Head of Corporate Banking Job Description UAE 2025
A Head of Corporate Banking in UAE earns between AED 600,000 and AED 1,200,000 per year. The role leads the corporate lending, trade finance, and relationship banking business for a UAE-licensed bank, managing a portfolio of AED 1 billion or above and a team of relationship managers.
Head of Corporate Banking in UAE — Key Facts
The Head of Corporate Banking role in UAE operates under employment contracts governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) regulates all mainland employment. ADGM, DIFC, and free zone employees are subject to their respective authority employment regulations. Salaries stated are benchmarked to the UAE market as of April 2025.
All employment contracts in the UAE must comply with Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Head of Corporate Banking roles in mainland UAE require Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) approved contracts. End-of-service gratuity is calculated at 21 days per year of service for the first 5 years and 30 days per year thereafter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Head of Corporate Banking earn in UAE?
A Head of Corporate Banking in UAE earns AED 600,000–1,200,000 per year. Roles in Abu Dhabi government-linked organisations and large multinational corporations pay at the upper end. Free zone and private sector roles pay at the lower to mid range.
What experience does a Head of Corporate Banking need in UAE?
UAE employers require 15–20 years of relevant experience for Head of Corporate Banking positions. Candidates with professional qualifications (IWFM, NEBOSH, RICS, or equivalent) and UAE or GCC market experience are preferred.
How does RFS recruit Head of Corporate Bankings?
RFS sources Head of Corporate Banking candidates from its UAE facilities management network. A shortlist of 3 to 5 pre-screened candidates is delivered within 48 to 72 hours. The retained search fee is 15 to 18 percent of first-year total compensation.
What a Head of Corporate Banking does in UAE
A Head of Corporate Banking in UAE leads the corporate and commercial banking division, managing a team of relationship managers covering large corporates, government-linked entities, and multinational companies operating in UAE. You own the division’s loan book, fee income, and deposit growth targets and hold P&L accountability for one of the bank’s most significant revenue-generating business lines.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the corporate banking team across UAE with P&L accountability for the corporate loan and deposit book
- Manage C-suite relationships with UAE’s largest corporate clients and government-linked entities
- Oversee credit underwriting and portfolio management for corporate and leveraged finance mandates
- Drive cross-sell of trade finance, cash management, FX, and capital markets products to corporate clients
- Set the origination strategy for new-to-bank corporate relationships in UAE and GCC
- Manage the division’s risk profile including concentration, single-name limits, and sectoral exposure
- Lead Emiratisation hiring within the corporate banking team per UAE Central Bank requirements
- Represent the bank at UAE business forums, chambers of commerce, and government events
- Present divisional performance, pipeline, and credit quality to the CEO and Board monthly
- Coordinate with credit, compliance, and treasury on structuring and risk management for complex transactions
Qualifications required
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in finance, economics, or business administration
- CFA or MBA from a recognised institution preferred
- 15 to 20 years banking experience with at least 5 years as Head of Corporate Banking in a UAE bank
- Demonstrated P&L ownership for a UAE corporate banking book of AED 5 billion or more
- Deep knowledge of UAE Central Bank corporate lending regulations and credit guidelines
- Strong relationships with UAE corporate treasurers, CFOs, and government entity finance directors
- Arabic language fluency preferred for UAE corporate client and government entity engagement
- Experience structuring project finance, leveraged buyout, or infrastructure lending in UAE or GCC
Head of Corporate Banking salary by employer type in UAE
| Employer type | Annual salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| UAE national bank (Emirates NBD, FAB, ADCB, Mashreq) | 700,000–1,300,000 |
| International bank UAE corporate team (HSBC, Citi, Standard Chartered) | 750,000–1,400,000 |
| Islamic bank corporate division (DIB, ADIB) | 650,000–1,200,000 |
| Regional bank UAE operations (Arab Bank, Bank of Jordan UAE) | 550,000–1,000,000 |
Contract terms for this role in UAE
Head of Corporate Banking roles carry 3 month notice periods in UAE. Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 governs end-of-service gratuity at 21 days basic salary per year for the first five years.
Hire a Head of Corporate Banking in UAE or Saudi Arabia
RFS delivers a shortlist of pre-screened Head of Corporate Banking candidates in 48 to 72 hours. Retained search fee: 15 to 18 percent of first-year total compensation. 6-month replacement guarantee.
recruitment agency Dubai UAE
Emiratisation recruitment agency UAE
UAE salary guide 2025
talk to a recruiter Dubai
Head of Corporate Banking Salary by Emirate — UAE 2025
| Emirate | Salary Range (AED/month) | vs Dubai | Key Employers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | AED 25,000 – 45,000 | Base | Emirates NBD, Mashreq, DIFC international banks |
| Abu Dhabi | AED 27,000 – 48,000 | +5–8% | First Abu Dhabi Bank, ADCB, ADIB |
| Sharjah | AED 22,000 – 40,000 | -10–15% | Sharjah Islamic Bank, Bank of Sharjah |
Source: Michael Page UAE Salary Guide 2026, Indeed UAE 2025. All figures tax-free.
Sector note: CBUAE KYC/AML compliance knowledge essential. Relationship managers covering large corporate portfolios command upper range.
UAE Market Data — Head of Corporate Banking 2025
Salary Range (AED/month)
AED 10,000 – 72,000 (varies by seniority)
Tax-free. Source: Michael Page UAE 2026, Indeed UAE 2025
Industry
Finance — UAE & GCC
Required Certifications (UAE Market)
CPA / ACCA / CFA for senior roles. CIA for audit. FRM for risk. CAMS/ACAMS for compliance.
UAE-Specific Regulatory Skills
CBUAE regulatory reporting, UAE VAT (FTA portal), UAE Corporate Tax (June 2023), WPS compliance, IFRS standards, DFSA Approved Person for DIFC roles.
RFS HR Consultancy places head of corporate banking professionals across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the wider UAE and GCC. View our finance and banking recruitment agency Dubai or check the finance and banking salary guide UAE 2025.
Other Banking and Finance Role Guides
Related Senior Banking Roles