. Domestic transfers are processed through the UAE Funds Transfer System (UAEFTS), which operates 24/7.

What are the bank codes for Emirates NBD, ADCB, FAB, and Mashreq?

UAE bank codes (3 digits, positions 5–7 of the IBAN): Emirates NBD is 033, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) is 030, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is 035, and Mashreq is 020. Smaller banks and Islamic banks also have assigned codes. The bank code identifies the institution within the 23-character IBAN.

How do I find my IBAN in the UAE?

Your AE IBAN is displayed in your bank's mobile app or online banking under account details. Emirates NBD's Liv. app, ADCB's mobile banking, FAB's mobile app, and Mashreq's NeoBiz portal all show the 23-character IBAN. It also appears on bank statements and correspondence from your bank.

Can I receive foreign currency in my UAE bank account?

Yes. Major UAE banks offer multi-currency accounts and foreign currency savings accounts that can receive USD, EUR, GBP, and other major currencies without automatic conversion to AED. These accounts typically have their own separate IBAN or a currency-designated account number. Ask your bank which IBAN to provide for each currency.

What do I need to give a sender to receive money in the UAE?

For domestic UAE transfers, your 23-character AE IBAN is sufficient — no SWIFT code is needed for UAEFTS. For international transfers from abroad, provide your full AE IBAN and your bank's SWIFT/BIC code. For example, Emirates NBD's SWIFT code is EBILAEAD; ADCB's is ADCBAEAD; FAB's is NBADAEAA.

How long does it take to receive an international SWIFT transfer in the UAE?

International SWIFT transfers to UAE banks typically take 1–3 business days, depending on the sending country, intermediary banks involved, and time zone differences. Transfers from GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman) often arrive faster due to direct correspondent banking relationships. Your bank's incoming wire cut-off time also affects same-day vs next-day processing.

How IBAN is used in the United Arab Emirates

The UAE introduced mandatory IBAN use in May 2011 under a mandate from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). All bank accounts in the UAE have a 23-character IBAN, and this is the required format for all domestic interbank transfers and international wire transfers to the country. The UAE is not part of SEPA, so all cross-border payments are processed through the SWIFT network. The UAE dirham (AED) is the currency, and transactions are settled through the UAE Funds Transfer System (UAEFTS).

A UAE IBAN is 23 characters long: the country code AE, two check digits, and a three-digit bank code followed by a 16-digit account number. Emirates NBD (bank code 033), Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank — ADCB (030), First Abu Dhabi Bank — FAB (035), and Mashreq (020) are among the largest banks. Your IBAN is displayed in your online banking portal, mobile app, or printed on your bank statement.
The UAE Funds Transfer System (UAEFTS) handles all domestic AED interbank transfers and uses the IBAN as the mandatory account identifier. The system operates 24/7 and settles transfers in real time. For sending money between UAE banks locally, share your 23-character AE IBAN — no SWIFT code is needed for domestic transfers within the UAE.
For international transfers to the UAE from abroad, senders always need the recipient's full AE IBAN together with the bank's SWIFT/BIC code. Major UAE banks process inbound SWIFT transfers in a wide range of currencies, but the funds are typically held in AED. If you need to receive foreign currency without conversion, enquire with your bank about opening a foreign currency account with a separate IBAN.