Moving to the United Arab Emirates comes with many adjustments, and managing finances is an essential step in settling into life in the country.
For new residents, the first weeks often involve opening a bank account, arranging salary transfers, and building a local credit profile.
Emirates NBD and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) stand out for offering streamlined digital onboarding, flexible banking solutions, and strong customer support specifically designed for expatriates starting fresh in the UAE.
Both banks simplify the transition with fast account setup, multilingual assistance, and a full suite of financial products that help new residents gain stability and confidence in their financial lives.
How Emirates NBD and ADCB Support New Residents
Fast and Convenient Account Opening
One of the biggest advantages for new residents is how quickly they can access essential banking services.
Key benefits
- Digital onboarding through each bank’s mobile app or online platform
- Account activation within a short time frame, often as quickly as one working day
- Simple requirements, usually including a valid Emirates ID and basic personal information
- No need for long in-branch visits, unless a customer prefers in-person support
This quick start helps newcomers begin receiving salaries, paying bills, and managing daily expenses without delay.
Digital-First Banking Experience
Emirates NBD and ADCB are known for offering some of the UAE’s most advanced digital banking solutions.
What new residents can expect
- Award-winning mobile apps for easy access to account information
- 24/7 online banking for transfers, payments, and balance tracking
- Secure biometric login options
- Instant bill payments for utilities, telecom, transport, school fees, and more
- Seamless international transfers through digital channels
For individuals still adjusting to a new city, this level of convenience offers stability and control from anywhere.
A Full Suite of Financial Products for Building Stability
Once the essential account setup is complete, both banks provide a range of products that help residents establish roots in the UAE financial ecosystem.
Available offerings
- Current and savings accounts
- Credit cards suitable for various spending patterns
- Personal loans tailored to income and employment status
- Home loans, for those planning long-term residency
- Investment opportunities designed for different risk levels
These solutions are valuable for building a UAE credit history—an important factor for accessing larger financial opportunities in the future.
Multi-Currency Accounts for Global Management
With expatriates making up a large portion of the UAE’s population, multi-currency banking is a major advantage.
Benefits
- Hold balances in AED and various major foreign currencies
- Simplify international transfers
- Reduce the need for multiple overseas accounts
- Enable easier budgeting and global money management
This flexibility is especially useful for residents who frequently send money home or travel for work.
Extensive Local Networks
Although digital banking is dominant, both banks maintain strong physical networks for customers who prefer in-person support.
- Wide coverage of branches across the UAE
- Large ATM networks for convenient withdrawals
- Dedicated customer service centers
- Specialist staff available for more complex inquiries
Emirates NBD: What Makes It Stand Out
Liv. Digital Account
Liv., powered by Emirates NBD, is one of the leading digital-only banking solutions in the UAE.
Key features
- Instant account opening with zero minimum balance
- Tools for budgeting, spending insights, savings goals, and financial organization
- A user experience built for young professionals and digital-savvy residents
DirectRemit
A major advantage for expatriates is DirectRemit, which offers:
- 60-second international transfers to selected countries
- No transfer fees for many corridors
- Fast and simple remittances through the Emirates NBD mobile app
This feature is especially beneficial for those supporting families abroad.
Financial Education Tools
Emirates NBD provides online resources that help new residents understand:
- Budgeting basics
- Savings strategies
- Digital banking safety
- Everyday money management
These tools support smoother financial adaptation during the first months in the UAE.
ADCB: Key Advantages for New Residents
Hayyak Digital Account
ADCB Hayyak offers quick digital onboarding for newcomers.
Main benefits
- Instant account opening via the ADCB mobile app
- Digital convenience with full access to the bank’s services
- Easy salary transfer setup for new employees
TouchPoints Loyalty Program
ADCB’s rewards system adds extra value to everyday banking.
- Earn points on spending, bill payments, and transfers
- Redeem points for travel, shopping, dining, and lifestyle rewards
- Provides ongoing benefits for active account holders
Competitive Rates
ADCB offers attractive rates on:
- Savings accounts
- Personal loans
- Other financial products
This is helpful for residents seeking cost-effective financial solutions.
Multilingual Customer Support
To serve the UAE’s multicultural community, ADCB provides support in multiple languages, including:
- English
- Arabic
- Hindi
- Urdu
This ensures a comfortable experience for customers navigating banking in a new country.
For new residents arriving in the UAE, choosing the right bank can significantly simplify the transition into local life.
Emirates NBD and ADCB stand out for their digital-first approach, extensive networks, and services designed to support expatriates from the very first day.
Whether it’s fast account opening, multi-currency flexibility, or access to modern mobile banking tools, both institutions help newcomers manage money with confidence and convenience as they begin building their future in the Emirates.