Dubai, 16 October 2012: Etisalat and Zakat Fund have announced their collaboration to facilitate Zakat payment service through Etisalat's advanced Payment Machines throughout the country. The agreement was signed at Etisalat's stand during the Gitex Technology Week- 2012 in the presence of Jamal al Nuaimi, Etisalat's General Manager for Abu Dhabi Region and Abdullah bin Aqeeda Al Muhairi, Secretary-General of Zakat Fund.

The service will allow people who wish to pay their Zakat or charity, to easily do so through Etisalat's Payment Machines starting with amounts of Dh50, with increments of Dh10, up to a maximum of Dh20,000. Upon payment, the client will get a detailed receipt with full details of the transaction. Under the agreement, both Etisalat and the Zakat Fund will enhance their systems to ensure the smooth launch and operation of the service, as well as provide a secure and safe data transfer environment for customers.

On the occasion, Al Nuaimi commented, "As a leading provider of telecom services, Etisalat has undertaken this initiative as part of its responsibility to extend support to individuals and various communities of the UAE. It reflects Etisalat's commitment to partake in humanitarian activities such as partnering with Zakat Fund to provide new, digitised and reliable payment channels for their clients.

Al Nuaimi added, "The new Zakat payment service is only an extension of our collaboration with Zakat Fund. Prior to this service, Etisalat has launched a mobile Zakat calculation service based on the Islamic sharia rules. It also allows mobile users to pay their Zakat by simply dialling *162# and following the instructions."

Abdullah bin Aqeeda Al Muhairi said, "I am very happy with the new service from Etisalat that will facilitate the payment of Zakat duty, which is considered as one of the Islamic cornerstones enriching the brotherhood and humanitarian connection in the community. I truly admire Etisalat's efforts in harnessing technology for the needs of the community and its religious pillars. The Zakat Fund continuously endeavours to collaborate with active corporations such as Etisalat to provide advanced solutions to help people pay their Zakat Duty."

"The new service will allow Zakat Fund's customers to easily use a secured electronic channel for paying their Zakat and donations. Previously, Etisalat launched 15 services for calculating and collecting the Zakat electronically. Among these services are "Pay your Zakat online" through Dubai e-Government portal or Abu Dhabi eGovernment portal, Zakat Fund's ATMs, pay via more than 1775 ATMs in any of the Fund's bank accounts or though e-services available in Islamic banks across the UAE, Bank Deposits, Direct Payment, The Major Zakat Payers, SMS Zakat, mobile phones, through IVR, Etisalat's payment machines, Al Etihad miles redemption or MAXBOX quick payment service," he added.

-Ends-

For further media information, please contact:
Iyad Al Zou'bi,
Corporate Communications - Etisalat 
Tel 0097126182622,
Mobile 00971506123568,
Email: ialzoubi@eitsalat.ae

© Press Release 2012