SendMoneyCompare — International Money Transfer Comparison

Name: SWIFT/BIC Codes for Banks in United Arab Emirates
Creator: SendMoneyCompare
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/

Akif Hazarvi

SWIFT codes in United Arab Emirates

AE · AED

Find the correct SWIFT/BIC code for banks in United Arab Emirates. Use these codes when sending or receiving international wire transfers. A SWIFT code ensures your payment is routed to the correct bank and branch.

Banks

20

SWIFT codes

3

Branches

7

Currency

AED

Banks and SWIFT codes in United Arab Emirates

A
AAFAQ ISLAMIC FINANCE P.S.C.

SWIFT/BIC	City	Branch	Address
`AIFPAEADXXX`	DUBAI	Head Office	TRADE CENTRE AL SAQR BUSINESS TOWER, FLOOR 23 SHEIKH ZAYED RD DIFC

A
ABU DHABI COMMERCIAL BANK

SWIFT/BIC	City	Branch	Address
`ADCBAEAAREM`	ABU DHABI	REM	AL SALAM STREET
`ADCBAEAACMD`	ABU DHABI	CMD	AL SALAM STREET
`ADCBAEAAFIN`	ABU DHABI	FIN	AL SALAM STREET
`ADCBAEAATRY`	ABU DHABI	TRY	ABU DHABI MALL, TOURIST CLUB STREET
`ADCBAEAAXXX`	ABU DHABI	Head Office	SALAM STREET

A
ABU DHABI INVESTMENT AUTHORITY

SWIFT/BIC	City	Branch	Address
`ADINAEAAXXX`	ABU DHABI	Head Office	CORNICHE STREET 211

Frequently asked questions

What is a SWIFT code for the United Arab Emirates?

A SWIFT code (BIC) for the UAE is an 8 or 11-character identifier used by UAE banks for international wire transfers. The country code portion is AE. For example, ABORAEADXXX is the SWIFT code for Emirates NBD. The structure is: 4 characters for the bank, 2 for country (AE), 2 for the city, and optionally 3 for the branch.

What are the SWIFT codes for major UAE banks?

Key UAE bank SWIFT codes include: Emirates NBD — ABORAEADXXX, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) — ADCBAEAA, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) — NBADAEAA, Mashreq Bank — BOMLAEADXXX, Dubai Islamic Bank — DUIBAEAD, and RAK Bank — NABOREAD. Free zone branches (DIFC, ADGM) may use different SWIFT codes — always confirm with the recipient.

How do I find the SWIFT code for my UAE bank?

You can find your UAE bank's SWIFT code on your bank statement, in your online or mobile banking app, by contacting your bank, or by searching on this page. UAE banks typically display SWIFT codes clearly in their digital banking platforms. Be aware that DIFC and ADGM-based branches may have different codes from mainland branches.

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.