The UAE's top lender, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and two other Middle Eastern banks are expanding or launching operations in Hong Kong, as they aim for better China connectivity and foreign business growth amid uncertainty in the domestic economic outlook. The move comes amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, which disrupted Gulf countries' oil supplies. Financial industry sources say these moves are tied to efforts to internationalise and strengthen links with China, as cross-border trade and investment between the two regions remains strong. Hong Kong is a gateway for moving capital from and into China, and most global banks have regional hubs in the city.