Explore fascinating facts about the Arabian Gulf countries — their history, culture, and modern achievements
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE, stands at 828 meters (2,717 feet), making it the tallest building in the world. It has 163 floors and can be seen from 95 kilometers away.
The Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) covers parts of Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE, and Yemen. It spans 650,000 km² — larger than France and Spain combined.
Before oil, the Gulf region was famous for pearl diving. Bahrain was known as "The Pearl of the Gulf" and had one of the largest pearl fishing industries in the world.
The Makkah Royal Clock Tower in Saudi Arabia has the world's largest clock face, measuring 43 meters (141 feet) in diameter — 5 times larger than London's Big Ben.
Geographically, the Arabian Gulf is technically a sea — an extension of the Indian Ocean. It covers an area of about 251,000 km² and is home to diverse marine life.
Kuwait City was once listed among the world's most expensive cities for expatriates, and Dubai is now home to the most $10 million+ luxury homes globally.
In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, owning a camel is still a sign of wealth. A single racing camel can sell for up to $2.5 million. There are even beauty pageants for camels!
The Dilmun Civilization existed in modern-day Bahrain and Kuwait over 5,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest known civilizations in the world.
The UAE and Qatar consistently rank among the top 5 countries in the world for internet speed, with average download speeds over 200 Mbps.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi and Museum of Islamic Art in Doha are world-class institutions showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage and commitment to the arts.
Everything you need to know about the UAE's dynamic consumer lending market
AED 540.9 Billion Consumer loan market, June 2025The UAE banking sector is a powerhouse in the Middle East, with total assets reaching AED 5.57 trillion ($1.516 trillion) by April 2026 . Its strength is driven by robust capital levels, high liquidity, and proactive regulatory policies from the Central Bank of the UAE .
The UAE's largest bank with a strong international presence . Offers a comprehensive range of services from personal and corporate banking to wealth management and investment banking.
Conventional GlobalA leading banking group in the region, known for its strong digital platforms like "Liv" and its vast network across 13 countries . It is a key driver of Dubai's financial landscape.
Conventional Digital LeaderA major player in the UAE's banking sector, recognized for its customer-centric approach and strong financial performance .
ConventionalThe largest Islamic bank in the UAE, offering a full range of Sharia-compliant products and services with a modern digital experience .
IslamicOne of the oldest banks in the UAE, Mashreq is a pioneer in digital banking with its fast, paperless onboarding app, "Mashreq Neo" .
Conventional InnovativeA major player in Islamic banking, ADIB combines traditional Islamic values with modern, accessible products and a strong digital presence .
IslamicA well-established bank in the UAE, CBD offers a range of retail and corporate banking services and is known for its innovation in digital banking.
ConventionalA growing banking institution in the UAE, offering retail, business, and wealth management services, and known for its strong personal banking products .
ConventionalAsset data based on 2025 ranking .
The Central Bank of the UAE sets clear rules to protect borrowers and maintain financial stability.
Debt-Burden Ratio limited to 50% of disposable income
Personal loan repayment capped at 48 months
Maximum 20 times monthly salary
Minimum salary requirement REMOVED (Nov 2025)
NEWUnderstanding the rules for buying property in the UAE with a mortgage.
LTV: 80% for expatriates
StandardLTV: 60% for expatriates
Higher equityMandatory stress testing at mortgage inception
RequiredAl Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB) tracks repayment history
The most popular loan type in the UAE. Used for education, medical expenses, home improvements, and more.
Most common loan type
Popular Fast approvalSignificant demand driven by startups and SMEs. Includes term loans, trade finance, and equipment financing.
SME focus Startup friendlyFinancing for vehicle purchases with competitive rates and flexible tenure options.
Competitive Flexible tenureMortgage financing for property purchases with LTV ratios up to 80% for first-time buyers.
High LTV Long-termSmall, short-term loans for quick financial needs. Growing segment driven by digital platforms.
Quick access Digital-firstThe UAE FinTech lending market is valued at USD 1.5 billion, driven by demand for alternative financing solutions and the rise of digital banking platforms.
🔹 Rapid processing times • 🔹 Paperless applications • 🔹 AI-powered credit scoring
Fast Innovative GrowingUnderstanding what happens if you default on a loan in the UAE.
From ancient traditions to modern marvels — the Gulf is a region of endless discovery