How to Check Whether a Bank Is Licensed in the UAE
Verify a bank or financial institution against the Central Bank of the UAE licensing register before sending money or documents.
The short answer
To check a UAE bank licence, start with the CBUAE licensing register and match the institution’s legal name and licence category. A similar logo, app name or social-media account is not proof of authorisation.
What to do
1. Capture the legal name
Find the entity name in the proposed contract, website footer or account details—not only the consumer brand.
2. Search the CBUAE register
Use the Central Bank’s current register and select the relevant institution or licence type. Check that the activity offered fits the listed category.
3. Match independent contact details
Compare the official website, phone number and address with the register or trusted CBUAE information before contacting the firm.
4. Pause on any mismatch
Do not send funds, an OTP, Emirates ID images or UAE Pass approvals while the name, domain or licence status is unclear.
Important: Fraudsters may impersonate a real licensed bank; verify both the institution and the exact communication channel.
Official source and review note
Dubai Daily Guide reviewed this article on 7 October 2026 against Central Bank of the UAE — Licensing ↗. Check the live service before acting because eligibility, documents, fees and processing steps can change.