For United Arab Bank customers in Dubai, the main SWIFT/BIC code used for international transfers is UARBAEAA. Some transfer forms may ask for an 11-character format; in that case, the commonly used head-office format is UARBAEAAXXX.
Transfer Details
| Bank Name | United Arab Bank P.J.S.C. |
|---|---|
| Common Short Name | UAB |
| SWIFT / BIC Code | UARBAEAA |
| 11-Character Format | UARBAEAAXXX |
| Country | United Arab Emirates |
| Head Office Emirate | Sharjah |
| Used For | International wire transfers to United Arab Bank accounts, including accounts used by customers in Dubai |
| Usually Needed With | Beneficiary name, IBAN, account details, address, currency, and sender bank requirements |
United Arab Bank Dubai SWIFT Code
The United Arab Bank Dubai SWIFT code is generally entered as UARBAEAA when receiving an international bank transfer into a UAB account. Although the search term often includes Dubai, the SWIFT code is not limited to one Dubai branch. It identifies United Arab Bank within the UAE banking system for international payment routing.
If the sending bank requires an 11-character SWIFT/BIC code, use UARBAEAAXXX. The final three characters, XXX, usually refer to the bank’s main office routing when no separate branch code is needed.
Before sending a large transfer, confirm the SWIFT code, IBAN, beneficiary name, and currency instructions with United Arab Bank or the recipient. A correct SWIFT code alone is not enough if the IBAN or account name is wrong.
What UARBAEAA Means
A SWIFT code, also called a BIC code, identifies a bank during international transfers. It helps the sending bank route the payment to the correct financial institution.
| Code Part | Meaning | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| UARB | Bank Code | Identifies United Arab Bank |
| AE | Country Code | United Arab Emirates |
| AA | Location Code | UAE bank routing location |
| XXX | Branch Code | Used in the 11-character format when a head-office code is required |
When To Use UARBAEAA
Use UARBAEAA when an overseas sender is transferring money to a United Arab Bank account in the UAE. This can apply to personal accounts, business accounts, salary payments, supplier payments, family transfers, and other standard inward remittances, depending on the account type and bank approval rules.
When money is coming from another country through the international banking network.
For UAE accounts, the IBAN is normally required to identify the exact beneficiary account.
Details Usually Needed For A Transfer
A sender normally needs more than the UAB SWIFT code. Banks often ask for several fields to reduce errors and comply with transfer checks.
- Beneficiary Bank: United Arab Bank P.J.S.C.
- SWIFT / BIC: UARBAEAA or UARBAEAAXXX if 11 characters are required.
- Beneficiary Name: The account holder’s legal name as registered with UAB.
- IBAN: The UAE IBAN linked to the United Arab Bank account.
- Currency: The transfer currency requested by the sender and accepted by the account.
- Purpose Of Payment: The reason for the transfer, if the sending bank asks for it.
The SWIFT code identifies the bank. The IBAN identifies the customer account. For a UAE transfer, both details may be needed for the payment to reach the right account.
Dubai Customers and Branch Codes
Many users search for a United Arab Bank Dubai branch SWIFT code, but UAB commonly uses the central SWIFT/BIC code UARBAEAA for international transfer routing. This means a Dubai-based UAB customer may still use the same SWIFT code rather than a separate Dubai-only SWIFT code.
If a payment form asks for a branch code and the sender is unsure what to enter, the safest step is to ask UAB or the sender’s bank before submitting the transfer. Some banks accept the 8-character code, while others require the 11-character version with XXX.
Common Transfer Mistakes
For international transfers to the UAE, the IBAN is usually needed. A local account number may not be enough.
The name should match the bank record. Small differences can delay review or cause a rejected payment.
Some forms ask for the bank’s registered or head office details, not the customer’s nearest Dubai branch.
For some currencies, the sending bank may request intermediary bank information. This depends on the sender bank and currency route.
Transfer Time and Charges
International transfers to United Arab Bank can take different amounts of time depending on the sending country, currency, intermediary banks, cut-off times, compliance checks, and public holidays. A SWIFT transfer may arrive quickly, but it can also take a few business days.
Fees may be charged by the sending bank, intermediary banks, and sometimes the receiving side depending on the account type and transfer path. The sender should check the fee option carefully, especially when choosing who pays the charges.
An intermediary bank helps route money between two banks that do not send funds directly to each other in a certain currency. It may deduct a fee before the money reaches the beneficiary bank.
Important Points
Can I Use UARBAEAA For A United Arab Bank Account In Dubai?
Yes, UARBAEAA is the SWIFT/BIC code used for United Arab Bank in the UAE. Dubai customers should still confirm their IBAN and beneficiary details before receiving an international payment.
Should I Enter UARBAEAA Or UARBAEAAXXX?
If the transfer form accepts 8 characters, enter UARBAEAA. If it requires 11 characters, enter UARBAEAAXXX. Both formats refer to the same bank routing in this context.
Is A SWIFT Code Enough To Receive Money?
No. The sender normally needs the beneficiary’s full name and UAE IBAN as well. The SWIFT code identifies United Arab Bank, while the IBAN identifies the exact account.
What If The Sending Bank Asks For A Branch Address?
Use the bank details requested by the sending bank and verify them with UAB if the form is unclear. Do not guess a Dubai branch code if the bank has not provided one for the transfer.
Before Sending Money To UAB
Check the beneficiary details in full before approving the payment. The most useful confirmation set is simple: UARBAEAA, the correct IBAN, the account holder’s legal name, the transfer currency, and any sender-bank requirement for charges or intermediary routing.
If a transfer is urgent, high value, or linked to a business invoice, ask United Arab Bank or the sender’s bank to confirm the required SWIFT, IBAN, and intermediary details before the payment is released.
