NBAD Bank UAE: Legacy, Services, and FAB merger at a glance

Chaman SEO Writer
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NBAD Bank UAE has traditionally been considered among the most powerful financial centers of the Middle East. Over the decades, it has influenced the banking industry of the UAE through world-class services and dedication to the development of the country. Currently, NBAD has a new name, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), on its legacy after one of the biggest mergers in the area. This transformation is imperative to the customers and businesses that would wish to know what NBAD offers, how it has evolved, and how the merger will impact the future.

This fact book covers the history of NBAD Bank UAE, its main services, and a straightforward analysis of the NBAD-FGB merger to come up with FAB, the largest bank in the UAE.

NBAD Bank UAE: Unbroken History of Quality

National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) was founded in 1968 as the first bank in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It has been one of the most reliable financial institutions in the UAE, and in recent decades, the stability, innovation, and regional presence have become well-known.

NBAD played a major role in:

  • Contributing to the national economic growth.
  • Funding of multinational and government projects.
  • Provision of high-end retail and business banking services.
  • Improving the financial presence of the UAE in the world.

Before the merger, NBAD was operating in over 18 countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and is one of the most globalized banks in the region.

The reason NBAD was ranked as one of the top banks in the United Arab Emirates.

NBAD had an excellent reputation in terms of its customer-focused strategy and good credit scores. Among the best causes of the popularity of the NBAD were

  • Close ties with the government as the main bank of Abu Dhabi.
  • Good creditworthiness, which has always been rated amongst the safest banks in the world.
  • Branch and ATM network, with millions of customers.
  • Online/mobile banking, early innovations in digital form.
  • Individual, corporate, and investment financial products.

These strengths still characterize the merger successor, FAB, even after the merger.

Services NBAD Bank Services: What the Bank Offers Customers

NBAD used to offer a complete range of banking products prior to the switch to FAB. The majority of these services remain today in the FAB brand, but the knowledge of what NBAD used to offer initially in its history serves to emphasize its significance.

Personal Banking

NBAD had a following of daily customers throughout the UAE with vital financial items, such as

  • Current and savings accounts.
  • Fixed deposits
  • Debit and credit cards
  • Islamic banking solutions
  • Personal and auto loans
  • Mortgage finance and housing.

Its customer-oriented strategy became the standard of contemporary retail banking in the area.

Business & Corporate Banking

NBAD served as a favorite banking partner to the SMEs, large corporations, and governmental organizations. It provided:

  • Business accounts
  • Working capital loans
  • Trade finance
  • Investment and treasury services.
  • Commercial real estate financing.

It has a robust corporate banking portfolio that helped boost the economy of the UAE.

Investment and wealth management

NBAD provided specialized wealth management options, namely:

  • Portfolio advisory
  • Structured investments
  • Mutual funds
  • Private banking services

These served high-net-worth people (HNWIs) and multinationals’ clients.

The formation of the NBAD-FGB merger: the formation of FAB.

NBAD fused with First Gulf Bank (FGB), two of the most powerful banks in the UAE. The merger formed First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), which is the largest bank in the UAE in terms of assets.

Why Did NBAD and FGB Merge?

The merger aimed to:

  • Enhance the financial competitiveness of the UAE internationally.
  • Make the institution in banking stronger and more diversified.
  • Centralize resources to have more influence in the region.
  • Add value to customer services together with expertise.

FAB was a well-integrated financial institution, as NBAD had international coverage and FGB had a strong retail presence.

The Implications of the Merger on the Consumers.

The transition was smooth for customers who were already using NBAD services. Key points include:

  • All the NBAD accounts were transferred to FAB automatically.
  • Services and ATMs, as well as branches, were never halted.
  • Under the FAB interface, digital banking platforms were improved.
  • The customers had access to increased services and international networks.

 

Basically, NBAD is still in existence, only now, under the FAB name.

FAB (Former NBAD): The largest bank of the UAE

The legacy of NBAD is present in the current time, with all the advanced technology and innovative financial solutions, and the international presence of the First Abu Dhabi Bank.

Key Highlights of FAB

  • The UAE’s biggest bank in terms of total assets.
  • Good credit scores by Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch.
  • Unified digital banking platform.
  • Full service to individuals, corporates, and investors.
  • Presence in 20+ global markets

This has made FAB one of the most effective financial institutions in the Middle East.

Digital Transformation Post-Merger

The increased digital innovativeness of FAB is one of the largest opportunities of the merger between NBAD and FGB.

Customers now enjoy:

  • AI-powered mobile banking
  • Opening of accounts instantly through the app.
  • Electronic transactions and transfer of finances.
  • Online loan applications
  • On-the-spot bill payments and utility payments.

Digital services offered by FAB correspond to the national vision of the UAE concerning a fully modernized financial industry.

The NBAD to FAB Transition Advantages

The reorganization of NBAD into FAB had several outstanding benefits:

  • Stronger global presence
  • Increased economic security.
  • Greater diversification.
  • Better digital experience.
  • Availability of superior corporate and investment solutions.

The merger propelled the UAE onto solid ground as a competitive global banking center.

FAQs

What was the case with NBAD Bank UAE?

NBAD was merged with First Gulf Bank (FGB) to establish the largest bank in the United Arab Emirates, known as First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB).

Does NBAD still act by its initial name?

No. All the NBAD operations have been renamed to FAB, but the legacy services and bank persist.

Does FAB now have NBAD accounts?

Yes. Customer accounts, cards, and services were automatically transferred to FAB without customer intervention.

Is FAB providing comparable services to those offered by NBAD?

Yes. The services of FAB correspond to all previous NBAD services and have been extended with the updated digital and corporate solutions.

What is the access to my old NBAD internet banking account?

The bank has not updated your credentials, which means that you can use the same to log in via the FAB online banking portal or mobile app.

Conclusion

Although it now operates as First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), NBAD Bank UAE still plays a major role in the country’s financial history. The merger strengthened the UAE banking sector, expanded its global reach, and enhanced customers’ digital banking experience. Whether you were an NBAD customer or are simply exploring banking options, FAB offers a modern, secure, and internationally connected banking ecosystem built on NBAD’s strong foundation.

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