The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has granted in-principle approval for the establishment of Omla Community Bank, a new AI-driven digital banking platform headquartered in Umm Al Quwain and operating across all emirates of the UAE.
The project is being launched by Mint Gateway and Alternative Venture Capital, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Capital Group.
Speaking on behalf of the founding shareholders, Abdulrazzaq Al Abdulla said the approval represents a major step toward building a next-generation digital banking model focused on innovation, accessibility, and financial inclusion.
He thanked the Government of Umm Al Quwain and the CBUAE for supporting the initiative and said the bank aims to reshape the future of financial services in the UAE through advanced digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and intelligent automation.
According to Al Abdulla, Omla Community Bank has been designed as an AI-first institution, integrating artificial intelligence across customer experience, compliance, governance, cybersecurity, risk management, and core banking operations.
The bank aims to deliver accessible and cost-effective financial services for individuals, families, entrepreneurs, workers, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
He added that the vision extends beyond traditional banking services, creating a broader financial ecosystem connected to sectors such as housing, healthcare, education, transportation, commerce, and public services through AI-powered financial solutions.
The bank will also adopt what it described as a “No Tie Policy” workplace culture aimed at promoting flexibility, innovation, and closer customer engagement.
Omla Community Bank is expected to support the UAE’s priorities related to financial inclusion, SME growth, digital economy development, financial innovation, and responsible AI adoption.
The planned services include digital accounts, payments, remittances, transfers, savings products, vehicle financing, SME banking services, merchant payment solutions, and AI-powered financial insights.
The founding shareholders said all products, technologies, and operational features remain subject to final regulatory review and approval by the CBUAE before the bank officially begins operations.
With inputs from WAM
