National Bank of Abu Dhabi

The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) was established in 1968 by a decree from the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, then the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, making it the emirate's first bank.

It played a key role in the financial development of the United Arab Emirates, including advising on the establishment of the UAE dirham and central banking institutions in the early 1970s.

Over the decades, NBAD grew to become the largest lender in Abu Dhabi and one of the most significant banks in the UAE, with a wide range of services including retail, corporate, investment, wealth management, and Islamic banking.

It was recognized for its strong international presence, operating branches, subsidiaries, and representative offices in 17 countries across five continents, spanning from the Middle East to the Americas and Asia.

NBAD was a pioneer among UAE banks in expanding overseas, opening its first international branch in Cairo in 1975, followed by expansions into Oman, Sudan, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States.

Through strategic growth, NBAD established one of the largest international branch networks of any UAE bank, with offices in financial hubs including London, Hong Kong, New York, and Singapore. The bank also emphasized innovation, launching sharia-compliant banking services and expanding into new markets in Asia.

In December 2016, NBAD merged with First Gulf Bank to form First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), creating the largest bank in the Middle East and North Africa by assets and market capitalization.

This merger marked the culmination of NBAD's evolution from Abu Dhabi’s first local bank to a leading global financial institution.

Today, FAB continues NBAD’s legacy, offering comprehensive financial solutions and maintaining a strong footprint in the UAE and international markets.