First Gulf Bank

First Gulf Bank (FGB) was established in 1979 and was headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It was one of the largest banks in the UAE by assets and played a significant role in the development of the country’s financial sector.

The bank offered a diverse range of financial services including wholesale banking, consumer banking, treasury services, Islamic banking, and bancassurance solutions. FGB expanded its footprint beyond the UAE with branches in Singapore and Qatar, as well as representative offices in London, India, Hong Kong, and Seoul, serving a broad international clientele.

In 2013, the bank restructured its operations into three divisions: Wholesale Banking, Consumer Banking, and Treasury & Global Markets, and it acquired full ownership of Sharia-compliant finance company Aseel Islamic Finance and consumer finance provider Dubai First.

In December 2016, First Gulf Bank merged with the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) to form First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), which became the largest bank by assets in the UAE.

The merger was part of a strategic move to create a banking champion capable of delivering enhanced value both locally and internationally. Following the merger, FAB expanded its services with a presence across five continents, including significant operations in Asia, Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa.

The creation of FAB leveraged the legacy and expertise of FGB as well as NBAD, marking a new chapter in the UAE’s banking sector with a focus on innovation, growth, and regional leadership.

During its operational years, FGB was known for strong customer service, technological advancement, and supporting UAE’s developmental goals through financial products tailored to both retail and corporate clients.

The bank also invested in community engagement and sponsorships, including support for sports and cultural activities in the UAE. FGB’s transformation into FAB reflects a broader trend of consolidation in the banking industry aimed at enhancing competitiveness in the global financial market.