Ras Al Khaimah, 14th March 2009 (WAM) -- Al Hilal Bank, one of the leading Islamic Banks in UAE, announced that it has expanded its branch network with one new branch in Ras Al Khaimah emirate allowing the Northern Emirates customers even better access to the convenient and comprehensive Shariah compliant services it provides.

His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah opened the branch and heard a briefing about the services provided by the new banking entity.

Currently the bank operates seven branches; three in Abu Dhabi - one of which is the award winning Financial Mall flagship branch - two in Dubai, one each in Sharjah and Al Ain.

Within the bank's first few months of operations, the establishment of a new branch in Ras Al Khaimah marks Al Hilal's entry into the Northern Emirates banking sector, setting itself up for a significant contributing role in the UAE economy.

Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Ahmed Ateeq Al Mazrouei, Chairman of Al Hilal Bank, commented: ''Being closer to our customers was the key motive in opening our Ras Al Khaimah branch and through this branch we will offer the kind of personalized service and products that our clients have come to expect from us.''Even though the world is experiencing a very difficult time economically, Al Hilal Bank has only been experiencing growth and we are looking forward to how this first stage of expansion in the Northern Emirates is going to benefit our current and future customers,' Mr. Mazroui continued.

The UAE is firmly establishing itself as a global financial hub and Al Hilal Bank, with its unique approach to banking and financial services, is positioning itself to be a driving force in that process. This is underlined by the rapid expansion of Al Hilal Bank across the UAE and by the planned opening of more branches across UAE by the end of 2009.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2009.