AMMAN, Jordan and ABU DHABI, UAE, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank al Etihad, one of Jordan's largest banks, has announced its entry into the United Arab Emirates through a strategic partnership with Ethmar International Holding (EIH), a leading Abu Dhabi-based institutional investment holding group, along with other UAE-based investors. The parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a new bank in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
This strategic partnership represents a significant milestone in Bank al Etihad's regional growth journey, expanding its footprint beyond Jordan and Iraq and positioning the Bank within one of the world's leading international financial centers.
A New Platform for Cross-Border Growth
The new bank will operate under a Category 1 banking license within ADGM, providing a robust platform for serving regional and international clients and companies conducting business across markets outside the UAE mainland.
The new bank will provide an integrated platform through which Bank al Etihad can facilitate cross-border business, support transactions across its target markets, and develop relationships with new corporate, institutional and high-net-worth clients.
The initiative forms part of Bank al Etihad's broader growth strategy, drawing on more than five decades of banking expertise to strengthen its regional relevance, diversify its products and revenue streams, and deepen its connectivity with major regional and international markets.
The proposed bank will operate within ADGM's internationally recognized regulatory framework and under the supervision of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), and in compliance with the regulatory requirements and controls in effect in both the United Arab Emirates and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Subject to obtaining all the necessary official approvals.
About Bank al Etihad
Bank al Etihad has served customers since 1987 and is one of Jordan's leading financial services groups. Through a sustained trajectory of regional growth - including its 2017 acquisition of a controlling stake in Safwa Islamic Bank, its 2024 expansion into Iraq, its 2025 merger with INVESTBANK, and acquisition of Egyptian Arab Land Bank's Jordan operations - Bank al Etihad Group has grown to nearly JOD 11 billion in total assets and approximately JOD 1 billion in total equity, continuing to strengthen its regional footprint.
About Ethmar International Holding
Ethmar International Holding (EIH) is an Abu Dhabi-based investment holding company focused on building and investing in businesses, platforms and partnerships across sectors that contribute to economic growth and long-term value creation. From Abu Dhabi, EIH develops strategic partnerships that connect regional opportunities with broader international markets.
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