Emirates NBD is one of the UAE’s most visible and popular banks. It started operations in 1963 with the establishment of the National Bank of Dubai (NBD), the first national bank of the UAE. Today, it has grown to serve over nine million active customers across 13 countries, employs more than 30,000 people, and is one of the country’s most diversified employers, with staff from over 90 nationalities.
Overview of Emirates NBD
Emirates NBD Group is a leading financial services brand in the MENAT region. It has operations in the UAE, Egypt, India, Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, Russia and Bahrain, and representative offices in China and Indonesia. The bank is also listed on the Dubai Financial Market.
Read: Emirates NBD posts record $7.38 billion profit before tax in 2024
In 2023, Emirates NBD celebrated its 60th anniversary, marking the group’s outstanding achievements while highlighting the bank’s solid historical and financial foundations as well as its promising future.
As on December 31, 2024, total assets stood at AED997 billion ($271.4 billion).
The group has a significant retail banking franchise in the UAE and is a key participant in the global digital banking industry with 97 percent of all financial transactions and requests conducted outside of its branches.
The group also operates Liv, powered by Emirates NBD, the first and largest digital offering in the UAE and continues to target Generation Now. It has more than half a million users.
Banking and financial services offered by Emirates NBD
1. Personal banking solutions
The group offers several personal banking solutions such as current accounts, savings accounts and fixed deposits. It also has a large portfolio of credit cards to choose from, with several benefits on lifestyle and travel purchases. The company also provides home, auto and personal loans.
It also has a wealth management division, and is among the leading avenues for remittances.
The bank also offers a seamless banking experience through the Emirates NBD app.
2. Business and corporate banking
Apart from offering numerous personal banking services, the bank has several avenues designed for SMEs, large enterprises and startups.
The business packages offer a state-of-the-art banking platform, and a comprehensive suite of packages ranging to cater to all sizes of businesses.
Moreover, it provides trade finance and cash management solutions for businesses, and also offers corporate loans and credit facilities to support business growth.
3. Investment and wealth management
The bank provides a wide range of investment and wealth management options. The bank has 35 wealth management centers in the UAE, as well as nearly 100 branches. Through these centers, the bank offers legacy planning and other tailored financial options.
The group also has several insurance plans such as life, health and accident, along with general insurance.
Recently, the bank launched ENBD X Wealth, a platform that provides access to over 11,000 stocks and ETFs in the UAE and globally.
Market insights and economic research by Emirates NBD
1. Financial and market analysis
Emirates NBD has a separate division – Emirates NBD Research – that publishes valuable reports and insights into economic and financial matters pertaining to the UAE as well as globally.
These reports cover topics like GDP projections, inflation, investment trends, stock markets, real estate, and other important sectors for investors. Moreover, currency market, remittances and trading insights are also covered in detail.
2. Business and corporate strategy reports
The bank also has periodic publications on sector-wise economic performance of the UAE and the Middle East, and also regular reports on fintech innovations, AI in banking, digital transformation, and other advancements in the industry and wider economy.
Emirates NBD’s role in UAE’s digital transformation
1. Innovations in digital banking
Emirates NBD has been at the forefront of digital innovation in the banking sector, and has been consistently embedding technological advancements in its services.
Their financial services and chatbot support are one of the most technologically advanced in the country, even as the bank uses artificial intelligence to power several of its services.
The bank has also embraced blockchain and cryptocurrency in its financial transactions. Blockchain & cryptocurrency adoption in financial transactions.
The bank has also pioneered in contactless payments, smart banking solutions, and fintech collaborations.
2. Sustainability & ESG initiatives
The Emirates NBD Group has set very high ESG standards for itself, committing to UAE’s 2050 Net Zero carbon emissions goal.
The bank has been known to follow sustainability across its verticals, and offers services such as sustainable and transition finance.
It also has significant investments in green banking and eco-friendly financial products.
Emirates NBD’s global reach and expansion
Emirates NBD Group has operations in the UAE, Egypt, India, Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, Russia and Bahrain, and representative offices in China and Indonesia.
Apart from providing global banking services for expats, investors and multinational businesses, the bank also provides seamless international money transfer facilities and forex exchange solutions.
Customer support and contact information
Customers have several avenues to reach the bank. Whether it’s 24/7 customer service via the call center, numerous branches spread across the country, a dynamic app, or social media platforms, the bank is just moments away.
FAQs about Emirates NBD
1. What is Emirates NBD known for?
Emirates NBD is one of Dubai’s oldest and most popular banks with several branches and ATMs across the UAE.
2. How can I open an account with Emirates NBD?
Opening an account with Emirates NBD is a seamless process. To open an individual resident account, you need your passport or Emirates ID, salary certificate or employment contract or bank statement for the last six months. If you are self-employed, you need to present a trade license and a bank statement for the last six months.
3. What are the investment options offered by Emirates NBD?
Emirates NBD offers a range of deposit accounts as well as stock market investment options for UAE as well as international markets.
4. How does Emirates NBD support digital banking?
Emirates NBD offers several digital banking options, via its app and website. Users can carry out several operations such as transfer of funds, submitting documents, requesting official letters, etc, via the digital platforms.
5. Does Emirates NBD provide business loans?
Yes, Emirates NBD provides several types of business loans. Their business financing solutions cover commercial property, commercial vehicles, construction equipment, fleet financing, auto loans, among others.
6. Where is Emirates NBD’s headquarters located?
The bank’s headquarters is located on Baniyas Road, Deira, Dubai.