ADIB Launches Banking Package That Lets New UAE Residents Open Accounts Before Emirates ID

The Emirates ID is normally the document that unlocks most financial services in the UAE, and newcomers can wait weeks for it while they need to receive salaries, pay deposits on homes and send money abroad. Under ADIB's express pre-arrival onboarding, applicants can instead use supporting documents such as an employment letter, a passport and, where relevant, an entry visa. A dedicated ADIB Arrive team handles the process.

The package carries up to AED 7,500 in value through salary welcome rewards and special terms on investment deposits, subject to conditions, according to the bank. Selected products come with preferential rates and charges, including some remittance benefits. Eligible customers can have the AED 99 annual fee on the ADIB Cashback Visa Covered Card waived, and safe deposit lockers are currently listed at a 50% discount.

Beyond banking, ADIB Arrive includes a settle-in guide covering telecoms, home rentals, transport, schools, utilities and the government and transport apps residents need. Customers also get partner discounts on car rental, hotels, healthcare, real estate and storage.

ADIB said the UAE continues to draw professionals, entrepreneurs and families from around the world, and that the offer extends its role beyond traditional banking to help customers set up their lives and finances in the country. The bank did not say how many customers it expects to sign up or which partners supply the lifestyle offers.

The launch puts ADIB in more direct competition for newcomers' salary accounts with conventional and digital banks that court the same group, at a time when the lender is also raising capital: subscription for its Dh1.75 billion rights issue opened on November 10.