Abu Dhabi, 24 Nov. 2009 (WAM) - National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) was awarded the Banking Web Award in the category of the strategic banking website in the UAE held in Beirut, Lebanon in the presence of H.E. Rahma H. Al Zaabi, UAE ambassador to Lebanon.

300 financial institutions from the region competed for the Banking Web Awards, which is organized by the Pan Arab Web Awards Academy in collaboration with Union of Arab Banks, Microsoft, AYNA, BSA and MSN.

The Awards aim to promote banks' websites and creativity in web design and web development in creating a banking e-world accessible to all around-the-clock. The Awards also aims to create a global proactive banking community that encourages communication and interaction in the banking sector and provides up-to-date data and services to meet all customers needs.

The winners were selected through a process of review and assessment by specialized panel of judges according to specially designated guidelines and criteria following international standards.

"We are delighted that NBAD has been awarded the strategic banking website award" said Mr. Abdulla Mohammed Saleh Abdul Raheem, NBADs Senior General Manager and Group Chief Operating Officer.

"We consider this award to be a valuable recognition of NBADs indefatigable efforts to meet the ever expanding demands of our esteemed customers. In its pursuit to satisfy our esteemed customers, NBAD has also been a recipient of many other awards over the years" he added.

"We wish to thank the award authority for this honor, and we look forward to pursuing the ideals of the award by continuing to provide the highest standard of services" he said.

Launched in year 2000, (NBAD)s website www.nbad.com is one of the first websites launched by any UAE bank.

"NBADs website aims to facilitate customers' access to our 24-hour internet banking through NbadOnline services, provide necessary information to investors, media and stakeholders, and increase NBAD reach to a global audience as well as building and developing awareness of NBAD as a diversified, safe, strong, successful, modern and innovative financial institution, said Mr. Ehab Khairi, NBAD's Media & Public Relations Manager after receiving the Award at a glittering award ceremony in Beirut, Lebanon.

Ranked as one of the top 50 safest banks in the World, NBAD currently operates across 13 countries on four continents. The bank has one of the largest branches and ATM networks in the UAE and the largest overseas network of all the UAE local banks.

NBAD provides a wide variety of financial services targeting all segments of the retail and corporate market in addition to fund management, brokerage, leasing, property management businesses and private banking.

"www.nbad.com visitors come from all walks of life and different countries to utilize online banking services, do business, explore investment opportunities, and get further information. Therefore, we are constantly seeking new ways to provide all information and services sought after by www.nbad.com visitors since NBAD pledges to provide innovative, efficient and secure products and services to allow our valued customers to enjoy the most convenient banking experience. Pursuing this approach has made NBAD an award winning leader in the UAE and the Middle East financial services industry," Mr. Khairi added.

"Winning a prestigious award like Pan Arab Web encourages us even further to leave no stone unturned in meeting and surpassing the expectations of our valued customers," NBAD's Media & Public Relations Manager concluded.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2009.