Be aware that Lloyds TSB in the UAE is not the same as the one in the UK - they're different banks although the product etc looks the same. I use HSBC in Dubai, yes they're a bunch of tw@ts but (so far) I haven't had any real issues with them. They have also provided me with an account manager who is good at sorting stuff when I need him to. You also get 2 free bank transfers/month worldwide. HSBC interest rates on loans are pretty competitive, last time I looked anyway.