Arab Bank Switzerland has appointed Samir Atitallah as Chief Executive Officer of ABS (Middle East) Limited, following the launch of its regulated entity in Dubai International Financial Centre. The appointment forms part of the bank’s plan to expand its presence across the Middle East and strengthen relationships with entrepreneurs, family offices and high net worth individuals in the region.
Arab Bank Switzerland announced both the appointment and the opening of its Dubai office on 30 June 2026. The Geneva headquartered private banking group said the new entity brings the bank closer to clients it has served across the Middle East since the 1960s.
Samir Atitallah to lead regional growth from Dubai
Samir Atitallah will lead the strategic development of ABS (Middle East) Limited from Dubai. According to Arab Bank Switzerland, the appointment supports the group’s long term ambitions in the Middle East.
Jean Pierre Daccache, Deputy CEO of Arab Bank Switzerland, said Samir Atitallah brings deep regional expertise, extensive leadership experience in Swiss private banking and a strong track record of building long term client relationships.
Jean Pierre Daccache said the appointment reflects the bank’s ambition to build a high quality regional platform backed by the wider expertise and international capabilities of the ABS Group.
Commenting on his appointment, Samir Atitallah said the organisation aims to build an institution defined by the quality of its people, the strength of its culture and long standing client relationships.
“Our ambition goes beyond building a regional presence. We are building an institution defined by the quality of its people, the strength of its culture and the depth of its client relationships. Our objective is to establish a distinctive wealth management firm recognised for combining the heritage and discipline of Swiss private banking with a genuine understanding of the families, entrepreneurs and investors who are shaping the future of the Middle East,” Samir Atitallah said.
Dubai launch expands leadership team
Arab Bank Switzerland also announced the appointment of Michel Sarfati as Head of Family Offices at ABS (Middle East) Limited.
The bank said Michel Sarfati previously worked at First Abu Dhabi Bank, where he established the Family Office segment within Investment Banking after leading Global Private Banks and Family Offices Sales within Global Markets.
According to the bank, Michel Sarfati brings experience working with regional family businesses, international private banks and family office professionals across the Middle East and overseas.
The governance structure also includes an experienced board. Arab Bank Switzerland said the board brings together senior banking leaders, including Elissar Farah Antonios, former Citi UAE CEO and regional MENA Head.
DIFC office supports Middle East strategy
The Dubai office represents the next stage of Arab Bank Switzerland’s regional expansion strategy. The bank said it selected Dubai International Financial Centre to strengthen its long term presence in the UAE and across the wider Middle East.
Wahbe Tamari, Chairman of the Boards of Arab Bank Switzerland and ABS (Middle East) Limited, said the UAE will serve as a strategic hub for the group’s future wealth management business. Wahbe Tamari added that the organisation is building its regional platform with experienced leadership, strong governance and the values that have shaped the bank for decades.
His Excellency Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Investment, said the launch reflects continued confidence in the UAE’s financial ecosystem and regulatory environment.
His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, said Arab Bank Switzerland’s arrival strengthens the centre’s growing wealth and asset management sector while expanding access to regional and international opportunities.
Arab Bank Switzerland
Founded in 1962, Arab Bank Switzerland is a Swiss private banking group headquartered in Geneva. The bank serves entrepreneurs, family offices and high net worth individuals across the Middle East and international markets.
The group acquired Gonet, a Swiss private bank founded in 1845, in 2022. Today, the ABS Group manages close to USD 25 billion in assets under management. The organisation provides wealth management, corporate and trade finance, and digital asset services through its international network.
