MUSCAT -- Meethaq, the pioneer of Islamic banking in Oman from Bank Muscat, on June 11 launched a state-of-the-art mobile banking application redefining Islamic banking with the concept of '24/7 anytime, anywhere' service. The Meethaq Cloud Banking application offers a wide range of unique features. The smart mobile app, which is quick and easy to download, provides a secure and convenient 24/7 access to the account.
With 'Cloud' mobile banking, Meethaq has made banking truly mobile, secure and convenient for Islamic banking customers who can now bank '24/7 anytime, anywhere'. Notably, Cloud Banking application works on all mobile phones and is customised for iPhones, Blackberry, Android and Java based phones with simple icons and menus.
The Cloud Banking application is available in both English and Arabic. Downloading and using Cloud Banking application is easy and instant as no separate registration or filling of form is required for existing mobile banking customers of the bank. However, for new customers having no registration with the bank, they just need Meethaq Islamic debit card number and PIN to do instant registration.
To get the smart app, customers can send a message "MMB" to 90090 or download the app from Android market, Blackberry world and Apple store (coming soon) or simply click on https://www.meethaqcloud.com. Sulaiman al Harthy, Group General Manager -- Meethaq Islamic Banking, said: "Meethaq is committed to investments in state-of-the-art technology to further increase efficiency and improve customer service. With emphasis on competitive channels and new products to cater to various sectors, Meethaq aims to take a lead in hi-tech products and services, including electronic payment and web-based services, in tune with the banking requirements of a young, tech-savvy generation."
The Meethaq Cloud Banking facility can be utilised by users to check their accounts, transfer funds and pay utility bills. In keeping with the highest Islamic tenets, the app is equipped with unique features such as Masjid locator to identify the nearest mosque, check Qiblah direction and prayer timings with respect to all cities of the Sultanate. The features also include Zakat calculator to determine the Zakat obligation and to pay it directly to the Ministry of Awqaf (MoA). Also the app has features to participate in MoA Waqf to help the needy for education, health and food.
Al Harthy added: "Meethaq has widened its reach with Cloud Banking, offering a host of transactions on finger tips for users of all types of mobile phones. The initiative marks yet another innovative service from Meethaq, which has developed products and services that spell convenience. Cloud Banking is expected to attract a large number of customers as it does away with the requirement to visit the branch for various transactions. Driven by the latest technological features offering a wide range of options, Cloud Banking presents a unique facility from Meethaq that lets customers bank at convenience from 'anywhere, anytime'. For people constantly on the move, Cloud Banking service will be a boon."
Cloud Banking can be accessed from any location that is supported by telecom service providers and is highly secure as the application does not store any sensitive information or transaction logs on the phone. Robust security features have been built into the application. Cloud Banking is a 'trusted' application. Data exchange from this application is encrypted based on best industry standards and dual factor authentication.
Meethaq Cloud Banking application is available free of cost and the only cost that applies to customers is the network usage levied by telecom service providers. Cloud Banking is user friendly and the interface is very simple and all that customers need to do is just follow the instructions to make a transaction. The Cloud Banking registration process is very simple. The registration is allowed only on the mobile number registered with the bank.
Meethaq has adopted the best practices in Islamic banking and finance worldwide to combine a robust model which protects customers and complements the Islamic banking industry. The Meethaq strategy is to attract customers through innovative Shari'a based products and services. The operations are managed by an experienced team, separate from conventional banking.
© Oman Daily Observer 2013
