Al-Kuraimi Bank
Yemen's first private-sector microfinance bank, offering Sharia-compliant savings, financing, currency exchange and money transfers through branches across the country and a mobile app.
About Al-Kuraimi Bank
Al-Kuraimi Islamic Microfinance Bank (KIMB) was set up in 2010 by the Al-Kuraimi family, whose Alkuraimi Express exchange and money-transfer business is one of the largest in Yemen. It provides Sharia-compliant savings, financing, exchange and money transfers to individuals, micro-entrepreneurs and small businesses, with branches and offices in many governorates. Account holders can use the Kuraimi Jawal mobile app, and a separate app lets some customers open an account remotely. The bank has a sister bank, Al-Kuraimi Islamic Bank (KIB), which focuses on corporate and investment banking.
Key Features
- Savings Accounts and Financing: Sharia-compliant savings and financing products for individuals and small businesses.
- Money Transfers and Exchange: Domestic transfers and currency exchange through the bank's network.
- Kuraimi Jawal App: Manage your account and transfer money to other Kuraimi customers from your phone.
- Branches Across Yemen: Offices in many governorates, which matters in a country with few banks.
How to Get Started
- Visit the nearest Al-Kuraimi branch or office with your identity document and open a savings account.
- Subscribe to the mobile service and install the Kuraimi Jawal app from the official store.
- Activate the app with your account details and set your PIN.
- Send money to another Kuraimi customer by account number, or by name and mobile number.
Opening an account needs a Yemeni identity document and a visit to a branch or the bank's remote-onboarding process, so the service is built for residents, not for short visits. Conditions for cross-border payments, exchange rates and available services differ by region and can change, and foreign cards are not generally accepted. Use only the official apps and the bank's own website, and keep your PIN to yourself.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does Al-Kuraimi Bank work with a foreign bank card in Yemen? Not reliably — a foreign card may be declined. Check the notice above, or plan to use a local payment method.
Is Al-Kuraimi Bank available in English? Yes, Al-Kuraimi Bank has an English-language interface.
Do I need a local phone number to use Al-Kuraimi Bank? Yes, Al-Kuraimi Bank requires a local phone number to register.
Do I need local ID or residency for Al-Kuraimi Bank? Yes, Al-Kuraimi Bank requires local ID or residency status.