First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is the UAE's largest bank by assets and a market-leading home finance provider, offering competitive mortgage products for residents and non-residents buying property across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and beyond. YOUAE Mortgages is an independent, whole-of-market broker that arranges FAB mortgages on your behalf — comparing them against every active UAE lender so you always know you are getting the right deal for your circumstances.
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) mortgage products & features
FAB's home loan range is designed to serve a wide spectrum of borrowers, from first-time buyers to seasoned property investors and expatriates purchasing UAE real estate from abroad.
Fixed-rate mortgages lock your rate for an initial period — typically one, two, or three years — before transitioning to a variable rate benchmarked against EIBOR. They provide certainty over monthly outgoings during the fixed window and are particularly popular with buyers who want to plan their finances precisely in the early years.
Variable-rate mortgages are priced as EIBOR plus a bank margin and adjust whenever EIBOR moves. For buyers who expect rates to fall or who prioritise flexibility (for example, the ability to overpay without penalty), a variable structure may offer better long-term value.
Notable features typically available through FAB's mortgage offering include:
- LTV ratios up to 80% for qualifying UAE residents on properties under AED 5 million (per UAE Central Bank regulations)
- Loan tenors of up to 25 years, subject to age at loan maturity
- Access to FAB's premium banking relationships, which can support preferential processing for existing account holders
- Partial and full early repayment options (early settlement charges may apply — verify current terms with your YOUAE adviser)
- Finance available for completed and off-plan properties from approved developers
Browse and compare all UAE lenders on our mortgage banks page.
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) mortgage rates
FAB home loan rates currently start from 3.89%, making it one of the more competitively positioned lenders in the UAE market. This indicative starting rate applies to well-qualified resident borrowers and should be used as a guide rather than a guaranteed offer — your personal rate will reflect your loan-to-value ratio, income level, employment type, credit profile, and the specific product you choose.
Variable rates move with EIBOR, which is influenced by US Federal Reserve policy and regional monetary conditions. When EIBOR rises, so does your monthly payment on a variable rate; a fixed initial period shields you from that volatility for its duration.
YOUAE will model your repayments across multiple lenders and rate scenarios so you can make a fully informed decision before applying.
Eligibility
FAB mortgages are available to UAE residents and, subject to specific product criteria, to non-residents purchasing UAE property. General eligibility benchmarks across UAE lenders include:
- Salaried applicants: a minimum monthly income of around AED 15,000, typically with three to six months of stable employment history with the current employer
- Self-employed applicants: two years of certified or audited financial statements demonstrating consistent business income
- Non-residents: maximum LTV is generally capped at 60%; documentary requirements are more extensive — visit our non-resident mortgage guide for details
- Age: the loan must be repaid before approximately age 65 (salaried) or 70 (self-employed) at most UAE banks
- Credit standing: a clean Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB) report is important; any adverse entries should be discussed with a YOUAE adviser before applying
Typical documentation includes passport, UAE residency visa, Emirates ID, a salary certificate or employment contract, three to six months of bank statements, and the property's sale and purchase agreement or title deed.
Fees & costs
Purchasing property in the UAE involves transaction costs beyond the mortgage, typically totalling around 7% of the purchase price, which must be paid in cash:
- Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee: 4% of the purchase price
- Estate agency commission: approximately 2%
- Property valuation: AED 2,500–3,500 (lender-instructed valuer)
- Mortgage registration fee: 0.25% of the loan amount (DLD)
- Bank arrangement / processing fee: varies by lender and product
Abu Dhabi properties have their own transfer fee structure, which your YOUAE adviser will clarify. These costs are in addition to your deposit and should be held in cleared funds before exchange. We provide a full cost-of-purchase breakdown as part of our free advice service.
Why compare FAB through a broker
FAB's scale gives it real pricing power and broad product depth, and its rates are consistently among the keenest in the UAE. Even so, the lender that produces the sharpest overall cost for your specific profile depends on factors that vary between institutions — including how each bank treats self-employed income, non-resident applications, or high-LTV borrowers.
As a whole-of-market broker, YOUAE places your application with the lender best suited to your needs, whether that is FAB or one of the many other active UAE mortgage providers. We handle the entire process — initial assessment, document preparation, submission, valuation management, and legal coordination — at no cost to you, paid by the lender on completion.
How to apply with YOUAE
- Book a free consultation — a YOUAE adviser reviews your situation, goals, and budget
- Market comparison — we compare FAB against every active UAE lender and present a clear recommendation with full cost modelling
- Application submission — we compile your documents and submit the application to your chosen lender
- Valuation and offer — we manage the bank valuation, respond to any queries, and track progress to formal mortgage offer
- Completion — we coordinate with the DLD and your legal representatives to get you across the line
Get the process started on our get started page, or read more about buying property in Dubai.
FAQs
Is FAB a good lender for expatriate buyers?
FAB has a strong track record with expatriate borrowers and offers products tailored to the needs of UAE residents who are not UAE nationals, as well as non-residents buying from abroad. YOUAE regularly places expatriate applications with FAB and can advise on whether it is the right fit for your profile.
Can I use an FAB mortgage to buy off-plan property?
FAB finances off-plan purchases from a list of approved developers. YOUAE will confirm whether your intended development is eligible and can compare FAB's off-plan finance terms against other lenders who also offer construction-stage products.
What is the maximum loan amount available through FAB?
UAE Central Bank regulations currently permit a maximum LTV of 80% for first-home purchases below AED 5 million (residents), meaning you can borrow up to 80% of the property value. Higher-value properties and investment purchases carry lower LTV caps. YOUAE will calculate your maximum borrowing capacity as part of a free pre-approval assessment.
Ready to move forward? Book your free FAB mortgage pre-approval with YOUAE and receive a whole-of-market comparison with no obligation and no cost to you.