Dubai International Financial Centre announced that Arab Bank Switzerland has launched ABS (Middle East) Limited in the centre, creating a Dubai base for the Swiss private banking group’s Middle East business. The new entity is part of Arab Bank Switzerland’s broader UAE growth strategy, is aimed at entrepreneurs, family offices and high-net-worth individuals across the region, and operates in DIFC under the regulation of the Dubai Financial Services Authority. To lead the business, Arab Bank Switzerland appointed Samir Atitallah as chief executive officer of ABS (Middle East) Limited and named Michel Sarfati as head of family offices. The board also includes senior banking figures such as Elissar Farah Antonios, identified in the release as former Citi UAE CEO and regional MENA head. DIFC said the launch adds to its wealth and asset management ecosystem, where more than 290 banks and financial institutions already operate, while Arab Bank Switzerland said the ABS Group has close to USD 25 billion in assets under management.
Dubai International Financial Centre2026-06-30
Dubai International Financial Centre welcomes Arab Bank Switzerland launch of ABS Middle East Limited
Dubai International Financial Centre said Arab Bank Switzerland has launched ABS (Middle East) Limited in DIFC as its new Dubai base for Middle East private banking activity. The entity will serve entrepreneurs, family offices and high-net-worth individuals and is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority. Arab Bank Switzerland also appointed Samir Atitallah as CEO and Michel Sarfati as head of family offices.