Awarded by leading international business publications at Islamic Finance Awards

Dubai, April 3, 2013: Emirates Islamic Bank, one of the leading Islamic financial institutions in the UAE, announced today that it has been recognized as "The Best Islamic Bank in the UAE" by two leading international business magazines. The awards were announced at the World Finance's 2013 Islamic Finance Awards and Capital Finance International (CFI)'s 2012 Islamic Finance Awards.

The recognition was the result of the bank's exceptional achievements and transformation during 2012. Within the short span of a year, the bank has managed to grow its branch network by 50% and customer base by 30%, mainly driven by the introduction of a strong suite of customer-focused offerings.

Emirates Islamic Bank was also recognized for its excellence in innovation, improvement in customer service, and overall for being the fastest growing bank in the market. In particular, Emirates Islamic Bank was also commended for its successful handling of the migration of Dubai Bank's portfolio and branches onto the EIB platform in a seamless manner during the course of 2012.

 "At Emirates Islamic Bank, we are very proud to be perceived as an innovative and modern brand and a market leader in Islamic finance in the United Arab Emirates," said Jamal Bin Ghalaita, Chief Executive Officer, Emirates Islamic Bank. "We have received not just one, but two awards from leading international institutions, that recognise our ability to deliver customer-focused solution to our banking partners and our customers."

"Customer convenience is of primary importance at Emirates Islamic Bank. We see ourselves as partners in the journey that our customers are on.  Whether that journey begins as a young UAE national starting his first job or an established expat making a move to a new country, our role is to provide banking solutions that are suited to their unique needs.  It is this combination that has enabled us to achieve and sustain the aggressive pace of growth and move us towards an even stronger position of market leadership," Bin Ghalaita added.

Emirates Islamic Bank was among the fastest-growing banks in the United Arab Emirates in 2012, with operating profit growing at over 60 percent. In December 2012, the bank announced the successful completion of the migration of Dubai Bank portfolio and branches onto its platform, thus becoming the third-largest Islamic bank in the country.

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About Emirates Islamic Bank:
Established in 2004, Emirates Islamic Bank opened its doors with the clear goal of offering discerning customers Islamic finance solutions. Combining the best in Shari'a compliant services with the strongest levels of customer care and efficiency, the bank has established itself as a major player in the highly competitive financial services sector in the UAE.  Offering products and services developed on the highest ethical standards, it gives customers the transparency they seek in a strong, honest financial partner.

Emirates Islamic Bank offers a comprehensive range of products and services across the Retail, Corporate and Investment Banking spectrum. Its network has expanded to reach 50 branches and more than 100 ATMs across the UAE. In the fast growing area of online and mobile banking, the bank has established itself as an innovator, becoming the first Islamic Bank to launch a mobile banking app and the first bank in the Middle East to launch an App on the new Windows 8 mobile platform.

Emirates Islamic Bank has received numerous accolades, both regionally and in the international arena, including recognition "Best Islamic Bank, UAE" by two extremely prestigious publications, World Finance and CFI. In 2013, the bank was recognized as a "Superbrand 2013". In addition, it has also been recognized by Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Business Award and Ethos Award for best Islamic bank for Customer Service in the UAE. These awards are recognition of the high levels of customer satisfaction as well as an acknowledgement of the bank's strong record of performance, growth and market leading banking practices.

For further information please visit www.emiratesislamicbank.ae

For further information, please contact:
Amina Al Zarooni
Media Relations Manager, Emirates Islamic Bank
Tel: 971 4 4397430; Mob: 971 56 6405080
Email: AminaAlZarooni@emiratesislamicbank.ae

Sudha Chandran/ Hiba Moussa
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller, Dubai, UAE
Tel: 971-4-4507600, Fax: 971-4-4358040
Email: sudha.chandran@bm.com/ hiba.moussa@bm.com

© Press Release 2013