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Noor Islamic Bank launches UAE's First Arabic Mobile Internet Banking Service

Bank takes lead in providing convenient, bank-in-your-palm, 24 hour banking services, on any make of mobile phone

Dubai: March 1, 2010: Noor Islamic Bank today announced the launch of the UAE's first Arabic enabled mobile internet banking service, as part of the bank's ground breaking focus on innovative online communications to meet customer demand for convenient, bank-in-your-palm, 24 hour banking services. The new service can be accessed from any make, or type, of mobile phone with access to the internet.

A key differentiating factor of this service, from other existing ones in the market, is the direct hassle-free interface with which the customer can hook onto the Noor site. Customers don't have to either bookmark the portal or even download and install applications onto their designated mobile phone, to align itself with the site. The intelligent Noor web site will automatically detect the nature of the device logging in, and will simply adapt to the user's requirements, push the appropriate page to fit the unique screen size, and accommodate the mobile customer.

The service, available in Arabic and English, will enable Noor Islamic Bank customers to check their bank account and credit card balances, transfer funds between their Noor Islamic Bank accounts and pay off credit card balances, in Arabic, as well as in English. Additional services will be announced in the coming months.

Hussain Al Qemzi, Group Chief Executive Officer, Noor Investment Group and Noor Islamic Bank said: "With the economy slowly showing signs of emerging out of the tough times witnessed over the last 12 months, now is a unique opportunity for banks to sharpen their focus on implementing mobile financial services solutions that enhance their banking experience.

"This requires a dramatic shift in emphasis from simply enabling basic transactions through cell phones and other mobile devices to adopting the more holistic, enterprise-wide mobile banking services strategy that we are implementing.

"For future generations, mobile internet banking will be the accepted and preferred method of personal banking. For many young people today mobile banking is becoming a key criterion for where they choose to bank. With the launch of the world's first Arabic enabled mobile internet banking service, Noor Islamic Bank is again demonstrating its leadership in the provision of innovative, technology centric, personalized banking products."

Although there are no official figures on the number of people utilising online or mobile banking services in the UAE, it is estimated that the number of mobile phone subscribers in 2009 was 10 million, representing 200% of the population.

Meanwhile, a 2009 White Paper entitled How to Achieve a Compelling ROI from Mobile Financial Services, issued by Fiserv, the leading global provider of information management and electronic commerce systems for the financial services industry, said that by 2011 the number of mobile phone subscribers that use their devices to conduct mobile banking and payments is expected to reach 150 million globally. And by 2025 mobile will surpass all delivery channels to become the most heavily used way to interact with financial institutions.

This unique offering is in line with the pioneering spirit of Noor Investment Group , and follows the earlier launches of the 1^st 24/7 branch in the UAE by Noor Islamic Bank , and the 1^st online takaful offering by Noor Takaful in the region.

As part of its online strategy, Noor Islamic Bank recently launched its ShapeYourCountry.com website. The website is aimed at broadening the scope of outreach by Noor Investment Group to create an entirely new model for customer and public service best practices, as well as peer and investor relations. ShapeYourCountry.com will also serve as a thought provoking platform for shaping and enhancing industry perceptions.

And to compliment, the launch of its industry leading Arabic enabled mobile internet banking service, Noor has also launched its enhanced tri-lingual website with advanced features. The website and suite of online banking offerings now come in English, Arabic and French.

Launched in January 2008, Noor Islamic Bank has earned a solid reputation for performance, premium service and customer care and augmented its self-service banking network to cover more than 84 ATMs, across the UAE.

In addition, the bank also provides round-the-clock accessibility and convenience to its clients through its branch located at the Dubai International Airport Terminal 3, its self-service facilities of Internet Banking, Phone Banking, SMS as well as automated cash and cheque deposit services.

-Ends-

About Noor Islamic Bank
Established in 2007 in Dubai, a full service bank, Noor Islamic Bank delivers the broadest range of products for its customers, with an emphasis on unique and personalized services. Noor Islamic Bank 's products and services are governed by a Sharia'a Board, comprising leading Islamic scholars with extensive experience and expertise in legal, financial and banking-related matters. Noor Islamic Bank has 18 locations across the UAE in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and an overseas representative office in Tunis. For further details, please visit: www.noorbank.com or call 800NOOR(6667).

For media enquiries, please contact:
Fatma Al-Khaja
Corporate Communications Manager
Noor Islamic Bank
Email: fatma.alkhaja@noorbank.com

Mohamed Tahboub
Associate Account Director, Financial Practice
JiWin Public Relations
Tel: +9714 3613598
Mob: +97150 157 6868
Email: Mohamed.tahboub@jiwin.ae

Burgess Baria
Associate Account Manager, Financial Practice
JiWin Public Relations
Tel: +9714 3642199
Mob: +97150 696 1987
Email: burgess.baria@jiwin.ae

© Press Release 2010