National Bank of Dubai

The National Bank of Dubai (NBD) was established in 1963 by a decree from Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai at the time, making it the first national bank in Dubai and a pioneer in the financial sector of the UAE.

It played a significant role in the economic development of Dubai and the broader region, providing banking services to support trade, commerce, and government initiatives.

The bank’s headquarters was housed in the iconic building in Deira, Dubai, which at 125 meters was one of the tallest structures in the city when built in 1998, inspired by the hull shape of traditional dhows used in Dubai’s maritime trade.

In 2007, the bank was merged with Emirates Bank International (EBI) to form Emirates NBD, creating one of the largest banking groups in the Middle East.

Emirates NBD was officially listed on the Dubai Financial Market in October 2007 and has since expanded its operations across multiple countries, serving over 9 million customers with assets exceeding AED 1 trillion as of mid-2025.

The bank offers a full spectrum of banking services, including retail, corporate, investment, Islamic banking, and wealth management, boasting a vast network of branches and ATMs in the UAE and internationally.

The history of Dubai’s banking sector began with this foundational institution, which helped shape the region’s financial landscape. Over time, Dubai developed into a major international financial hub with a robust ecosystem of local and foreign banks, leveraged by the growth of its economy, driven largely by trade, tourism, and real estate.

The bank continues to be a vital part of the UAE’s economy, playing a pivotal role in supporting government initiatives and infrastructure projects, contributing significantly to the financial stability and development of Dubai and the wider UAE.