Dubai – 30 June 2026
ABS (Middle East) Limited expands the Bank’s regional footprint, building on more than six decades of serving entrepreneurs, family offices and high-net-worth individuals across the Middle East
Samir Atitallah appointed Chief Executive Officer to lead the Bank’s DIFC operations and drive its next phase of regional growth
Experienced Board brings together distinguished banking leaders, including Elissar Farah Antonios, former Citi UAE CEO and Regional MENA Head
Arab Bank Switzerland, the Geneva-headquartered Swiss private banking group, has strengthened its presence in the Middle East with the launch of ABS (Middle East) Limited at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), reinforcing its long-term commitment to the UAE and positioning the Bank for its next phase of regional growth.
The new DIFC entity marks a strategic milestone in Arab Bank Switzerland’s expansion plans, enhancing its ability to serve entrepreneurs, family offices and high-net-worth individuals across the Middle East through the ABS Group network. Building on relationships established since the 1960s, the launch brings the Bank closer to its regional client base while supporting its ambition to develop a robust and scalable platform in one of the world’s leading international financial centres.
Commenting on the launch, H.E. Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, Undersecretary, UAE Ministry of Investment, said: “Arab Bank Switzerland’s expansion into the UAE reflects the country’s continued ability to attract established international financial institutions that see it as a platform for long-term regional growth. The launch of ABS (Middle East) Limited adds further weight to the UAE’s financial services ecosystem and reinforces our position as a trusted hub for wealth management, investment and cross-border business. It also reflects the confidence global institutions continue to place in the UAE’s regulatory environment, connectivity, deep pool of talent and expertise, and long-term economic vision.”
Welcoming Arab Bank Switzerland to DIFC, His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, said: “We are pleased to welcome Arab Bank Switzerland to DIFC as it establishes its presence in Dubai to serve clients across the Middle East. The firm’s long-standing heritage in Swiss private banking, combined with its strong ties to the region, adds further depth to DIFC’s growing wealth and asset management ecosystem. With over 290 banks and financial institutions operating in the Centre, DIFC continues to attract leading global players seeking a stable, well-regulated platform to access regional and international growth opportunities. We look forward to supporting Arab Bank Switzerland’s expansion and its contribution to the continued development of the region’s financial services landscape.”
Wahbe Tamari, Chairman of the Boards of Arab Bank Switzerland and of ABS (Middle East) Limited, commented: “We see the UAE as a strategic hub for the future of the wealth management business of ABS Group. We are building a platform designed for long-term development, supported by strong governance, experienced leadership and the values that have defined Arab Bank Switzerland for decades. The caliber of the individuals joining the Board and leadership team reflects the importance we attach to this project and our confidence in the future of wealth management in the region.”
To support the Bank’s long-term ambitions in the Middle East, Samir Atitallah has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of ABS (Middle East) Limited.
Jean-Pierre Daccache, Deputy CEO of Arab Bank Switzerland, explained: “To lead the strategic development of the Bank in the region, we are pleased to appoint Samir Atitallah as Chief Executive Officer of ABS Middle East. Samir brings deep regional expertise, strong leadership experience within the Swiss private banking industry and a proven ability to build long-term relationships. His appointment is central to our ambition to build a high-quality platform with a strong regional identity, backed by the full expertise and international capabilities of the ABS Group.”
Looking ahead to the next phase of growth, Samir Atitallah, CEO of ABS (Middle East) Limited, added: “Our ambition goes beyond building a regional presence. We are building an institution defined by the quality of its people, the strength of its culture and the depth of its client relationships. Our objective is to establish a distinctive wealth management firm recognized for combining the heritage and discipline of Swiss private banking with a genuine understanding of the families, entrepreneurs and investors who are shaping the future of the Middle East.”
One of the first strategic appointments is Michel Sarfati, who joins ABS (Middle East) Limited as Head of Family Offices. Michel previously served at First Abu Dhabi Bank, where he established the Family Office segment within Investment Banking after leading Global Private Banks and Family Offices Sales within Global Markets. He brings extensive experience working with prominent regional families, global private banks and family office professionals across the region and internationally.
The launch forms part of Arab Bank Switzerland’s broader UAE growth strategy. The Bank operates from DIFC under the regulation of the Dubai Financial Services Authority.
Founded in 1962, Arab Bank Switzerland has built a strong reputation serving entrepreneurs, family offices and high-net-worth individuals across the Middle East and international markets. The announcement follows a period of significant growth and acquisitions for the Group, including Gonet in 2022, the historic Swiss private bank founded in 1845. Today, ABS Group manages close to USD 25 billion in assets under management and occupies a distinctive position within the private banking sector, combining Swiss private banking heritage with longstanding Middle East relationships, deep regional expertise, and capabilities across wealth management, corporate and trade finance, and digital assets.
