ADCB SWIFT Code Guide (UAE): Official Codes, Branch List, IBAN Rules, and How to Use Them for International Transfers

International payments to or from the UAE rarely fail because of “bank issues” they fail because of one wrong character in a SWIFT code.

For Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), a single misplaced letter can delay supplier payments, salary remittances, or cross-border business settlements for days. With the UAE enforcing IBAN compliance and Central Bank purpose codes, accuracy isn’t optional anymore – it’s mandatory.

This guide consolidates every verified ADCB SWIFT/BIC detail into one authoritative resource – including:

• The official head office code
• Branch and department-specific codes
• Dubai and Sharjah routing
• IBAN + purpose code requirements
• Common rejection reasons
• Practical transfer steps for residents and businesses

If you send or receive international payments through ADCB, this is everything you need in one place.

Recommended: Check ADCB Bank Balance

What is the ADCB SWIFT Code?

The ADCB SWIFT code (also called a BIC – Bhttps://emiratesbreaking.com/bank-accounts/adcb-bank-balance-check/ank Identifier Code) is the international identifier used by global banks and the SWIFT network to route cross-border payments to Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC.

It ensures that money sent from overseas:

• reaches the correct bank
• is routed to the correct branch or department
• avoids manual intervention or delays

Without the correct SWIFT/BIC, international wires can be:

• rejected
• returned
• delayed
• or credited to the wrong processing unit

Official ADCB Head Office SWIFT Code (Primary Code)

This is the default and safest code for most transfers.

Item	Details
SWIFT / BIC	ADCBAEAAXXX
Bank	Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
City	Abu Dhabi
Country	United Arab Emirates
Branch	Head Office (XXX)

When to use this code

Use ADCBAEAAXXX if:

• you don’t know the exact branch
• the recipient didn’t specify a department code
• it’s a standard personal or business transfer

ADCB automatically routes funds internally using the IBAN, so the head office code works in most cases.

SWIFT Code Structure Explained (ADCB Example)

Let’s decode ADCBAEAAXXX:

Segment	Meaning
ADCB	Bank code (Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank)
AE	Country (United Arab Emirates)
AA	Location (Abu Dhabi)
XXX	Head office branch

Key rule

• 8 characters = bank level
• 11 characters = branch/department level

ADCB Branch & Department SWIFT Codes (Verified List)

While the head office code is sufficient for most transfers, some specialized operations use dedicated routing codes.

Core operational units

Department / Branch	SWIFT Code
Cash Management	ADCBAEAACMD
Treasury Settlements	ADCBAEAATRY
Finance Department	ADCBAEAAFIN
Wealth Management	ADCBAEAAWMO
Dubai Trade Finance	ADCBAEAA060

ADCB Branch SWIFT Codes by Emirate

Abu Dhabi

• Main Branch / Head Office → ADCBAEAAXXX

Dubai

• Trade Finance / Dubai Branch → ADCBAEAA060
• Dubai Mall Branch → ADCBAEAADMB
• Business Bay (Wealth/Private Banking) → ADCBAEAAWMO

Sharjah

• Al Buhaira → ADCBAEAABHR
• Al Majaz → ADCBAEAAMJZ

Other Emirates

• Al Ain → ADCBAEAAAIN
• Fujairah → ADCBAEAAFJR
• Ajman → ADCBAEAAAJM
• Ras Al Khaimah → ADCBAEAARAK

(If uncertain, default to ADCBAEAAXXX.)

Do You Need Only the SWIFT Code? (No — You Need More)

In the UAE banking system, SWIFT alone is not enough.

You typically also need:

1. IBAN (Mandatory in UAE)

Every UAE account uses a 23-character IBAN, starting with AE.

Example format:
AE## #### #### #### #### #### #

Banks rely on the IBAN — not the branch code — to credit the correct account.

2. Purpose of Payment Code (Central Bank requirement)

The UAE Central Bank requires a 3-letter purpose code for many transfers.

Examples:

• SAL – Salary
• FAM – Family support
• INV – Investment
• SUP – Supplier payment
• EDU – Education

Missing codes can cause delays or compliance checks.

How to Use the ADCB SWIFT Code for an International Transfer

Step-by-step

1. Get recipient’s:
   • Full name
   • IBAN
   • SWIFT code
   • Purpose code
2. Choose:
   • ADCBAEAAXXX (general)
   • or department-specific code (if provided)
3. Enter details exactly (no spaces or typos)
4. Confirm currency and fees
5. Submit through:
   • ADCB Mobile App
   • Online Banking
   • Branch

Typical timelines:

• GCC: same or next day
• International: 1–3 business days

When Should You Use a Branch-Specific Code?

Use department codes when:

• Trade finance operations (LCs, guarantees)
• Treasury settlements
• Corporate cash management
• Wealth/private banking
• Institutional transactions

These routes reduce internal processing time.

For regular personal transfers → head office code is fine.

Common Mistakes That Cause Transfer Failures

Most payment issues come from small errors.

Watch out for:

• Typing “ADCB” incorrectly
• Using old or unofficial codes
• Leaving spaces in SWIFT
• Wrong IBAN
• Missing purpose code
• Choosing branch unnecessarily

Pro tip

Copy-paste from official ADCB sources or confirmations.

How to Find Your ADCB SWIFT Code Quickly

Inside the UAE

You can check:

• Bank statement
• ADCB mobile app
• Internet banking
• Customer support
• Visiting any ADCB branch

International ADCB Operations Outside the UAE

If transferring to ADCB entities abroad, use local SWIFT codes.

Country	Code
ADCB Egypt	ADCBEGCX
ADCB Saudi Arabia	ADCBSARIXXX

Never use the UAE code for foreign subsidiaries.

Regulatory & UAE Banking Context (Why This Matters)

The UAE financial system is highly regulated by:

• Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE)
• SWIFT global messaging network
• IBAN compliance rules
• AML/KYC standards

Accurate SWIFT + IBAN usage:

• speeds settlement
• reduces compliance flags
• prevents returned funds
• lowers transfer costs

For businesses, incorrect routing can disrupt payroll, supplier chains, and customs clearance.

This is why corporate treasuries treat SWIFT data as critical infrastructure.

FAQs

What is the main ADCB SWIFT code?

ADCBAEAAXXX — the official head office code.

Are ADCB SWIFT and BIC the same?

Yes. SWIFT and BIC are interchangeable terms.

Is the SWIFT code different for every branch?

Not always. Most transfers can use the head office code. Some departments use unique codes.

Can I use the Abu Dhabi code for Dubai?

Yes. Funds will still route correctly via IBAN.

How long do ADCB international transfers take?

Usually 1–3 working days depending on country and compliance checks.

Is IBAN mandatory in the UAE?

Yes. All electronic payments require IBAN.

Where can I verify a code?

Through ADCB official support or your recipient’s bank confirmation.

What happens if the SWIFT code is wrong?

The payment may bounce back, get delayed, or incur extra fees.

Do tourists need SWIFT codes?

Only when sending or receiving international wires to ADCB accounts.

Is ADCBAEAAXXX safe for all payments?

Yes, unless a department-specific code is explicitly requested.

Conclusion

The ADcb SWIFT code isn’t just a banking detail — it’s the routing backbone of every international transfer into Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.

For most situations, ADCBAEAAXXX works perfectly, especially when paired with the correct IBAN and purpose code. Branch-specific codes are useful for specialized or corporate operations but unnecessary for everyday payments.