First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) vs Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) — UAE Mortgage Comparison
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) offer distinct mortgage products: FAB is a conventional lender with a market-leading non-resident programme, while DIB is the world's first Islamic bank with a dominant Dubai presence. Whether you need conventional or Sharia-compliant financing, this comparison helps you evaluate these two UAE banking giants.
| Category | First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) | Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) |
|---|---|---|
| Best rate (1-year) | 3.59% fixed | 3.59% equiv. (Islamic) |
| Best variable rate | EIBOR + 1.85% | EIBOR + 1.89% equiv. |
| Maximum LTV (expat) | 75% | 75% |
| Maximum tenure | 25 years | 25 years |
| Minimum salary | AED 15,000 | AED 10,000 |
| Non-resident mortgage | Excellent programme | Limited |
| Sharia compliance | Conventional only | Fully Sharia-compliant |
| Abu Dhabi coverage | Dominant | Good |
| Dubai coverage | Good | Dominant |
| Self-employed eligibility | Available (selective) | Good (3+ years) |
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Verdict
FAB and DIB are evenly matched on headline rates, but diverge sharply on specialisations. FAB excels for Abu Dhabi properties, non-resident investors, and conventional financing. DIB is dominant for Dubai properties, Islamic financing, and self-employed buyers with 3+ years trading history. Your choice will likely depend on property location, financing preference, and whether you qualify on DIB's lower salary threshold.
Bank Profiles
Read the full mortgage review for each bank to understand their rates, eligibility criteria, and product range:
- First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) Mortgage Review — Full Rates & Eligibility
- Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) Mortgage Review — Full Rates & Eligibility
Also see: All UAE Mortgage Banks | More Bank Comparisons | Mortgage Calculator
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) vs Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB)
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) offer distinct mortgage products: FAB is a conventional lender with a market-leading non-resident programme, while DIB is the world's first Islamic bank with a dominant Dubai presence. Whether you need conventional or Sharia-compliant financing, this comparison helps you evaluate these two UAE banking giants.
Verdict
FAB and DIB are evenly matched on headline rates, but diverge sharply on specialisations. FAB excels for Abu Dhabi properties, non-resident investors, and conventional financing. DIB is dominant for Dubai properties, Islamic financing, and self-employed buyers with 3+ years trading history. Your choice will likely depend on property location, financing preference, and whether you qualify on DIB's lower salary threshold.