Absa Opens First Gulf Office in Dubai for Africa Links

In Short

Absa Group has opened its first office in the Gulf, based in Dubai.

The office will connect Gulf-based corporates, investors and institutions with Absa’s operations across 16 African markets.

Absa says the new office will not lend from its own balance sheet.

What Happened: Why Absa Set Up In Dubai

Absa Group said it opened an office in the Dubai International Financial Centre to tap growing trade and investment flows between the Middle East and Africa.

The DIFC office operates under a licence granted by the Dubai Financial Services Authority in July.

Clinton Clarke, senior executive officer of Absa Bank Limited’s DIFC branch, told Reuters that the office will connect Gulf-based corporates, investors and institutions with Absa’s operations across 16 African markets.

Clarke said the strongest interest from Gulf investors is in infrastructure, energy, logistics and agriculture. He said this interest includes sovereign wealth funds, asset managers and advisory firms.

Absa said it will not lend from its own balance sheet. Clarke declined to provide a headcount target, but said he expects the office to expand as cross-border trade and investment flows increase.

Why It Matters: Trade And Capital Flows Between UAE And Africa

The move comes as non-oil trade between the United Arab Emirates and Africa grows. UAE government figures cited by Reuters put non-oil trade at $158 billion in 2025, up from about $112 billion a year earlier.

Absa joins other South African banks with a presence in Dubai, including Investec, Standard Bank Group and Nedbank.

Clarke also acknowledged geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. He said Dubai remained an attractive base for serving clients across the region, while adding that the risks should not be underestimated.