General Information » Money » Banks

The well-structured and ever-growing network of local and international banks, strictly controlled by the UAE Central Bank, offers a full range of commercial and personal banking services. Transfers can be made without difficulty as there is no exchange control and the dirham is freely convertible. To open a bank account in the UAE, you have to be a resident. Some banks will open a payroll account for you before your residence permit formalities have been completed, but you have to have a work permit. For further information on opening a bank account in the UAE, refer to Dubai Red-Tape.

Normal banking hours are Saturday to Wednesday 08:00 – 13:00 (some are also open 16:30 – 18:30), and on Thursdays from 08:00 – 12:00.

For more information on services offered by banks in the UAE, refer to Banking in the New Residents section.

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