Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) isn’t just a bank — it’s a financial movement. Founded in 1975 by Saeed Bin Ahmed Lootah, DIB became the first Islamic bank in the world to fully integrate Shariah principles into its banking model. That bold leap didn’t just change how banking worked in the UAE — it sparked a global shift in how ethical, values-based finance could evolve.

Today, DIB stands as the largest Islamic bank in the UAE by assets and ranks among the top three Islamic banks globally, offering a compelling mix of tradition-driven principles and innovation-led banking solutions.

Dubai Islamic Bank at a Glance

From its roots in Dubai, DIB has grown into a financial powerhouse with a global reach. Headquartered in the UAE and listed on the Dubai Financial Market, the bank operates over 90 branches across the Emirates and extends its presence into seven international markets. It serves nearly 1.7 million customers, reflecting the growing demand for Shariah-compliant, customer-centric financial services.

But what truly sets DIB apart is its commitment to ethical banking — a financial ecosystem that values transparency, risk-sharing, and the avoidance of interest-based practices. This model not only aligns with Islamic tenets but is increasingly resonating with customers seeking conscious and principled banking in a complex global economy.

A Network of Strategic Global Subsidiaries

DIB’s influence extends well beyond the UAE, with a robust portfolio of subsidiaries and equity partnerships strategically placed in emerging and established markets:

🌍 Dar Al Sharia

A Dubai-based Shariah legal and financial consultancy, providing expert structuring services for Islamic finance institutions globally.

🇵🇰 Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan

Fully owned and operational since 2006, this subsidiary strengthens Pakistan’s Islamic finance sector with modern, Shariah-based retail and corporate banking solutions.

🇮🇩 Panin Dubai Syariah Bank

With a 38.3% stake, DIB plays a critical role in Indonesia’s rapidly growing Islamic banking sector — in a country home to the world’s largest Muslim population.

🇸🇩 Bank of Khartoum

DIB holds a strategic interest in Sudan’s largest bank, expanding its footprint in Africa’s Islamic banking market.

🇧🇦 Bosna Bank International

As Europe’s first fully Shariah-compliant bank, BBI — established in Sarajevo — showcases DIB’s dedication to bringing Islamic finance to Western markets.

🇰🇪 DIB Bank Kenya

Operating under a license from the Central Bank of Kenya since 2017, this entity represents DIB’s forward-thinking approach in tapping into East Africa’s emerging Islamic finance landscape.

Related: Noor Bank

🏗️ Deyaar Development

While not a bank, this real estate arm is a key part of DIB’s diversified portfolio, supporting urban growth and housing in the UAE.

What Dubai Islamic Bank Offers

DIB isn’t just about compliance — it’s about delivering real-world solutions with the flexibility and digital access modern customers expect.

For Individuals:

Personal and savings accounts
Home and auto financing
Credit cards and Takaful (Islamic insurance)
24/7 mobile and online banking

For Businesses:

SME and corporate banking
Trade finance and treasury services
Islamic business accounts
Shariah-compliant business loans and cash management

For High-Net-Worth Clients:

Priority banking services
Wealth management
Tailored investment strategies

Across these offerings, DIB adheres strictly to AAOIFI and Shariah governance standards, ensuring ethical investment and profit generation that complies with Islamic law.

Landmark Deal: $1 Billion Sovereign Facility for Pakistan

In 2023, Dubai Islamic Bank demonstrated its global leadership by spearheading a US$1 billion syndicated term-finance facility for the Government of Pakistan — a historic deal underscoring the bank’s strategic and financial influence on the global stage.

Structured as a five-year facility, this deal was partly backed by the Asian Development Bank’s first-ever Policy-Based Guarantee (PBG) for Pakistan — a major endorsement of the country’s economic reform agenda.

Key highlights:

89% of the facility was structured using AAOIFI-compliant Commodity Murabaha principles.
DIB acted as the Sole Islamic Global Coordinator and co-led the arrangement with Standard Chartered.
Regional Islamic banks such as Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Ajman Bank, and Sharjah Islamic Bank participated.

📣 What leaders said:

“This landmark financing arrangement not only underscores the strong confidence of regional and international financial institutions in Pakistan’s economic reform trajectory, but also marks an important step in expanding our access to innovative and Shariah-compliant funding solutions.”
— Muhammad Aurangzeb, Pakistan’s Finance Minister

“We are proud to have reintroduced Pakistan’s credit to the Islamic term financing market through this innovative structure.”
— Dr. Adnan Chilwan, Group CEO, Dubai Islamic Bank

This landmark deal not only enhanced Pakistan’s access to Islamic liquidity markets but reaffirmed DIB’s ability to mobilize ethical finance for large-scale sovereign needs, paving the way for future Islamic sovereign financing worldwide.

Why Dubai Islamic Bank Matters in the UAE and Beyond

In a city known for luxury, innovation, and ambition, Dubai Islamic Bank provides a moral compass in finance — proving that banking can be both profitable and principled. Its unwavering commitment to Shariah values, technological adaptability, and regional influence make it a cornerstone of Islamic finance globally.

Whether you’re a business owner in Dubai looking for ethical working capital or a government exploring Shariah-compliant sovereign debt solutions, DIB delivers with credibility and scale.

For more on Dubai’s financial landscape, explore our in-depth UAE banking guides and discover local insights at TheDubaiWeb.com — your trusted source for Dubai-centric news, services, and lifestyle content.

FAQ: Dubai Islamic Bank, UAE

Is Dubai Islamic Bank only for Muslims?

No. While DIB operates under Islamic principles, its services are open to all individuals and businesses, regardless of religious background. It is known for inclusive, ethical banking.

What makes DIB different from conventional banks in the UAE?

DIB is fully Shariah-compliant, meaning it does not charge or pay interest. It operates on principles like risk-sharing, asset-backing, and ethical investing.

Does Dubai Islamic Bank have mobile banking?

Yes. DIB offers a robust digital banking platform with mobile apps for iOS and Android, enabling users to manage accounts, make transfers, pay bills, and more.

Can I open a Dubai Islamic Bank account online?

Yes. Many account types, especially savings and current accounts, can be opened online through the DIB website or mobile app.

Where are DIB branches located in Dubai?

Dubai Islamic Bank operates multiple branches across major locations in Dubai including:

Sheikh Zayed Road
Al Qusais
Deira
Bur Dubai
Visit the official branch locator for updated details.

Does DIB offer services outside the UAE?

Yes. Through subsidiaries and strategic stakes, DIB operates in Pakistan, Indonesia, Kenya, Bosnia, Sudan, and more — supporting the global growth of Islamic finance.

Final Thought

Dubai Islamic Bank isn’t just a financial institution; it’s a blueprint for the future of ethical, inclusive, and innovation-driven banking. For individuals, businesses, and nations looking to align finance with values — DIB remains the partner of choice.

Explore more financial insights and lifestyle updates at TheDubaiWeb.com — your window into the real Dubai.

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Safna

Safna is a full-time writer at TheDubaiWeb.com, where she covers the latest finance news and trending topics across the UAE. With over 10 years of experience living in the UAE, she brings local insight and a deep understanding of the region to her reporting.

Dubai Islamic Bank, UAE — Pioneering Global Shariah Finance from the Heart of Dubai

Dubai Islamic Bank at a Glance