Published: 11.03.2026
Since autumn 2023, UAE banks have tightened their policies toward clients from Russia. Bank statements from sanctioned Russian banks may lead to an account-opening refusal.
According to the source, Russian clients may face greater difficulty opening UAE bank accounts when their documentation is linked to sanctioned Russian banks. This can affect access to local banking and payments during relocation or business setup. The issue is especially relevant to Russian non-residents and anyone seeking a UAE account for personal or business transactions. It is worth considering in advance because the origin of bank statements may influence the bank’s decision.