Arab Bank Switzerland has launched ABS (Middle East) Limited at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), expanding its operations in the Middle East and strengthening its presence in the UAE.
The Geneva-headquartered Swiss private banking group said that the new entity forms part of its long-term strategy to expand its wealth management business in the region. The office will serve entrepreneurs, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals across the Middle East.
The bank emphasized that the launch is the next step in its regional growth strategy. It will also enable the group to work more closely with clients it has served across the region since the 1960s while leveraging the wider ABS Group network.
Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Investment, stated that, “The launch of ABS (Middle East) Limited adds further weight to the UAE’s financial services ecosystem and reinforces our position as a trusted hub for wealth management, investment, and cross-border business. It also reflects the confidence global institutions continue to place in the UAE’s regulatory environment, connectivity, deep pool of talent and expertise, and long-term economic vision.”
Arif Amiri CEO – DIFC Authority
“We are pleased to welcome Arab Bank Switzerland to DIFC as it establishes its presence in Dubai to serve clients across the Middle East. The firm’s long-standing heritage in Swiss private banking, combined with its strong ties to the region, adds further depth to DIFC’s growing wealth and asset management ecosystem.
Wahbe Tamari, Chairman of the Boards of Arab Bank Switzerland and ABS (Middle East) Limited, noted that, “We see the UAE as a strategic hub for the future of the wealth management business of ABS Group. The caliber of the individuals joining the Board and leadership team reflects the importance we attach to this project and our confidence in the future of wealth management in the region.”
To support its regional expansion, Arab Bank Switzerland has appointed Samir Atitallah as Chief Executive Officer of ABS (Middle East) Limited and Michel Sarfati as Head of Family Offices.
