National Bonds Continues to Raise a Culture of Saving & Secures 690,000 Savers

Marks 5.78% Rise in Customer Base in 2012
Grabs 10% of UAE Population from 200 Nationalities
Announces Average Annual Returns of 2.62% for 2012 and 5.6% since Inception

Dubai-UAE: 02 March, 2013 - National Bonds Corporation PJSC, the investment company behind the leading Shariah-compliant savings scheme, today announced that its proactive initiative to promote a culture of saving among local and expat communities has driven its number of bondholders to 690,000, marking a 5.78% increase as compared to 2011. Of this, nearly 10% comprise of UAE residents from over 200 nationalities, validating National Bonds sustained efforts to raise awareness about the long term benefits of saving.

Notably, National Bonds' female bondholders saw a healthy increase of 9% during 2012. National Bonds also marked a 10% increase in the average holding period of its customer accounts, assuring the community's efforts to allocate a portion of their earnings towards a disciplined savings plan.

Since its inception in 2006, National Bonds has rolled out periodic initiatives to encourage all segments of the society to adopt appropriate savings plans. This priority has gained added significance since the 2012 National Bonds Savings Index, indicated that a staggering 87% of the UAE residents believe their current savings are insufficient for the future and seek low risk investments and savings opportunities.

Mohammed Qasim Al Ali, CEO of National Bonds Corporation, said: "The rise in the number of bondholders is a clear indicator that both individuals & families are paying more attention to their future financial wellbeing. We anticipate a quantum leap in the attitude to savings among the communities we target. We are confident that the cumulative annual returns, which averaged 5.6% during the period 2006-2012, will emphasize the advantages of adopting long-term saving plans whilst cascading the culture across a larger section of our society."

National Bonds has additionally announced healthy annualized returns of 2.62% on its savings scheme for 2012, making National Bonds the popular rewarding savings scheme in the region. The annualized returns comprise of a profit rate (of up to 1.5%) and earnings through 501,032 prizes and incentives equal to 1.12% distributed during 2012 from the Company's own funds.

As part of its efforts, National Bonds has introduced 119 new millionaires through its rich rewards program, the largest-of-its-kind in the region. Having awarded 1.8 million prizes to date for bondholders, the saving program driven by the National Bonds Mudaraba fund has boosted returns on investments for customers by more than AED 350 million from rewards donated by the Company (Mudareb) alone.

Al Ali added: "Despite the continuous changes in the economic landscape, National Bonds remains committed to change the prevailing consumerism mind sets by encouraging the society to adopt a culture of saving for a secured future. In pursuit of this objective, National Bonds works relentlessly to make saving a rewarding experience. Our Scheme's strategy is to provide sustainable returns on bondholders investments while offering a rewards program that is second to none.

"I cannot emphasize enough how essential it is for individuals and families to recognize that the amount of money earned does not make a meaningful difference unless part of it is saved for the proverbial rainy day. The importance of planning financially for the future has been proven throughout history in the form of crises such as international disputes and economic downturns. I call upon all segments of society to act immediately to start saving before it's too late."

National Bonds, which is licensed and regulated by the UAE Central Bank, provides UAE nationals, as well as UAE residents and non-residents with a credible and rewarding savings opportunity. Minors can also own National Bonds, provided the bonds are purchased by the parent/guardian. Each bond costs AED10, with a minimum purchase of AED100.

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About National Bonds Corporation PJSC:
National Bonds, which is licensed and regulated by the UAE Central Bank, is a Shariah compliant saving scheme that provides UAE nationals, UAE residents and non-residents - with a credible and safe savings opportunity. Minors can also own National Bonds, provided the bonds are purchased by the parent/guardian. Each bond costs AED 10, with a minimum purchase of AED 100 National Bonds Corporation PJSC announced an annual profit up to 2 % for 2011. NBC's cumulative profit rate of 30.68 % over the last six years is among the highest payout in comparison to any other similar savings schemes in the UAE.

National Bonds is a unique savings scheme with a huge and diversified client base with over than 690,000 customers, offering:

Customers will have the opportunity to win 41,750 prizes every month. AED 1 million on the first Sunday of every month and 9,635 prizes on every Sunday in different prize categories - 5 prizes of AED10,000, 10 prizes of AED 5,000, 20 prizes of AED 1,000, 100 prizes of AED 500, 500 prizes of AED 100 and 9,000 prizes of AED 50. Savings with National Bonds can be redeemed easily after an initial 30-day holding period by calling 600522279 or for instant cash redemptions up to AED 10,000 per day through visiting selective branches of Al Ansari exchange and UAE Exchange houses across the UAE.
National Bonds does not charge any transaction fee from its customers. One can open an account for free and also close the account at any time without paying a penalty
The National Bonds Employee Saving Program offers government and private sector employees an opportunity to save a portion of their salary on a monthly basis and also be entitled to all benefits and rewards offered by National Bonds
National Bonds can be purchased from nearly 620 outlets across the UAE, including Emirates Post offices, exchange houses and banks.
National Bonds can also be purchased online at www.nationalbonds.ae or call 600 522 27