SWIFT codes in United Arab Emirates
AE · AED
20 banks in United Arab Emirates, from AAFAQ ISLAMIC FINANCE P.S.C. (AIFPAEAD) onward; every code carries AE as its country part.
Banks
20
SWIFT codes
3
Branches
7
Currency
AED
Banks and SWIFT codes in United Arab Emirates
AAAFAQ ISLAMIC FINANCE P.S.C.
| SWIFT/BIC | City |
|---|---|
AIFPAEADXXX | DUBAI |
AABU DHABI COMMERCIAL BANK
| SWIFT/BIC | City |
|---|---|
ADCBAEAAREM | ABU DHABI |
ADCBAEAACMD | ABU DHABI |
ADCBAEAAFIN | ABU DHABI |
ADCBAEAATRY | ABU DHABI |
ADCBAEAAXXX | ABU DHABI |
AABU DHABI INVESTMENT AUTHORITY
| SWIFT/BIC | City |
|---|---|
ADINAEAAXXX | ABU DHABI |
United Arab Emirates SWIFT code questions
What does a United Arab Emirates SWIFT code look like?
AIFPAEADXXX (AAFAQ ISLAMIC FINANCE P.S.C.): bank AIFP, country AE, location AD, branch XXX.
What are the SWIFT codes for major UAE banks?
Key UAE bank SWIFT codes include: Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) — ADCBAEAA, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) — NBADAEAA, Mashreq Bank — BOMLAEADXXX, Dubai Islamic Bank — DUIBAEAD. Free zone branches (DIFC, ADGM) may use different SWIFT codes — always confirm with the recipient.
Do I need a SWIFT code and IBAN for transfers to the UAE?
Yes. For international transfers to the UAE, the sender needs both the recipient bank's SWIFT/BIC code and the recipient's IBAN (23 characters starting with AE). The SWIFT code routes the payment to the correct bank, while the IBAN identifies the specific account. UAE banks require IBAN for all transfers — providing only the account number is not sufficient.
How long does a SWIFT transfer to the UAE take?
SWIFT transfers to the UAE typically arrive within one to two business days for major currencies like USD, EUR, and GBP. The UAE is a major international banking hub with strong correspondent relationships, particularly for USD transfers due to the AED/USD peg. Transfers involving less common currencies may take an additional day.
Are there fees for receiving a SWIFT transfer in the UAE?
UAE banks typically charge an inbound telegraphic transfer fee, often AED 15–50 per transaction. Some banks waive this for premium or private banking customers. Because the AED is pegged to USD at approximately 3.6725, USD transfers to AED accounts result in a predictable conversion — but some banks still charge a small spread on the conversion.
How does the AED/USD peg affect international transfers?
The UAE dirham (AED) is pegged to the US dollar at approximately 3.6725, meaning the exchange rate is stable and predictable for USD transfers. Sending USD to a UAE bank account results in a near-fixed conversion rate. For other currencies like EUR or GBP, the conversion depends on the bank's exchange rate, which may include a margin. Sending USD is often the most cost-effective option.
Do DIFC and ADGM banks use different SWIFT codes?
Yes. Banks operating in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) or Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) may use different SWIFT codes than their mainland UAE branches. For example, a bank's DIFC branch may have a distinct SWIFT code from its main UAE operations. Always confirm the exact SWIFT code with the recipient, specifying whether their account is in a free zone or mainland branch.
How SWIFT works in the United Arab Emirates
The UAE is a major international banking hub, and its banks are heavily connected to the SWIFT network for both personal and business transfers. The AED is pegged to the USD at a fixed rate, which simplifies currency considerations for USD-denominated transfers. Banks in the UAE commonly offer multi-currency accounts, and many operate across both mainland and free zone jurisdictions.
- UAE banks such as Emirates NBD, ADCB, FAB, and Mashreq each have distinct SWIFT codes. Free zone branches (such as those in DIFC or ADGM) may use different SWIFT codes than the bank's mainland branches, so always confirm the exact code with the recipient.
- Because the AED is pegged to USD at approximately 3.6725, sending USD to a UAE bank account results in a predictable conversion. However, some banks still charge a spread on the USD/AED conversion. For large transfers, it may be worth asking the recipient if their bank can receive and hold USD directly.
- Inbound SWIFT transfers to UAE banks typically settle within one business day for major currencies. The Central Bank of the UAE requires compliance documentation for transfers above certain thresholds, which can delay credit to the beneficiary account if the receiving bank's compliance team requests additional information.
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United Arab Emirates IBANs run 23 characters, e.g. AE07 0331 2345 6789 0123 456.
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