How to Open a FAB Bank Account Online in UAE

Opening a bank account in the UAE used to mean taking time off work, gathering a pile of documents, sitting in a long queue at the branch, and waiting days for approval. That is not how it works anymore, at least not with First Abu Dhabi Bank. In 2026, FAB lets you open a personal bank account entirely online using just your Emirates ID. The whole process can take less than five minutes, and you get a virtual debit card instantly.

This guide walks you through every step of opening a FAB bank account online. We cover the different types of accounts FAB offers, the documents you need, who is eligible, and the exact steps to follow whether you use the FAB Mobile app or the FAB website. We also cover what to do if you are a new UAE resident opening your very first bank account here.

FAB stands for First Abu Dhabi Bank. It is the largest bank in the UAE and one of the safest financial institutions in the entire Middle East and North Africa region. FAB was created in 2017 when National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) and First Gulf Bank (FGB) merged. Today FAB operates in over 20 countries, serves millions of personal banking customers, and is headquartered in Abu Dhabi.

Why Choose FAB to Open a Bank Account in the UAE

Before we get into the steps, it helps to understand why so many UAE residents choose FAB over other banks like Emirates NBD, ADCB, Dubai Islamic Bank, RAKBANK, or Mashreq.

FAB offers instant account opening with just an Emirates ID. No paperwork, no branch visits, and no waiting. You can have an active bank account with a working virtual debit card in under five minutes. This is one of the fastest account opening processes among all UAE banks.

FAB also has one of the widest ATM networks in the UAE, with machines located across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. The FAB Mobile app lets you manage everything from your phone, including checking your balance, sending money, paying bills, blocking your card, and even applying for a credit card.

For savers, the FAB iSave account offers one of the best interest rates among all savings accounts in the UAE at 4.00% per year on new deposited funds, with no minimum balance and no monthly fees. For everyday spenders, the FAB One Account earns FAB Rewards points on every dirham you spend using your debit card.

FAB also offers full Islamic banking services for customers who want Shariah-compliant accounts. Both UAE Nationals and expatriates living across all seven emirates can open accounts with FAB.

Types of FAB Bank Accounts You Can Open

FAB offers several different personal bank account types. Choosing the right one before you start the application saves time and ensures you get the features that matter to you.

FAB One Account

The FAB One Account is the flagship current account and the one most UAE residents end up choosing. It comes with a free Platinum Mastercard debit card, four free ATM cash withdrawals from any ATM in the UAE per month, and complimentary airport lounge access in the Middle East up to four times a year.

What makes the One Account stand out is the rewards system. You earn 40 FAB Rewards for every AED 100 you spend using the debit card, both locally and internationally. You also earn 6 FAB Rewards for every AED 1,000 in your average monthly balance, up to a maximum of 80,000 FAB Rewards per month. A minimum average balance of AED 10,000 is needed to qualify for the balance-based rewards. The daily ATM withdrawal limit is AED 20,000 and the daily purchase limit is AED 40,000.

There is no minimum balance fee on the FAB One Account, which is one of the reasons it has become so popular among both salaried professionals and self-employed residents.

Personal Current Account

The Personal Current Account is the standard everyday banking account from FAB. It comes with a free chequebook and two Mastercard debit cards: a Standard card and a Platinum card. The Standard card has a daily ATM withdrawal limit of AED 15,000 and a daily purchase limit of AED 20,000. The Platinum card has a daily withdrawal limit of AED 20,000 and a daily purchase limit of AED 40,000.

This account requires you to maintain a minimum average monthly balance of AED 3,000. If your balance falls below this, a fee of AED 26.25 applies for that month. For most salaried employees who receive their pay into the account, staying above AED 3,000 is usually easy. But if you prefer zero-balance flexibility, the iSave or One Account are better choices.

FAB iSave Account

The FAB iSave Account is a digital savings account with no minimum balance requirement at all. You can open it with zero dirhams and there are no monthly fees of any kind. It is available entirely online through the FAB Mobile app or FAB Online Banking.

The iSave account currently offers a promotional interest rate of 4.00% per year on new funds deposited into the account. This promotion runs until 30 June 2026, making it one of the most attractive savings rates available from any bank in the UAE right now. Interest is calculated daily and credited to your account every month.

The iSave account does not come with a debit card or a chequebook. It is purely a savings vehicle. You use it to park money and earn interest. You can transfer funds in and out through the FAB Mobile app at any time, with no restrictions on withdrawals and no penalties.

If you close the iSave account within the first 6 months of opening it, a closure fee of AED 105 applies. After six months, closure is free.

Etihad Guest Current Account

The Etihad Guest Current Account is designed for frequent flyers on Etihad Airways. Every time you spend money using the linked Etihad Platinum Debit Card, you earn Etihad Guest Miles directly into your Etihad Guest membership. This account has a minimum balance requirement of AED 3,000 and the daily ATM withdrawal limit is AED 20,000.

If you already have an Etihad Guest account number and fly Etihad more than twice a year, this account is worth considering because your everyday spending from groceries to petrol starts contributing to your next free flight.

FAB Islamic Accounts

FAB offers a full suite of Shariah-compliant banking accounts under its FAB Islamic Banking division. These include Islamic current accounts and Islamic savings accounts. Islamic savings accounts operate on a Mudarabah profit-sharing principle instead of paying conventional interest (riba). The minimum balance for FAB Islamic savings accounts is AED 3,000.

Islamic accounts offer the same digital convenience as conventional FAB accounts. You can open and manage them through the FAB Mobile app and FAB Online Banking. They are available to both UAE Nationals and expatriates.

Who Can Open a FAB Bank Account in the UAE

FAB accounts are available to a wide range of applicants. Here is who qualifies.

UAE residents who are at least 21 years old can apply for a current account. For savings accounts including the iSave, the minimum age is 18 years. Both UAE Nationals and expatriates with valid residency are eligible.

Salaried employees, self-employed individuals, freelancers, and non-salaried residents such as housewives and students can all apply. Students and minors can open junior savings accounts with parental approval.

Non-residents of the UAE can also open certain FAB accounts, specifically non-resident savings accounts. These require a passport and proof of overseas address. The process for non-residents involves additional Know Your Customer (KYC) checks and is best done at a FAB branch rather than online.

Documents You Need to Open a FAB Account

Having your documents ready before you start the application saves time and prevents the process from getting interrupted. Here is exactly what you need depending on your situation.

One important note: FAB requires the physical Emirates ID during the app-based application process because the app scans the card directly. A photo or digital copy of the Emirates ID will not work for this step. Make sure the physical card is in your hand before you start.

For self-employed individuals, freelancers, or business owners opening a personal account, FAB typically asks for three months of bank statements showing regular income deposits instead of a salary certificate.

How to Open a FAB Bank Account Online Using the FAB Mobile App

The FAB Mobile app is the fastest way to open a bank account. The entire process takes about 5 to 10 minutes on average. Follow these steps exactly.

Step 1: Download the FAB Mobile App

Download the FAB Mobile app from the Apple App Store if you have an iPhone or from the Google Play Store if you have an Android phone. The app is free to download. Search for ‘FAB Mobile’ and make sure you download the official app from First Abu Dhabi Bank. Once downloaded, open the app.

Step 2: Tap ‘Open an Account’ on the Welcome Screen

When you first open the FAB app, you will see a welcome screen with options to log in or open a new account. Tap ‘Open an Account’. You do not need to have an existing FAB account to start this process. If you are an existing FAB customer and want to add a new account type, log in first and then navigate to Accounts and select ‘Open New Account’.

Step 3: Enter Your Mobile Number and Verify It

The app will ask for your UAE mobile number. Enter the number that is registered with your Emirates ID because FAB uses this to verify your identity. You will receive a One Time Password (OTP) as an SMS to this number. Enter the OTP in the app to confirm your number. This step usually takes less than one minute.

Step 4: Scan Your Emirates ID

The app will now ask you to scan your Emirates ID. Hold your physical Emirates ID card in front of your phone camera. The app will scan the front of the card first and then the back. Make sure the card is well-lit and held steady. The scan usually works within a few seconds. Your personal details including your full name, date of birth, nationality, and Emirates ID number will be automatically read from the card and filled into the application form.

Again, a digital copy or screenshot of your Emirates ID will not work at this stage. The app needs to scan the physical card for security reasons.

Step 5: Complete a Short Selfie Verification

FAB uses biometric verification to confirm that you are the same person as on the Emirates ID. The app will ask you to take a selfie or perform a short liveness check, which usually involves slowly turning your head or blinking. This takes about 10 to 15 seconds. The verification is powered by the UAE PASS system and is used by many government and banking apps in the UAE.

Step 6: Choose Your Account Type

After identity verification, the app will show you the available account types. Choose the one that fits your needs. If you want a no-fee everyday account with rewards, choose the FAB One Account. If you want a savings account with no minimum balance and a high interest rate, choose the iSave Account. If you want a salary account with a chequebook, choose the Personal Current Account.

If you are unsure, the iSave Account is the safest starting point because it has no minimum balance requirements and no fees. You can always open a current account later.

Step 7: Fill In Your Employment and Income Details

The app will ask for some basic information about your job and income. This includes your employer name, your job title, and your approximate monthly salary. For self-employed individuals, you will enter your business type and estimated monthly income. This information helps FAB determine which account features you qualify for and is also required under UAE Central Bank KYC regulations.

Step 8: Review and Submit Your Application

Before submitting, the app will show you a summary of all the information you have entered. Read through it carefully. Make sure your name matches your Emirates ID exactly, your mobile number is correct, and your chosen account type is what you want. Then tap ‘Submit Application’.

Step 9: Get Your Virtual Card Instantly

Once your application is approved, which usually happens in seconds for most applicants, your account is activated immediately. The app will show you your new account number and give you a virtual Mastercard debit card that you can use straight away for online purchases, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Your physical debit card will be mailed to your registered UAE address within 5 to 7 working days. Once it arrives, you activate it through the FAB Mobile app or by calling 600 52 5500.

How to Open a FAB Bank Account Online Through the Website

If you prefer to use a computer instead of a smartphone, you can open a FAB account through the FAB website at bankfab.com. The process is similar but slightly longer because you cannot scan your Emirates ID using a website. Here is how it works.

Go to bankfab.com and click on ‘Personal Banking’. Then select ‘Accounts’ and choose the account type you want to open. Click ‘Apply Now’. You will be directed to an online application form. Fill in your personal details manually including your full name, Emirates ID number, date of birth, and UAE mobile number. You will receive an OTP on your phone to verify your number.

Upload scanned copies of your Emirates ID front and back, your passport with the visa page if you are an expatriate, and your salary certificate or bank statements. FAB will review your submitted documents. Approval typically takes 1 to 2 working days for online web applications compared to instant approval through the app.

Once approved, you will receive a confirmation email and a call or message from FAB with instructions to activate your account and collect or receive your debit card.

How to Open a FAB Account at a Branch

If you prefer to do everything in person, or if you are a non-resident who cannot complete the online process, you can visit any FAB branch across the UAE. FAB has branches in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.

Bring all your original documents: Emirates ID, passport with visa page for expatriates, and a salary certificate issued within the last 30 days. At the branch, a customer service representative will help you fill out the application form and verify your documents. You may receive a temporary account number the same day, with your physical debit card arriving by post within 5 to 7 working days.

Branch visits are also the recommended route for non-residents, joint account holders, and anyone applying for business accounts.

What Happens After You Open Your FAB Account

Once your FAB account is open, there are a few things you should do right away to get the most out of it.

First, set up the FAB Mobile app if you have not already. The app lets you check your balance, transfer money to other UAE bank accounts using UAEFTS or IBAN, pay your DEWA, SEWA, du, or Etisalat bills, and manage your debit card settings. You can also freeze or unfreeze your card instantly if it is lost.

Second, register for FAB Online Banking at bankfab.com. This gives you access to your account from any web browser. You will need your Customer Identification Number (CID), which comes with your welcome documents, plus your debit card details to register.

Third, if you plan to transfer your salary to FAB, contact your HR or payroll team and give them your new FAB IBAN number. Transferring your salary to FAB often unlocks better rates on personal loans and home finance products and may qualify you for the One Account’s full rewards program.

Fourth, consider linking your account to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay for contactless payments in shops and online.

FAB Account Fees and Charges You Should Know

Most FAB accounts are low-cost or free, but it helps to know the key fees before you open your account so there are no surprises.

Personal Current Account monthly fee: AED 26.25 if your average monthly balance falls below AED 3,000. Free if you maintain AED 3,000 or above.

FAB One Account monthly fee: No minimum balance fee.

FAB iSave Account monthly fee: None. Zero fees at any balance level.

Account closure fee (iSave): AED 105 if closed within 6 months of opening. Free after 6 months.

ATM withdrawals at FAB ATMs: Free, unlimited.

ATM withdrawals at non-FAB UAE ATMs (One Account): 4 free per month, then AED 2 per withdrawal.

International ATM withdrawals: Fees apply. Check the FAB schedule of charges at bankfab.com.

Debit card replacement: AED 26.25 for a replacement card if lost or damaged.

Outward international transfers: Fees apply depending on the destination country and amount. Domestic transfers within the UAE to other banks are generally free using UAEFTS.

FAB Account Opening FAQs

Can I open a FAB bank account without visiting a branch?

Yes. FAB lets you open a personal bank account entirely online through the FAB Mobile app using just your Emirates ID. The process takes about 5 to 10 minutes and you get a virtual debit card instantly upon approval. You do not need to visit a branch at any point.

What is the minimum balance for a FAB bank account?

It depends on the account type. The FAB iSave Account has zero minimum balance requirements. The FAB One Account also has no minimum balance fee. The Personal Current Account requires a minimum average monthly balance of AED 3,000. If your balance drops below this, a fee of AED 26.25 is charged for that month.

How long does it take to open a FAB account online?

Through the FAB Mobile app, most applications are approved instantly and take between 5 and 10 minutes to complete from start to finish. You get a virtual debit card immediately. Your physical debit card arrives by post within 5 to 7 working days. Applications made through the FAB website take 1 to 2 working days for approval.

Can expatriates open a FAB bank account in the UAE?

Yes. Expatriates with a valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID can open all standard FAB personal accounts. You will need your passport with the UAE visa page in addition to your Emirates ID. Non-residents who do not have a UAE residence visa can also open a limited non-resident savings account, but this is best done at a FAB branch.

What is the FAB iSave Account interest rate in 2026?

FAB is currently offering a promotional interest rate of 4.00% per year on new funds deposited into the iSave Account. This rate is valid on new deposits until 30 June 2026. Interest is calculated daily and credited to your account every month. There is no minimum balance required to earn this rate.

Can I open a FAB account without a salary certificate?

Yes. For the FAB iSave Account, you generally do not need a salary certificate because there is no minimum income requirement and no salary transfer required. For current accounts, FAB typically asks for proof of income, but self-employed individuals and freelancers can substitute a salary certificate with three months of bank statements showing regular income.

Do I get a debit card when I open a FAB account?

Yes. Current accounts come with at least one Mastercard debit card. The FAB One Account comes with a Platinum Mastercard debit card. The Personal Current Account comes with both a Standard and a Platinum Mastercard debit card. The iSave Account does not come with a debit card because it is a savings account. For the iSave, you move money in and out through the app.

Can I open a joint FAB bank account?

Yes. FAB offers joint accounts for two account holders. Joint accounts require both applicants to be present at a FAB branch with their full identity documents. They cannot be opened online.

What is the FAB One Account and how is it different from the Personal Current Account?

The FAB One Account is FAB’s premium current account. It has no minimum balance fee, earns FAB Rewards on both your balance and your debit card spending, and includes complimentary airport lounge access in the Middle East up to four times a year. The Personal Current Account is the standard account with a minimum balance requirement of AED 3,000, a chequebook, and no rewards on the account balance. For most new customers, the FAB One Account offers better value.

How do I transfer my salary to my FAB account?

To transfer your salary to FAB, you need to give your employer your FAB IBAN number. Your IBAN is displayed in the FAB Mobile app under your account details. Share this with your company’s HR or payroll department and request a salary transfer change. The switch usually takes effect from the next salary payment. Some employers require a salary transfer letter from FAB, which you can request at any FAB branch or through the contact centre on 600 52 5500.

Is FAB a safe bank to put my money in?

Yes. First Abu Dhabi Bank is the largest bank in the UAE and one of the highest-rated financial institutions in the Middle East and North Africa. It is regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE and operates under strict financial stability requirements. FAB uses multi-layer encryption, OTP verification, and biometric login to protect customer accounts. Deposits held with FAB are protected under UAE banking regulations.

All information in this article is based on data available as of April 2026. FAB updates its products, fees, and processes regularly. Always verify the latest details directly at bankfab.com or by calling 600 52 5500 before opening an account.