Left to Right: Dr. Adnan Chilwan, Chief of Retail and Business Banking, Amr Abbas, Head of Call Centre at DIB, Nasser al Awadhi, Head of Distribution, Retail Banking, Dubai Islamic Bank, and Robert Keay, Managing Director at Ethos Consultancy.

In the benchmarking study, conducted across all UAE banks, Dubai Islamic Bank came out on top for a second successive year within the Best Call Centre Performance category. According to the study, the bank has improved considerably from the previous year with a response rate of less than one minute for all calls and the call centre agents showed good depth of knowledge and empathy for customer enquiries.

Dr. Adnan Chilwan, Chief of Retail and Business Banking, Dubai Islamic Bank, said: “Al Islami Phone Banking, DIB’s call centre, is a vital part of our service delivery program. We have made considerable investments in the latest technology, staff recruitment and training to provide superior service in the fastest possible time to all our customers. The award is proof of our service commitment to our customers. Al Islami Phone Banking has also been at the forefront of launching innovative services to customers like Etisalat, E-vision, Salik and du payments.”

The Ethos benchmarking study included 29 banks and the process involved branch visits, website contact and call centre telephone calls. The study was carried out by trained and experienced researchers, who focussed on real scenarios, whereby a prospective customer approaches a retail bank via three channels: branch, call centre or website. These channels are then evaluated on key differentiators that define customer experience at a bank and include interpersonal performance, response time, service quality and satisfactory outcome.

Nasser al Awadhi, Head of Distribution, Retail Banking, Dubai Islamic Bank, said: “Ethos is renowned for its ability in assessing organisations thoroughly and rigorously from top to bottom. We are proud to win the Best Call Centre Performance award and we will continue to assess new ways in which we can improve our customer service solutions. We intend to win the award again next year and for many more years to come.”
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About Dubai Islamic Bank:
Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), established in 1975, is the first Islamic bank to have incorporated the principles of Islam in all its practices. DIB is a public joint stock company and its share is quoted on the Dubai Financial Market. The bank enjoys a reputation as a leader and innovator in maintaining the quality, flexibility and accessibility of its products and services. In a very short space of time it has created market leading services and products that are setting benchmarks for the rest of the sector.

The bank reported AED 2.5 billion in net profit for the year ending December 31, 2007, rising by 60 per cent compared to AED 1.56 billion for 2006. The bank recorded total revenues of AED 7 billion for 2007, rising by 46 per cent compared to AED 4.8 billion for 2006. Total assets in 2007 reached to AED 84.3 billion, an increase of 31 per cent compared to AED 64.4 billion in 2006.

DIB set a world record by raising a US$3.52 billion sukuk for the Nakheel Group. This sukuk adopted an innovative structure never used before in Islamic or conventional banking history.

The bank has been proactive in creating partnerships and alliances at both the local and international level. DIB has adopted an aggressive expansion strategy, which started with the establishment of DIB Pakistan Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of DIB. DIB opened its first representative office in Turkey to enhance its access to that market. DIB has also acquired a stake in Al Khartoum Bank and a stake in Emirates and Sudan Bank (ESB). These steps mark DIB’s ambitious plans to roll out its operations into regional and international markets as part of its overall strategic plan.

DIB has won the respect of its peers around the world. The bank was recently named by Islamic Finance News the UAE’s Best Islamic Bank. DIB has also received many awards from international organizations, such as the prestigious “Bank of the Year – UAE” award from The Banker magazine and additional accolades from Euromoney.

The branch opening was announced by Dr. Adnan Chilwan, Chief of Retail and Business Banking. Dr. Chilwan said: “As new communities and towns across the UAE develop, the demand for Islamic banking services continues to grow. To meet this demand, DIB, the world’s first Islamic bank, has aggressively expanded its branch network in the UAE over the last few years, and with the opening of our 51st branch at Kalba, this trend continues.”

He added, “Although Electronic Banking channels are extremely successful, branches continue to be the most important service channel. DIB’s expansion is a clear indicator of our strategy of providing the best services to our customers and extending DIB’s presence within the community.”

Rashid Mahboob, Head of Branches, DIB, said: “We have already opened two branches this year at Jumairah Beach Residence and Dubai Industrial City with, four more branches set to open across the UAE by the end of the year.

“Kalba is a valuable addition to our branch network in the East Coast region. The new branch will enable us to tap into Kalba’s substantial customer base, especially small and medium-sized businesses, which represent a significant business opportunity. The new branch in Kalba will provide customers with the entire range of DIB’s Sharia-compliant banking products and services, ranging from current, savings, and investment deposit accounts, Auto Finance, Personal Finance, Credit Cards and Business banking solutions.”

Zayed Saeed Al Khezaimi has been appointed the manager of the branch. Previously, Al Khezaimi held various executive positions in the bank’s branches in Dibba and Fujairah. With a Diploma in Economics from UAE University, Al Khezaimi participated in the “Qiyadee” training programme upon commencement of his career at DIB. The “Qiyadee” training programme, targeted at UAE nationals, was created to identify excellence and develop leadership skills so that qualified nationals can successfully head DIB departments in the future.

About Dubai Islamic Bank:
Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), established in 1975, is the first Islamic bank to have incorporated the principles of Islam in all its practices. DIB is a public joint stock company and its share is quoted on the Dubai Financial Market. The bank enjoys a reputation as a leader and innovator in maintaining the quality, flexibility and accessibility of its products and services. In a very short space of time it has created market leading services and products that are setting benchmarks for the rest of the sector.

The bank reported AED 2.5 billion in net profit for the year ending December 31, 2007, rising by 60 per cent compared to AED 1.56 billion for 2006. The bank recorded total revenues of AED 7 billion for 2007, rising by 46 per cent compared to AED 4.8 billion for 2006. Total assets in 2007 reached to AED 84.3 billion, an increase of 31 per cent compared to AED 64.4 billion in 2006.

DIB set a world record by raising a US$3.52 billion sukuk for the Nakheel Group. This sukuk adopted an innovative structure never used before in Islamic or conventional banking history.

The bank has been proactive in creating partnerships and alliances at both the local and international level. DIB has adopted an aggressive expansion strategy, which started with the establishment of DIB Pakistan Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of DIB. DIB opened its first representative office in Turkey to enhance its access to that market. DIB has also acquired a stake in Al Khartoum Bank and a stake in Emirates and Sudan Bank (ESB). These steps mark DIB’s ambitious plans to roll out its operations into regional and international markets as part of its overall strategic plan.

DIB has won the respect of its peers around the world. The bank was recently named by Islamic Finance News the UAE’s Best Islamic Bank. DIB has also received many awards from international organizations, such as the prestigious “Bank of the Year – UAE” award from The Banker magazine and additional accolades from Euromoney.

Dubai, November 24, 2008: In a pioneering initiative for the banking industry in the UAE, Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) today announced that it has established a fully equipped, in-house nursery at its Johara Ladies branch in Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi. DIB ladies branch staff will be able to bring their children to the workplace, thus ensuring the children receive their mother’s care while allowing the staff to manage their careers successfully.

This move comes in line with the programme launched by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Establishment for Women, aimed at supporting and empowering working mothers in their workplace and creating new jobs for Emarati women.

Mrs. Noora Jamshed, Head of Johara Ladies branches at DIB, said: “”DIB is proud to be the first bank in the UAE to adopt the initiative of Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to provide childcare centres for female public and private sector employees in view of the growing role of women as key partners in the development process. The establishment of the nursery within the branch premises underlines DIB’s continued commitment to social and community development through its employee and customer initiatives, and increasing female representation at the workplace and in the overall economic development of the UAE.”

She further added: “The in-house nursery will certainly provide our staff with much needed support and help them execute both their family and work responsibilities efficiently. We will follow this up with the opening of similar facilities in Dubai, Sharjah and Al Ain for our women employees.”

The new nursery idea was launched by Ms. Hassa Al Muhairi, Director of Dubai Islamic Bank’s branch in Khaldiya, Abu Dhabi, in order to provide care and support for the children of the bank’s employees

About Dubai Islamic Bank:
Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), established in 1975, is the first Islamic bank to have incorporated the principles of Islam in all its practices. DIB is a public joint stock company and its share is quoted on the Dubai Financial Market. The bank enjoys a reputation as a leader and innovator in maintaining the quality, flexibility and accessibility of its products and services. In a very short space of time it has created market leading services and products that are setting benchmarks for the rest of the sector.

The bank reported AED 2.5 billion in net profit for the year ending December 31, 2007, rising by 60 per cent compared to AED 1.56 billion for 2006. The bank recorded total revenues of AED 7 billion for 2007, rising by 46 per cent compared to AED 4.8 billion for 2006. Total assets in 2007 reached to AED 84.3 billion, an increase of 31 per cent compared to AED 64.4 billion in 2006.

DIB set a world record by raising a US$3.52 billion sukuk for the Nakheel Group. This sukuk adopted an innovative structure never used before in Islamic or conventional banking history.

The bank has been proactive in creating partnerships and alliances at both the local and international level. DIB has adopted an aggressive expansion strategy, which started with the establishment of DIB Pakistan Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of DIB. DIB opened its first representative office in Turkey to enhance its access to that market. DIB has also acquired a stake in Al Khartoum Bank and a stake in Emirates and Sudan Bank (ESB). These steps mark DIB’s ambitious plans to roll out its operations into regional and international markets as part of its overall strategic plan.

DIB has won the respect of its peers around the world. The bank was recently named by Islamic Finance News the UAE’s Best Islamic Bank. DIB has also received many awards from international organizations, such as the prestigious “Bank of the Year – UAE” award from The Banker magazine and additional accolades from Euromoney.

Adnan Chilwan

He added: “It’s our firm belief that, with the right support, any business can make the leap from good to great. Al Islami Business Accounts are designed to help businesses grow and are loaded with unique business-friendly features. It is our aim to provide our customers with the banking services they require to stay ahead in today’s changing business scenario.”

Al Islami Business Accounts come in three different packages: Al Islami Business Account, Al Islami Business Account Plus and Al Islami Business Account Premium – each designed to suit the requirements of all types of business customers, giving them the power to grow further. The new product will be available to customers at all Dubai Islamic Bank branches.

-ends-

Note to editors:
Dubai Islamic Bank is a Sharia-compliant financial institution. As such, please refrain from using any of the following terms in reference to the bank and its activities:
• Loan
• Lender / Lending / Lend
• Borrower / Borrowing / Borrow
• Credit facility
• Advance
• Interest

About Dubai Islamic Bank:
Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), established in 1975, is the first Islamic bank to have incorporated the principles of Islam in all its practices. DIB is a public joint stock company and its share is quoted on the Dubai Financial Market. The bank enjoys a reputation as a leader and innovator in maintaining the quality, flexibility and accessibility of its products and services. In a very short space of time it has created market leading services and products that are setting benchmarks for the rest of the sector.

The bank reported AED 2.5 billion in net profit for the year ending December 31, 2007, rising by 60 per cent compared to AED 1.56 billion for 2006. The bank recorded total revenues of AED 7 billion for 2007, rising by 46 per cent compared to AED 4.8 billion for 2006. Total assets in 2007 reached to AED 84.3 billion, an increase of 31 per cent compared to AED 64.4 billion in 2006.

DIB set a world record by raising a US$3.52 billion sukuk for the Nakheel Group. This sukuk adopted an innovative structure never used before in Islamic or conventional banking history.

The bank has been proactive in creating partnerships and alliances at both the local and international level. DIB has adopted an aggressive expansion strategy, which started with the establishment of DIB Pakistan Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of DIB. DIB opened its first representative office in Turkey to enhance its access to that market. DIB has also acquired a stake in Al Khartoum Bank and a stake in Emirates and Sudan Bank (ESB). These steps mark DIB’s ambitious plans to roll out its operations into regional and international markets as part of its overall strategic plan.

DIB has won the respect of its peers around the world. The bank was recently named by Islamic Finance News the UAE’s Best Islamic Bank. DIB has also received many awards from international organizations, such as the prestigious “Bank of the Year – UAE” award from The Banker magazine and additional accolades from Euromoney.

For further information, please contact:
Nicholas Nesson / Mohammed Daggamseh
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
Dubai, UAE
Tel: 971-4-3355969
Fax: 971-4-3356080
E-mail: n.nesson@asdaa.com / m.daggamseh@asdaa.com

From left to right: Head of Unsecured Financing, DIB; Ali Rahim, Head of Retail Products; and Nasser al Awadhi, Head of Distribution, Retail Banking, Dubai Islamic Bank with 3 lucky winners of the 2nd Al Islami Festival Raffle draw.

The prizes were awarded to the winners by Nasser al Awadhi, Head of Distribution, Retail Banking, Dubai Islamic Bank, in the presence of Ali Rahim, Head of Retail Products, and Mr. Tariq Razi, Head of Unsecured Financing. All customers who availed of an Al Islami Personal Finance during the festival were entered into the draw for the four Mercedes cars.

DIB also announced the winners of the Al Islami Cards promotion, which ran during the duration of the Al Islami Festival. Cardholders who used their Al Islami Cards for a purchase transaction during the festival period were automatically entered into a separate raffle draw, in which five prizes of AED 50,000 and 50 prizes of AED 10,000 have been given out.

Dr. Adnan Chilwan, Chief of Retail Banking, DIB said: “The second Al Islami Festival has attracted tremendous response from our customers and has been a resounding success. The event has given our customers a chance to avail of special promotions and prizes, thereby, enhancing the position of the bank as the leading provider of Islamic banking services.”

Dr. Chilwan added: “Dubai Islamic Bank has always sought to reward its loyal customers and looks forward to further engaging with them in offering more special promotions and offers. We are confident that this promotional period will further enhance the bank’s standing among consumers seeking excellent opportunities to benefit from the best that Islamic banking has to offer. Our aim is to establish a long-lasting banking relationship with our customers and helping meet all their financial needs.”

Note to editors:
Dubai Islamic Bank is a Sharia-compliant financial institution. As such, please refrain from using any of the following terms in reference to the bank and its activities:
• Loan
• Lender / Lending / Lend
• Borrower / Borrowing / Borrow
• Credit facility
• Advance
• Interest

About Dubai Islamic Bank:
Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), established in 1975, is the first Islamic bank to have incorporated the principles of Islam in all its practices. DIB is a public joint stock company and its share is quoted on the Dubai Financial Market. The bank enjoys a reputation as a leader and innovator in maintaining the quality, flexibility and accessibility of its products and services. In a very short space of time it has created market leading services and products that are setting benchmarks for the rest of the sector.

The bank reported AED 2.5 billion in net profit for the year ending December 31, 2007, rising by 60 per cent compared to AED 1.56 billion for 2006. The bank recorded total revenues of AED 7 billion for 2007, rising by 46 per cent compared to AED 4.8 billion for 2006. Total assets in 2007 reached to AED 84.3 billion, an increase of 31 per cent compared to AED 64.4 billion in 2006.

DIB set a world record by raising a US$3.52 billion sukuk for the Nakheel Group. This sukuk adopted an innovative structure never used before in Islamic or conventional banking history.

The bank has been proactive in creating partnerships and alliances at both the local and international level. DIB has adopted an aggressive expansion strategy, which started with the establishment of DIB Pakistan Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of DIB. DIB opened its first representative office in Turkey to enhance its access to that market. DIB has also acquired a stake in Al Khartoum Bank and a stake in Emirates and Sudan Bank (ESB). These steps mark DIB’s ambitious plans to roll out its operations into regional and international markets as part of its overall strategic plan.

DIB has won the respect of its peers around the world. The bank was recently named by Islamic Finance News the UAE’s Best Islamic Bank. DIB has also received many awards from international organizations, such as the prestigious “Bank of the Year – UAE” award from The Banker magazine and additional accolades from Euromoney.

For further information, please contact:
Nicholas Nesson / Ghaleb Zeidan
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
Dubai, UAE
Tel: 971-4-3355969
Fax: 971-4-3356080
E-mail: n.nesson@asdaa.com / g.zeidan@asdaa.com