Bank al Etihad Enters UAE Market Through Partnership with Ethmar International Holding

Bank al Etihad, one of Jordan's largest banks, has announced its entry into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) market through a strategic partnership with Ethmar International Holding (EIH), an Abu Dhabi-based investment group, along with other UAE investors. The parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a new bank within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).

This move signifies a major step in Bank al Etihad's regional growth strategy, extending its presence beyond Jordan and Iraq and positioning the bank within a leading international financial center. The new bank will operate under a Category 1 banking license in ADGM, providing a platform to serve regional and international clients and companies conducting business outside the UAE mainland.

The initiative aims to create an integrated platform for facilitating cross-border business, supporting transactions across target markets, and developing relationships with new corporate, institutional, and high-net-worth clients. This expansion leverages Bank al Etihad's over five decades of banking expertise to enhance its regional relevance, diversify its offerings, and strengthen its connections to major markets.

The proposed bank will operate under ADGM's regulatory framework and the supervision of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), adhering to regulations in both the UAE and Jordan. The establishment is subject to all necessary official approvals. Bank al Etihad has been a prominent financial services provider in Jordan since 1987 and has undergone significant regional expansion in recent years.