Dubai Bank Hours: Know When Branches Open (Weekends, Holidays & More)
May 1, 2025
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Planning a trip to the bank in Dubai? Whether you're a resident managing daily finances or a visitor needing banking services, knowing when branches are open is crucial. The UAE shifted its workweek a few years back, impacting bank schedules, especially on Fridays 
[12]
[35]
[23]. This guide breaks down typical Dubai bank hours for weekdays, weekends, public holidays, and the special timings during Ramadan in 2025. Remember, while this provides a general overview, it's always smart to check the specific branch you plan to visit.
Standard Weekday Hours: Monday to Thursday
Getting your banking done mid-week in Dubai is usually straightforward. Most bank branches across the city open their doors bright and early, typically around 8:00 AM from Monday to Thursday 
[2]
[3]
[8]. Closing times vary a bit more, generally falling between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM for standard branches 
[1][2][3][8][35]. For instance, you'll find many Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) branches operating from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM [3][8], while RAKBANK often keeps its doors open until 3:00 PM [2]. Some Mashreq Bank branches extend their hours slightly later, closing at 3:30 PM [35]. During these core hours, you can access the full suite of banking services, from simple inquiries and deposits to loan applications and financial consultations [1]. Keep in mind, these times generally apply to regular street-side branches; those inside malls often have different schedules [1].
Navigating the New Weekend: Friday & Saturday Schedules
The UAE's move to a Monday-to-Friday workweek in early 2022 shook up the traditional banking schedule, particularly for Fridays [12][35][23]. Friday is now a shorter working day for most banks, often wrapping up early to accommodate prayer times [12][35]. Typically, branches open around 7:30 AM or 8:00 AM but close by 12:00 PM or 12:30 PM [2][3][8][35]. You might see DIB branches operating from 7:15 AM to 12:15 PM [3][8], RAKBANK from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM [2], and Mashreq from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM [35]. Some banks like Emirates NBD pause services between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM for prayers [35], while HSBC also closes at 12:30 PM [35].
What about Saturdays? Following a directive from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), banks are generally required to stay open six days a week, meaning most branches operate on Saturdays [35]. Saturday hours often mirror the standard Monday-Thursday schedule, like 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM [2][3][8]. However, some banks, such as Emirates NBD, mention that specific branches might close on Saturdays depending on local customer needs [35]. And Sundays? That's now the official day off for bank branches across the UAE [12][35].
Mall Branch Exceptions: Extended Hours for Convenience
If standard branch hours don't fit your schedule, bank branches located inside shopping malls or busy commercial hubs are your best bet. These locations often boast significantly extended hours to cater to shoppers and those needing services outside typical work times [1]. For example, ADCB's branch in the Mall of the Emirates stays open from 10:00 AM right through to 9:00 PM on Mondays to Thursdays and Saturdays 
[5]. Similarly, some DIB mall branches, like those in Dubai Mall, operate from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on those same days [3]. RAKBANK also offers extended hours at certain locations, like their Khalidiya branch (Abu Dhabi example) running from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday-Thursday and Saturday [2]. Even on Fridays, mall branches often reopen after prayers, with DIB in Ibn Battuta Mall open 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM [3]
[31] and ADCB in Mall of the Emirates open 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM [5].
Bank Closures: Public Holidays in the UAE
Like most businesses, banks in Dubai shut their doors on official UAE public holidays [1]
[19]
[21]. These dates are announced by the government and the Central Bank. Key holidays when you can expect banks to be closed include New Year's Day (January 1st) 
[22]
[32]
[25]
[29], Eid Al Fitr (marking Ramadan's end, usually 3-5 days depending on moon sighting) [22][32][25]
[26][29][19], Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice, typically 4 days, also moon-dependent) [22][32][25][26][29], the Hijri New Year (Islamic New Year, 1 day, moon sighting) [22][32][25][26][29], Prophet Mohammed's Birthday (1 day, moon sighting) [22][32][25][29], Commemoration Day (December 1st) [22][32][25][26], and UAE National Day (December 2nd-3rd) [22][32][25][26][29]. The CBUAE confirms the exact dates, especially for Islamic holidays tied to the lunar calendar [19][21][25][29]. Don't worry though, even when branches are closed, digital banking and ATMs remain fully operational [1]
[6][19].
Ramadan Timings: Navigating Banking During the Holy Month
The holy month of Ramadan brings special adjustments to daily life in the UAE, including banking hours. Working hours are officially reduced across sectors, usually by two hours per day, as mandated by labour law for all employees, fasting or not [1]
[4]
[10]
[11]
[16]
[20]. For bank branches, this typically means a schedule like 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM from Monday to Thursday and on Saturdays [1][4][6][10]
[34]
[30]. Some banks might start slightly earlier, around 8:00 AM [4][8]. For instance, DIB branches often operate 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM [6], while ADIB's regular branches might run 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM [30].
Fridays during Ramadan see even shorter hours, commonly ending by 12:00 PM or 12:30 PM [4][6][30]. DIB might work 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM [6], and ADIB from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM [30]. Mall branches, however, often have unique Ramadan schedules. They might run a morning/afternoon shift (like 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM or 3:30 PM) and sometimes add an evening shift after Iftar (breaking the fast), perhaps from 9:00 PM/9:30 PM to 11:00 PM or midnight [4][34][30]. ADIB mall branches, for example, could be open 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM (Mon-Sat) and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (Fri), with some offering evening hours too [30]. Branches in government buildings might follow specific government Ramadan hours [10][20][30]. Given these variations, confirming the exact Ramadan hours for your specific branch is highly recommended [1][6].
Cultural Sensitivity During Ramadan Visits
Ramadan is a deeply significant time of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims [10][16]. If you need to visit a bank during this month, showing cultural sensitivity is important and appreciated [10][11][20]. Remember that non-Muslims are legally required to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours (dawn to sunset) out of respect [11][16][20]. This applies inside bank branches too. Dressing modestly is always good practice in the UAE, but especially during Ramadan – covering shoulders and knees is advised [11][16][20]. It's also considerate to avoid loud music, disruptive behaviour, or public displays of affection [11][16][20].
Be mindful that service might be a bit slower as staff may be fasting or observing religious practices; patience goes a long way [10][20]. If you need to schedule a meeting, try for earlier in the day and avoid prayer times or the period just before Iftar 
[9][20]. Offering a simple greeting like "Ramadan Kareem" or "Ramadan Mubarak" to Muslim staff or customers is a thoughtful gesture [9]. Showing respect for these cultural nuances ensures positive interactions [9][10].
Beyond Branch Hours: 24/7 Digital Banking Access
What happens when the branch doors are closed? Thankfully, Dubai's banks offer robust digital platforms that keep you connected to your finances around the clock [1][12]. Online banking portals and mobile apps are typically available 24/7, including weekends, public holidays, and throughout Ramadan [2][6]
[7][12]
[14]
[33]
[17]
[18][19]
[24]
[28]. You can perform most routine tasks like checking balances, transferring money locally or internationally, paying bills (like utilities or Salik road tolls), managing your cards, and viewing statements anytime, anywhere [7]
[13][14][33][17].
ATMs for cash withdrawals and CDMs (Cash Deposit Machines) are also accessible 24/7 across the city, ensuring you can always get cash or make deposits [6][31][12][13]. Many banks also provide 24/7 automated phone banking and have call centers operating continuously for support, even on holidays 
[15][17][35][28]. Some offer features like 24/7 mobile chat support (HSBC) [14] or multi-lingual agents available anytime (Emirates NBD) [15]. While these digital channels are highly reliable, occasional scheduled maintenance might occur [13]. Also, remember that while you can initiate transactions anytime, the actual processing for things like international transfers might still follow standard business days (Monday-Saturday, excluding holidays) and cut-off times [35]
[27], though many domestic transfers now process 24/7 [24]. This strong digital infrastructure means you're rarely cut off from essential banking services [1][6][12][19].
Pro Tip: Banking hours can vary significantly, especially between standard branches and those in malls, or during periods like Ramadan and public holidays [1]. Before heading out, always double-check the specific opening hours for your chosen branch on the bank's official website or using their branch locator tool [2][13]. And don't forget, for maximum convenience, digital banking channels are always there for you [1][6][12][19].
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