Bank al Etihad Expands Its Horizons with New UAE Venture in Partnership with Ethmar International Holding
In a significant step towards regional expansion, Bank al Etihad, one of Jordan's prominent financial institutions, has announced its entry into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through a strategic partnership with Ethmar International Holding, a leading investment firm based in Abu Dhabi. The two entities have formalized their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which aims to establish a new banking facility under the prestigious Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
This partnership marks a crucial milestone not only for Bank al Etihad but also for the financial landscape of the UAE, which is recognized as one of the world’s leading international financial hubs. The new bank will operate with a Category 1 banking license within ADGM, allowing it to serve both regional and international clients effectively. This initiative comes as a part of Bank al Etihad’s broader strategy to enhance its service offerings and further penetrate markets beyond its traditional base in Jordan and Iraq.
Through this new venture, Bank al Etihad plans to leverage its over 50 years of banking expertise to provide a comprehensive platform aimed at facilitating cross-border business. This includes support for international transactions and fostering relationships with a diverse range of clients, including corporate and institutional investors as well as high-net-worth individuals. By establishing a presence in the UAE, Bank al Etihad is positioning itself to play a pivotal role in regional economic growth, extending its reach and enhancing connectivity with major financial markets globally.
The new banking institution will operate under the regulatory framework set by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM. It will comply with all regulatory requirements pertinent to the UAE as well as those of Jordan, ensuring a robust governance framework for its operations. The establishment of this bank is conditioned upon receiving necessary official approvals, reinforcing its commitment to adhering to regulatory guidance in both nations.
Bank al Etihad has been a key player in Jordan’s banking sector since 1987, and over the years, it has pursued a trajectory of sustainable growth. This includes strategic acquisitions and expansions, such as its 2017 acquisition of a majority stake in Safwa Islamic Bank, the 2024 foray into the Iraqi market, and a merger with INVESTBANK in 2025. These moves have significantly increased its asset base to nearly JOD 11 billion and total equity exceeding JOD 1 billion.
Ethmar International Holding, as the banking partner, is instrumental in this venture, focusing on building strategic connections across sectors that drive economic growth. Based in Abu Dhabi, EIH actively develops collaborative partnerships that bridge local opportunities with broader international markets, positioning itself as a key player in the investment landscape.
With the advent of this partnership, Bank al Etihad and Ethmar International Holding are poised to tap into the wealth of opportunities presented by the ever-evolving financial realm of the UAE. This venture not only emphasizes their commitment to growth and diversification but also aims to create value for their clients and stakeholders alike, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration among regional and international players in the financial sector.
This partnership marks a crucial milestone not only for Bank al Etihad but also for the financial landscape of the UAE, which is recognized as one of the world’s leading international financial hubs. The new bank will operate with a Category 1 banking license within ADGM, allowing it to serve both regional and international clients effectively. This initiative comes as a part of Bank al Etihad’s broader strategy to enhance its service offerings and further penetrate markets beyond its traditional base in Jordan and Iraq.
Through this new venture, Bank al Etihad plans to leverage its over 50 years of banking expertise to provide a comprehensive platform aimed at facilitating cross-border business. This includes support for international transactions and fostering relationships with a diverse range of clients, including corporate and institutional investors as well as high-net-worth individuals. By establishing a presence in the UAE, Bank al Etihad is positioning itself to play a pivotal role in regional economic growth, extending its reach and enhancing connectivity with major financial markets globally.
The new banking institution will operate under the regulatory framework set by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM. It will comply with all regulatory requirements pertinent to the UAE as well as those of Jordan, ensuring a robust governance framework for its operations. The establishment of this bank is conditioned upon receiving necessary official approvals, reinforcing its commitment to adhering to regulatory guidance in both nations.
Bank al Etihad has been a key player in Jordan’s banking sector since 1987, and over the years, it has pursued a trajectory of sustainable growth. This includes strategic acquisitions and expansions, such as its 2017 acquisition of a majority stake in Safwa Islamic Bank, the 2024 foray into the Iraqi market, and a merger with INVESTBANK in 2025. These moves have significantly increased its asset base to nearly JOD 11 billion and total equity exceeding JOD 1 billion.
Ethmar International Holding, as the banking partner, is instrumental in this venture, focusing on building strategic connections across sectors that drive economic growth. Based in Abu Dhabi, EIH actively develops collaborative partnerships that bridge local opportunities with broader international markets, positioning itself as a key player in the investment landscape.
With the advent of this partnership, Bank al Etihad and Ethmar International Holding are poised to tap into the wealth of opportunities presented by the ever-evolving financial realm of the UAE. This venture not only emphasizes their commitment to growth and diversification but also aims to create value for their clients and stakeholders alike, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration among regional and international players in the financial sector.
Topics Financial Services & Investing）
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