First Abu Dhabi Bank Swift Code 2027: Complete Guide to Every Branch Code In UAE

First Abu Dhabi Bank Swift Code 2027. If you are sending money to the UAE, receiving a payment from abroad or simply trying to fill in an international transfer form correctly, one small code can make or break your transaction the SWIFT code. And if the bank you are dealing with is First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the largest bank in the UAE then you have landed on the right page.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about First Abu Dhabi Bank’s SWIFT/BIC codes from the main head office code to every branch code across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain and the Northern Emirates.

What is a SWIFT Code?

Before jumping into First Abu Dhabi Bank’s codes, let’s quickly understand what a SWIFT code actually is, because many people confuse it with an account number or IBAN.

A SWIFT code (also called a BIC code, short for Bank Identifier Code) is a unique set of letters and numbers used to identify a specific bank and, in many cases, a specific branch of that bank, anywhere in the world. Think of it like a postal address for banks when money is sent internationally, banking systems use this code to know exactly where the funds need to go.

First Abu Dhabi Bank SWIFT Code

If you’re in a hurry and just need the main code, here it is:

• Main SWIFT Code: NBADAEAAXXX

This is the primary SWIFT/BIC code for First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, and it represents the bank’s head office in the UAE. You can use this code for most general international transfers when a specific branch code has not been given to you by the recipient.

Keep in mind that First Abu Dhabi Bank operates dozens of branches, and many of them have their own dedicated SWIFT codes for specific departments or locations. If your recipient has given you a different code, it is likely tied to a specific branch, and that is completely normal for a bank of this size.

Breaking Down the SWIFT Code: NBADAEAA

A SWIFT code isn’t just a random string of letters every part of it tells you something. Let’s break down First Abu Dhabi Bank’s code piece by piece so you understand exactly what you’re looking at.

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• Bank Code (First 4 Letters): These four letters, “NBAD,” stand for the bank itself. This part never changes across any First Abu Dhabi Bank code, no matter which branch or department it belongs to. (Interesting fact: “NBAD” stands for National Bank of Abu Dhabi, the bank’s former name before it merged with First Gulf Bank to become First Abu Dhabi Bank.)
• Country Code (Next 2 Letters): “AE” simply tells you the bank is located in the United Arab Emirates. Every UAE-based bank will carry this same two-letter country code.
• Location Code (Next 2 Characters): “AA” identifies the general banking zone or city. This part can change slightly depending on which region the branch operates from.
• Branch Code (Last 3 Characters): This is the part that changes the most. It can be a specific set of letters representing a branch a department or simply “XXX,” which means the code belongs to the head office rather than an individual branch.

Once you understand this pattern, you’ll be able to read almost any bank’s SWIFT code around the world not just First Abu Dhabi Bank’s.

Read Also: Mashreq Bank Swift Code All Branches: Complete Guide To All Branches

Why Does First Abu Dhabi Bank Have So Many SWIFT Codes?

This is a question many people ask and it makes complete sense once you know the size of the bank. First Abu Dhabi Bank was formed in 2017 through a merger between National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) and First Gulf Bank (FGB), making it the largest bank in the UAE by assets. With such a huge footprint spanning retail banking, corporate banking, Islamic banking, treasury operations, private wealth management and more it’s only natural that different departments and branches are assigned their own codes.

This structure actually benefits customers. Instead of every transfer going through one single office and getting bottlenecked, payments can be routed directly to the correct department or branch, making processing faster and more accurate.

Complete List of First Abu Dhabi Bank SWIFT Codes by Emirate

Below is a detailed, organized list of First Abu Dhabi Bank’s SWIFT codes across the UAE, grouped by emirate so you can quickly find the one relevant to you.

Abu Dhabi Branches

Dubai Branches

Sharjah Branches

Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman & Umm Al Quwain Branches

First Abu Dhabi Bank Head Office Departments and Their SWIFT Codes

Large banks like First Abu Dhabi Bank also run specialized departments for corporate clients, investors, and internal banking operations, each with its own dedicated SWIFT code. If you are a business client or dealing with trade finance, wealth management, or treasury services, you may need one of these instead of the standard branch code.

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When Should You Use the Main SWIFT Code (NBADAEAAXXX)?

A lot of people get confused about whether to use the head office code or a specific branch code. Here’s a simple rule of thumb to clear that up.

You should use NBADAEAAXXX when:

1. You are sending an international transfer to a First Abu Dhabi Bank account and don’t have a specific branch code
2. The recipient has not shared a branch-specific SWIFT code with you
3. Your bank or transfer service processes payments centrally through the bank’s primary office anyway
4. You simply want a safe, widely accepted default option that is unlikely to cause delays

In most everyday situations sending money to a friend, family member, freelancer or small business in the UAE the main code works perfectly fine because most international transfer systems automatically route the payment to the correct account regardless of the exact branch code used.

When Do You Need a Specific Branch SWIFT Code?

On the other hand, there are situations where using a branch-specific code matters more:

• Corporate and business transfers: Larger companies often deal directly with a specific department, such as Trade Finance or Global Cash Management and providing the exact code speeds up processing.
• Recipient instructions: If your recipient specifically gives you a branch code (for example, NBADAEAADEI for the Deira branch) always use that exact code rather than the general head office one.
• Bank statement matching: If you’re checking a code against your own bank statement and it doesn’t match the main code, it likely belongs to the branch where your account was originally opened.
• Large or urgent transfers: For big-value international wires using the precise branch code can sometimes help avoid unnecessary processing delays.

How to Find Your First Abu Dhabi Bank SWIFT Code

If you’re not sure which SWIFT code applies to your account, here are three simple ways to find out:

• 1: Check Your Bank Statement Your monthly account statement or the FAB mobile banking app usually lists your SWIFT/BIC code along with your IBAN and account details.
• 2: Contact Your Branch Directly Call or visit the First Abu Dhabi Bank branch where you opened your account and ask a representative for your exact SWIFT code.
• 3: Use the Branch Table Above Match your branch name or city from the detailed tables in this article to find the correct code instantly.

SWIFT Code vs IBAN Difference

Many people mix up SWIFT codes with IBAN numbers, so let’s clear up the confusion quickly, since you’ll often need both when sending money internationally.

In short: the SWIFT code tells the international banking system which bank to send money to, while the IBAN tells it which account at that bank should receive it. You typically need both for a successful international transfer to the UAE.

Sending Money to First Abu Dhabi Bank

When making an international transfer to a First Abu Dhabi Bank account keep the following points in mind to avoid delays or rejected payments:

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• Double-check the SWIFT code with the recipient before sending, especially for large amounts
• Make sure you also have the correct IBAN as the SWIFT code alone is not enough
• Confirm the beneficiary’s full name matches exactly as it appears on their bank account
• Ask whether any additional reference number or purpose code is required, especially for business transfers
• Compare transfer fees and exchange rates between your bank and independent money transfer services as banks often charge higher hidden fees on international transfers than specialized providers

About First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)

First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC (FAB) is the result of a 2017 merger between National Bank of Abu Dhabi and First Gulf Bank, creating the largest bank in the United Arab Emirates by total assets. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, FAB offers a full range of banking services including retail banking, corporate and investment banking, private banking, Islamic banking, and global markets services. With a vast branch network across all seven emirates and a growing international presence, FAB plays a central role in the UAE’s financial and banking sector.

Quick Reference: Most Searched First Abu Dhabi Bank SWIFT Codes

FAQs About First Abu Dhabi Bank

What is the main SWIFT code for First Abu Dhabi Bank?

Ans: The main SWIFT/BIC code for First Abu Dhabi Bank is NBADAEAAXXX, representing the bank’s head office located on Sheikh Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi.

Can I use the same SWIFT code for all First Abu Dhabi Bank branches?

Ans: In most cases, yes the head office code (NBADAEAAXXX) works for general transfers. However, if your recipient has provided a specific branch or department code, it’s best to use that exact one for smoother processing.

Is NBADAEAA the same as NBADAEAAXXX?

Ans: Yes. NBADAEAA is the 8-character short version, while NBADAEAAXXX is the full 11-character version. Both refer to the same head office, since “XXX” simply indicates there is no specific branch attached.

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What does the “NBAD” part of the SWIFT code mean?

Ans: “NBAD” stands for National Bank of Abu Dhabi, which was the bank’s name before it merged with First Gulf Bank in 2017 to form First Abu Dhabi Bank. The bank code was kept the same after the merger.

Why does First Abu Dhabi Bank have a code starting with “FGBM”?

Ans: FGBMAEAAXXX is a legacy code from First Gulf Bank, one of the two banks that merged to create First Abu Dhabi Bank. This code is still active and used for certain transactions tied to the bank’s older systems.

Do I need a SWIFT code and an IBAN to send money to the UAE?

Ans: Yes, both are typically required. The SWIFT code identifies the bank and branch, while the IBAN identifies the specific account that should receive the funds.

Where can I find my First Abu Dhabi Bank SWIFT code?

Ans: You can find it on your bank statement, through the FAB mobile banking app, by calling your branch directly, or by checking the detailed branch tables provided in this article.

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Is the SWIFT code the same for sending and receiving money?

Ans: Yes, the SWIFT code identifies the bank the same way whether money is being sent to it or received from it. The direction of the transfer does not change the code itself.

What happens if I use the wrong SWIFT code?

Ans: Using an incorrect SWIFT code can delay your transfer, cause it to be rejected, or in rare cases route it to the wrong branch. It’s always best to confirm the code with your recipient before sending money.

Does First Abu Dhabi Bank charge fees for international transfers?

Ans: Like most banks, First Abu Dhabi Bank may charge processing fees and apply its own exchange rate margins on international transfers. It’s worth comparing costs with independent transfer services before sending large amounts.

Conclusion

Finding the correct SWIFT code shouldn’t be complicated, and hopefully this guide has made First Abu Dhabi Bank’s system much easier to understand. Whether you need the general head office code, a specific branch code in Dubai or Sharjah, or a department code for corporate transfers, you now have a complete, organized reference to work from.

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About The Author

Sheikha Maryam Al Mansoori

Sheikha Maryam Al Mansoori lives in Sharjah and writes easy, step-by-step guides about life in the UAE. She explains visas, Emirates ID, metro and bus travel, banking, jobs and property in clear, simple words anyone can follow.