UAE, February 02, 2015 - Al Hilal Bank is pleased to announce the dividend payout of its flagship fund, the Al Hilal Global Sukuk Fund. The Fund, which was launched in March 2012, distributed a 4.78% dividend to all registered unit holders as of December 31, 2014.

Al Hilal Global Sukuk Fund's objective is to generate a regular stream income as well as achieve capital growth by investing in a global universe of Shariah-compliant fixed-income securities (Sukuk) issued by sovereign, quasi-sovereign and corporate organizations.

Commenting on the performance, Lim Say Cheong, Head of Investment Banking, said: "The Fund has registered an outstanding cumulative total return of close to 11% since inception and we are proud to announce this year's dividend payout. We are extremely pleased that the Fund has delivered an attractive return and payout through a relatively low risk investment product, thus satisfying our clients' requirements."

The distribution equaled 4.78% of the Fund's net asset value (NAV) based on the initial NAV of US$ 10. The positive performance of the fund amidst a low interest rate environment and global uncertainty reflects the fund management expertise of Al Hilal Bank's Investment Banking Group, the Fund Manager, and its Investment Advisor, CIMB-Principal Islamic Asset Management of Malaysia.

Al Hilal Bank currently offers 3 open-ended mutual funds inclusive of the Global Sukuk Fund. The Bank's first fund, the GCC Equity Fund, was launched in 2011 and has performed strongly despite highly volatile market conditions, delivering a healthy double digit return of 37% since inception. The GCC Equity fund was awarded "Best Islamic Fund" by the Banker Middle East UAE Product Awards in 2013. In June of 2014, the Bank launched its latest fund, the Al Hilal Global Balanced Fund. The Global Balanced Fund aims at generating appropriate periodic revenues on its Investments, giving the Investors a chance to receive periodic dividends, and achieve long-term capital growth by investing in a globally diversified portfolio of high dividend-yield stocks and Shariah compliant fixed-income securities (Sukuk).

The bank plans to launch another fund this year as part of its ongoing effort in creating value and to increase diversification for its clients and investors. 

About Al Hilal Bank
Al Hilal Bank was established in June 2008 with an authorized capital of AED 4 billion and is fully owned by the Abu Dhabi Investment Council, the investment arm of the Government of Abu Dhabi. The bank is Shariah-compliant and operates through a network of 22 branches strategically located across the United Arab Emirates as well as 3 other branches in major cities of Kazakhstan. Al Hilal Bank rated A+ by Fitch and A1 by Moody's aims to become the leading financial institution in the region and is committed to increase the growth of Islamic banking by providing new direction, new technologies, and special services.

For more information:
Al Hilal Bank
Mariam Yousef Ahli
Head of Marketing and Corporate Communication
Email: myahli@alhilalbank.ae
Mob: 050 744 77 55

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© Press Release 2015