Emirates NBD Promotes Its Products In Arabian Centre

Emirates NBD, the largest bank in the region in terms of assets offers its personal and auto financing products, and Skywards credit card to visitors and neighboring residents of the Arabian Centre. Emirates NBD’s stand caters to the mall shoppers & visitors.

The Emirates NBD representatives are available on the stand through-out the mall working hours to educate the shoppers on the Bank’s latest promotions on personal finance, auto finance and skywards card, and respond to all their queries on the spot. The exclusive offer provides a bundle of benefits and features when applying for a loan during the promotion period.

Personal loans applicants are granted a free session with a banking advisor to help the customer opt for the right loan amount that suit their individual payment capability. Auto loans applicants will be provided every thing they might need for the road such as free Salik card, preferred motor insurance rate, online Salik recharge & RTA fine payment, round the clock roadside assistance, free credit card for the first year, and many other enticing benefits.

On this occasion, Saif Al Mansoori, Head of Marketing Consumer Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD commented, “As part of our continuous efforts we make to get closer to our customers by letting them know more about our products and services that we are offering to provide them the maximum comfort and ease; and following the opening of our branch in the Arabian Centre, we are delighted in our collaboration with the mall management again to reach to our customers in Mizhir and Mirdif surrounding areas. With this in mind,, Emirates NBD representatives therefore will sincerely provide information, promote products and respond to shopper’s queries & requests; hoping that they would become more familiar with our services, and therefore enjoy the convenience & benefits that it offers.”

The Emirates Bank Skywards Infinite Credit card offers unsurpassed value – 75,000 Introductory Bonus Miles, ability to earn up to 3 Skywards Miles for every USD 1 spent on the card behind a first of its kind Express Miles program, complimentary Skywards Silver Membership bringing with it a host of privileges like priority check in, additional baggage allowances & higher tier miles and a complimentary 2 Nights/3 Days holiday in partnership with Marriott Properties.

Other value added services include automatic and free SMS alerts to provide enhanced security, airport lounge access, concierge service, complimentary rounds of golf, emergency road assistance, travel insurance etc. More details on the exclusive offer and other products are featured through brochures, leaflets and other collaterals, which are distributed to the mall shoppers.

Emirates NBD Organises A Staff Art Show

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and its commitment to promoting art, culture and heritage, Emirates NBD, the largest banking group in the Middle East in terms of assets has recently started the first Staff Art Show. The works of art will be on display at the main Emirates NBD branch until the 22nd of July, before being moved to various other branches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. A select few will also be displayed in the Pearl Museum, which could be an aspiring artist’s gateway into the world of art.

The opening of the art show, comprising 43 paintings and photographs submitted entirely by the bank staff, was attended by members of the Senior Management of the Bank, as well as the artists, well-wishers, family and friends.

The Art Show received an overwhelming response from the bank employees, with over 180 submissions. The experts taking a call on the best entries were from the prestigious American University of Sharjah, with the design professor Philip Sheil as the painting curator for the event and Tarek Al Ghossein, the photography professor, judging the photography entries.
 

Emirates NBD hosts an elite networking event at Burjuman Business Towers

Priority Banking at Emirates NBD, the largest bank in terms of assets in the region, organized a networking event at the Regus Business Centre for highly placed professionals working in their business centre in Burjuman Business Towers.The event’s main focus was to increase awareness about the Emirates Bank branch and the Priority Centre located on the ground floor of the Burjuman Business Tower. The Priority Banking team from the Burjuman branch interacted with the guests on a one to one, personalized level, elaborating on the key products and privileges of Priority Banking and the various benefits and conveniences that are attainable through banking with Emirates NBD. The newly launched Emirates Bank Skywards Platinum and Infinite credit cards created quite a buzz over this event.Mike Solimani Head Priority Banking commented on the event: “This initiative wouldn’t have been possible without the ground support of Regus’ team who facilitated the connection to the professionals working in their Business centre. Many of the attendees were new to the country and this function allowed us to gather first hand information about their specific banking needs and learn about their expectations. We are very pleased with the outcome of this partnership and look forward to the success of similar projects in the near future at the various Regus Centres in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.”The Priority Banking Centre within this branch was created with the objective of catering to the needs of busy professionals and businesses in the Business Towers. Mr. Patrick Gray, Area Director at Regus said, “We were very pleased to work in collaboration with Emirates NBD and we are delighted that everyone was so satisfied with the event. Attendees found it to be very helpful and informative. We anticipate many successful joint ventures with ENBD in the near future.”Emirates NBD is committed to providing customers with detailed and personalized service. The bank engages in several initiatives that help them reach out to their valued clients and to provide people with informative details about the vast array of banking products and services that are readily within their reach when they bank with Emirates NBD.
 

Emirates NBD Announces A Strategic Agreement With Flydubai

Emirates NBD, the region’s leading retail banking institution in terms of assets, proudly announces a strategic agreement with flydubai, which will facilitate ticket payments through its vast electronic banking channels.

flydubai is Dubai’s first low cost airline and began commercial operations with flights to Beirut on June 1, 2009. The airline has since begun flights to Amman, on June 2, Damascus on June 8 and Alexandria on June 9.

This agreement, which came into effect in June 2009, is the most recent from a series of initiatives developed by Emirates NBD that has lent support to the UAE government and its various programmes, and adds a new dimension of convenience to the lives of frequent travelers.

With this new partnership, customers booking flights online at www.flydubai.com can pay for their flights through Internet Banking, ATMs, Cash Deposit Machines, via SMS and phone banking services, as well as at the 110 bank branches throughout the UAE.

On this occasion, Jamal Bin Ghalaita, Deputy CEO at Emirates NBD said, “We are proud of our agreement with flydubai, as it facilitates tickets purchase and payment through our electronic banking network, which is the largest in the region; it also gives us yet another opportunity to provide the citizens and residents of the UAE with a service that offers them absolute convenience.”

“Like all UAE government programmes, flydubai is a visionary airline that will provide travelers with an affordable option to travel around the GCC region, and we will continue to contribute in adding more benefiots and options to flydubai services through our extensive electronic network consisting of eBanking, SMS Banking, ATMs, CDMs and others,” he added.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said: “At flydubai we are committed to making travel a little less complex, a little less stressful and a little less expensive. It is important to us to make it as easy as possible for our customers to book and pay for their tickets. Partnering with Emirates NBD ensures we are able to offer our customers a stress free and easily accessible means of paying for their flights.”

flydubai, will cover a region of some two billion inhabitants located within a 4.5hrs flight time from Dubai. It will support Dubai’s commercial and tourism sectors by serving a particular demographic of travelers and will give them an affordable air link to popular, high-demand destinations.

The flydubai model is simple, with customers paying for the services they want. The ticket price includes all taxes and a generous hand baggage allowance of 10kg. From there, customers are able to select other services at an additional charge. flydubai will operate from an enhanced and modernised Terminal 2 on the north side of Dubai International Airport.

Dubai Properties Invites Select Financial Institutions to Offer Attractive Funding Options

Dubai Properties LLC, a subsidiary of Dubai Properties Group (DPG), today announced several leading financial institutions will offer exclusive funding options to prospective buyers and investors of residential or commercial units in Dubai Properties’ projects. Although potential financing will be available for all projects, there will be a special focus on projects that are due for handover, The Executive Towers, Al Waha Villas and The Villa Phase 1 & 2.Representatives from Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, Mashreq Bank and National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK Bank) will meet customers at the Dubai Properties Headquarters – Sales Centre in Dubai Internet City.An Official Spokesperson for Dubai Properties, said: "In our commitment to offer our clients top scale properties and services, we have invited leading financial institutions to the sales centre at the Dubai Properties’ headquarters to meet and explain the modalities of financing. The banks will seek to streamline the financing options for our current and potential clients. This is also part of our endeavour to ensure our buyers and investors receive customized, timely and accurate propositions.""Our developments have generated substantial interest from regional and international investors as well as Dubai residents. At the same time, our exclusive freehold projects cater to residents looking for an inspirational lifestyle at convenient localities. We are very pleased to offer these properties to our investors and look forward to developing other enchanting residential communities around Dubai."The prestigious AED3 billion Executive Towers master development comprises 11 towers offering 2,211 residential units, including studios, loft apartments, 4-bedroom terrace apartments, garden apartments, and 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom apartments. The development also includes 60 villas located at the plaza level, eight boutique office villas and a three-level podium that provides parking bays for 4,500 vehicles.Al Waha Villas is a AED745 million freehold Mediterranean style residential community located in Dubailand.  Properties for sale at the Al Waha Villas will range from 3,944 sq. feet for a four-bedroom villa to 3,621 sq. feet for a three-bedroom villa and 1,785 sq. feet for a two-bedroom villa. All properties will include one or two parking spaces, balconies, and terraces. The project consists of a total of 260 Mediterranean style townhouses within a luxurious enclave and lush landscape.As part of the special offer, select units from phase1 and 2 of The Villa development will be offered to buyers. An AED 8 billion freehold development located in Dubailand. The Villa is an enchanting residential retreat, inspired by generous spaces for outdoor living and the tranquility of Spanish style courtyard housing.Dubai Properties’ projects represent a diverse spectrum of residential, commercial and mixed-use developments including Business Bay, The Villa, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Al Waha Villas, The Villa and Culture Village.

Dubai Ladies Club To Host Annual Beach Party

On Thursday, 14 May, 2009, Dubai Ladies Club, a Member of Dubai Women Establishment invites ladies to its annual Beach Party & Bazaar for an evening of fun & relaxation. The event is sponsored by Emirates NBD and Emirates Holidays. The entertainment on the evening is sponsored by Reibus Events.

This year promises to be more exciting than ever with a variety of attractions such as children’s activities, Karaoke competition, DJ music, snacks & refreshments and an extraordinary beachfront market consisting of first-time designers, entrepreneurs and well-known brands. National Refreshments will also be around to hand out samples of their latest beverages.

Guests will be automatically entered into a raffle draw comprising of spectacular prizes including an Emirates Holidays package to Maldives; gift sets from Mont Blanc, Guy Laroche baby, Amelie et Melanie; vouchers from American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital and Al Jaber Optical.

This event is free for Dubai Ladies Club members. Non-members may purchase tickets at the door for AED 140 (40% discount of normal weekend entrance fees) and AED 100 for university students.

Dubai Ladies Club Annual Beach Party
Thursday, 14 May, 2009
16:00 – 21:00
Beachfront, Dubai Ladies Club
 

Emirates NBD Launches The Middle East And Levant’s First Watch Using MasterCard PayPass Contactless Payment Solution

In collaboration with MasterCard Worldwide, Emirates NBD today announced the launch of the Middle East and Levant’s first wrist watch equipped with MasterCard® PayPass™. The "Contactless" payment feature provides consumers with a fast and convenient alternative to cash for their everyday small ticket purchases, as well as, benefits merchants through lower cash handling and faster transaction time.Shoppers can now simply tap their new watch on PayPass-enabled terminals at checkout to make a credit card purchase at MasterCard PayPass merchants worldwide. The Emirates NBD MasterCard PayPass watch will allow consumers to make purchases under AED 100 without the need for a signature or PIN at select merchants within the UAE. Purchases exceeding AED 100 will, however require a signature.Emirates NBD and MasterCard developed this watch in collaboration with LAKS GmbH, a well-known Austrian watchmaker and Austria Card, the leading supplier of smart cards and personalization services in Central and Eastern Europe. This limited edition Emirates NBD MasterCard PayPass Watch is being issued as a supplementary device to MasterCard credit cards. The watch has a classy exterior, with a black strap and showcases the Emirates NBD logo on its face.Suvo Sarkar, General Manager Retail Banking at Emirates NBD said "Emirates NBD is an early adopter of MasterCard PayPass technology and is one of the leading banks in the region to implement contactless payments. Just over a year ago, we announced the launch of the UAE’s first co-branded MasterCard PayPass Credit Card in conjunction with Dubai Internet City. Today, it gives us great pleasure to collaborate with key industry players to launch yet another UAE first.UAE is a market where consumers are extremely tech savvy and Emirates NBD is dedicated to staying at the forefront of innovation and providing customers with solutions that make their lives’ easier especially in traditionally cash-only environments.The LAKS Smart Transaction Watch combines a modern, ergonomic, quality watch with fast, convenient and always-on-hand payment capability. The new Emirates NBD watch gives customers the ability to pay without the need to search for cards or coins with a tap of their wrist. “LAKS is delighted to be collaborating with Emirates NBD to deliver this outstanding, world leading, payment watch to customers in the UAE. With this product Emirates NBD really is putting a Wow into making payments”, said Lucas Scheybal, CEO of LAKS GmbH.“Emirates NBD were the first MasterCard customer in the UAE to launch a MasterCard PayPass card program in 2007. The launch of the Middle East & Levant’s first watch with contactless payments features is a testament to Emirates NBD’s continued leadership and commitment to offer innovative payment solutions to consumers in the UAE,” Thomas Edelmann, vice president, senior business leader, Middle East & Levant (ME&L), MasterCard Worldwide. “The launch of a highly innovative payment device such as this watch in collaboration with Emirates NBD is just one of the many ways we are bringing fast, convenient and secure alternatives to cash to consumers in the UAE. We congratulate Emirates NBD on achieving yet another contactless milestone.”
 

Emirates NBD Sponsors Dubai Police Tournament

Emirates NBD, the largest banking group in the region in terms of assets, has renewed its dedication to the Dubai Police by sponsoring their sports tournaments for starting from 23rd April 2009.Saif Al Mansoori, Head of Marketing Consumer Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD said, "We, at Emirates NBD are proud to be invited once again by Dubai Police to sponsor their sports tournaments. We both share the same belief of being partners in our duty to contribute to the development and progress of our society. Through this year’s partnership, we express our gratitude to the Dubai Police for their immense contribution for a safe and secure community".The Dubai Police Tournament includes various sports and activities such as snooker, and tennis, and is set to attract competing officers from across the city.
 
Al Mansoori added, "Emirates NBD cherishes its partnership with the Dubai Police, we have seen our relationship grow from strength to strength over the years through our continuous support, and especially with the introduction of dedicated banking schemes for the police force.  At Emirates NBD, we are continuously seeking ideal ways of meeting the needs of all segments of our society."

US$347 Million Syndicated Facility Arranged For Al Ghurair Center Llc

Badr Al-Islami, the Islamic Banking Division of Mashreq, and Standard Chartered Saadiq along with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank PJSC, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, First Gulf Bank, Ajman Bank and Arab African International Bank have successfully arranged a USD 347 million Dual Currency Syndicated Islamic Finance Facility for Al Ghurair Center LLC.

Mashreq and Standard Chartered Bank were the Bookrunners on this deal.. The Facility has a door to door tenor of ten years.

Proceeds of the Facility will be used to finance the expansion of Al Ghurair City, a well known mixed used (retail, commercial and residential) complex located in Dubai.

Ahmed El Sayed, Chief Financial Officer of Al Ghurair Investment commended the parties involved and stated “the strength of our group enables it to proceed with its set objectives; the expansion of Al Ghurair City is an implementation of such a strategy. We are confident that as pioneers of mixed used developments, we will continue to enhance our offerings. ”

Mubashar Khokhar, CEO of Badr Al-Islami, extended his sincere gratitude to Al-Ghurair Investment to allow Badr Al-Islami, Mashreq and Standard Chartered Bank to arrange this deal using Islamic Structure. He further highlighted on the excellent coordination shown between the bank group and the client in a tight market to bring this deal to a successful closure. The closure of the deal also highlights the return of confidence to the market despite international financial crisis. Mubashar stated “Al Ghurair Investment has an excellent track record and the expansion of existing Al Ghurair City is an important strategic initiative in their growth strategy. With new Dubai Ultra Light Rail on the way, the expanded Al Ghurair City will be easily accessible to all walks of life. The strong support by banking community for this Islamic deal is based on pure merits and would encourage others to tap into Islamic financing”.

Abbas Hasan, Head of Investment Banking, at Mashreq, while expressing his pleasure at the closing of the facility said that “the successful closure of the transaction bears testimony to the joint efforts of the Borrower and the Bookrunners in these challenging market conditions”. He further added that “while the deal was well received in the bank market, based on the underlying strength of the project, it was redeeming to see local financial institutions continuing to support businesses with a strong track-record. The expansion of Al Ghurair Center, strategically located in the heart of the Dubai and one of the city’s oldest shopping landmarks, is expected to come up as a unique mixed use development based on strong demand dynamics”.

Steve Perry, Regional Head of Syndications – Standard Chartered, Hassan Jarrar, Head of Origination and Client Relationships – Standard Chartered, and Afaq Khan, CEO Standard Chartered Saadiq all extended their sincere congratulations to the Company on the successful syndication of their debut Islamic financing syndication.

Mr. Jarrar said “Despite the challenging market conditions, the realisation of this transaction is yet another demonstration of the continued strong confidence in the management of the company and their further growth ambitions”. Steve Perry, the Regional Head of Syndications, MENA, Standard Chartered also echoed these sentiments and added that “The successful closure of this transaction is a clear demonstration that there is still credit appetite available for well-established and robust businesses operating with the UAE.” Afaq Khan also reiterated this point and said “The successful closure of this transaction in the current market conditions is a testament to the credit strength and reputation of Al Ghurair Group. I expect that this transaction will signal the re-start of the Islamic syndication and sukuk markets in the UAE and GCC”.

Built by the Al Ghurair family in 1978, Al Ghurair City was the first retail venue of its kind in the UAE comprising of retail shops, apartments and offices. Throughout its more than 25-year history, Al Ghurair City has acted as a pioneer in the regional retail business. Combining the culture and tradition of the city of Dubai with a modern shopping experience, it has played an integral role in providing for the shopping needs of the local population and the vast number of annual tourists.

HSBC Names Regional CEO Of Personal Financial Services

HSBC Bank Middle East Limited today announced the appointment of Abdulfattah Sharaf as CEO of Personal Financial Services Middle East. The appointment will be
effective from 4th May, 2008.

Abdulfattah comes to HSBC from National Bank of Dubai where he has held several senior positions over the last 13 years. Abdulfattah’s most recent position was that of
CEO, NBD Securities, a subsidiary of National Bank of Dubai. His experiences encompass operations, customer services, card services and business development.

He will be responsible for all of HSBC’s Personal Financial Services businesses throughout the region, and is based out of Dubai.

Commenting on the appointment, Youssef Nasr, CEO, HSBC Bank Middle East said, “We are delighted that Abdulfattah has decided to join HSBC. He brings over a decade of
rich retail banking experience that will prove invaluable as HSBC moves forward with an accelerated regional growth plan in the retail banking segment.”

HSBC has a strong regional retail-banking network comprising of 37 branches throughout the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon and the Palestinian
Autonomous Area.