Absa Group has expanded its international operations with the opening of a new office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), in a move aimed at strengthening trade and investment links between the Middle East and Africa.
The office, located at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), will bring the financial services group closer to corporates, investors and financial institutions across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Dubai serves as a major financial and commercial hub connecting the Middle East and Africa, providing Absa with a strategic base to engage institutions seeking investment and business opportunities across the continent.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 30, 2026, Absa said its Dubai branch would support two-way trade and investment flows by connecting Gulf capital with opportunities in African markets.
Absa Bank Limited (DIFC Branch) operates under a Category 4 licence issued by the Dubai Financial Services Authority, which became effective on July 15, 2026.
The licence allows the branch to arrange investment deals, advise on financial products, and arrange and advise on credit.
These authorisations will enable the branch to engage eligible clients across Absa’s Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) products, drawing on the expertise and capabilities of its wider African banking network.
Absa Bank Kenya Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Yusuf Omari said the expansion would create new opportunities for Kenyan businesses and individuals seeking to access international markets.
“As Kenya continues to strengthen its position as a regional business hub, Absa’s presence in Dubai opens new doors for our customers. Whether it is an SME seeking new markets, a corporate expanding its footprint, or an individual looking to do business and invest internationally, this corridor creates greater access to capital, trade and opportunity. It is a strategic step that brings the world closer to our customers while bringing African opportunities closer to global investors,” Omari said.
Absa’s Corporate and Investment Banking Chief Executive Zaid Moola said international trade remained an important driver of investment, business expansion and economic growth.
“International trade plays a critical role in driving investment, business expansion and economic growth. CIB’s role is to connect clients to the capital, market expertise and cross-border capabilities they need to pursue opportunities across the Middle East–Africa corridor. Our presence in Dubai strengthens our ability to originate and support these flows, while drawing on Absa’s deep understanding of African markets,” Moola said.
Absa International Chief Executive Cheryl Buss said the decision to establish an office in Dubai reflected the growing importance of the Middle East in Africa’s trade and investment landscape.
“Our decision to establish a presence in Dubai reflects the growing importance of the Middle East in Africa’s trade and investment landscape. Investment decisions are shaped by more than the availability of capital. They require an understanding of local markets, the right relationships and confidence in how opportunities can be pursued,” Buss said.
She added that the new office would strengthen the bank’s ability to establish relationships with international clients and support their investment activities across African markets.
“By combining our deep African expertise with a presence closer to regional decisionmakers, we are strengthening our ability to build relationships with clients at their headquarters and support them as a strategic banking partner across Africa,” added Buss.
