Abu Dhabi, 02 March 2011 - Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), a top-tier Islamic financial services group, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), to provide financial services for the Fund's clients through ADIB's branch network.
Under this agreement, ADIB will provide Credit Administration Services and processing of finance applications for Khalifa Fund's customers. In addition, ADIB will designate a specialized center in Abu Dhabi to serve Khalifa Fund's customers.
The agreement was signed by Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Deputy CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, and Mr. Tirad Mahmoud, CEO of ADIB, at the signing ceremony took place at ADIB's premises.
Commenting on the MoU, Tirad Mahmoud, CEO of ADIB said: "We look forward to our partnership with the Khalifa Fund as its strategic programs are essential to the development and progress of Abu Dhabi. SMEs are a significant pillar of the economy and its growth. We are keen to support SME related projects to contribute to UAE's growth."
"This MoU reflects the ongoing efforts of ADIB's Business Banking Group, to support SMEs in the UAE and to offer top of the line solutions and specialized products and services for all SME related organizations through the bank's extensive branch network," he added.
Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Deputy CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, said: "This agreement enables Khalifa Fund to provide its financing programs within the purview of Islamic banking standards, enabling multiple options for all segments of the Fund's beneficiaries."
"The partnership is a result of the Fund's strategic direction to upgrade and develop its services, bringing about efficiency and shortened turn-around periods," he added.
He emphasized that the Fund's mission is to fuel the entrepreneurial culture among UAE National entrepreneurs in order to strengthen the SME sector, and sustain a diversified economic environment in the UAE.
Al Mansoori confirmed that the agreement will be activated from the date of signing, noting that the Fund will continue to provide financing services through other commercial banks approved by the Fund.
ADIB's Business Banking Division is a newly established vertical created to specifically cater to the needs of the untapped SME segment with a unique offering and comprehensive banking solutions. Through Business Banking, ADIB will provide bespoke financial solutions and advisory services. The division will also provide advisory services through dedicated SME relationship managers. Other offerings such as devoted call centres and alternative online channels will provide SMEs the best banking experience modeled specifically around their needs.
It is noteworthy that Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development provides financial solutions through four programs: "Bedaya", which funds new projects with up to AED 3 million, "Zeyada" aims at financing the expansion of existing projects with up to AED 5 million, "Khutwa" dedicated to fund micro-projects with financing up to AED 250 thousand, in addition to "Tasnea", which funds industrial projects worth AED 10 million.
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About ADIB:
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) was established on 20th May 1997 as a Public Joint Stock Company following the Emiri Decree No. 9 of 1997. The Bank commenced commercial operations on 11th November 1998, and was formally inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on 18th April 1999.
ADIB's vision is to be a top-tier, global Islamic financial services group and its mission is to provide Islamic financial solutions to the global community.
The Bank carries out all contracts, operations and transactions in accordance with Islamic Shari'a principles.
ADIB's core values, reflected in all its activities are: Simple and Sensible; Transparent; Mutual Benefit; Hospitality and Tolerance; and Shari'a inspired. It brings to its customers banking as it should be.
ADIB - Awards:
About Khalifa Fund:
In June 2007 the Khalifa Fund was created as an independent agency of the Government of Abu Dhabi, with a capital of One Billion Dirhams to satisfy the needs and requirements of entrepreneurs. The Fund provides a comprehensive program to expand their business activity, within the context of the efforts which the Fund exerts to provide an appropriate business enabling environment and to enhance the capabilities of potential entrepreneurs.
The Fund uses a modern assistance and support services system, including training, development, providing access to market intelligence and consultancy services in addition to developing various marketing initiatives.
The Fund also provides various financial solutions for promising enterprises that may serve the national economy in the form of programs such as (Khutwa, Bedaya and Zeyada tasnea) which are made available to all types of SMEs.
Khalifa fund also launched social-economic initiatives, such as Sougha which aims at preserving the Emirati heritage. Al Radda the first program in the U.A.E which is for prison inmates. Ishraq for patients who are recovering from addiction which are inmates of the national center of rehabilitation.
Mohammad Z. Al-Qassem
Associate Account Manager
Corporate & Finance Practice
Weber Shandwick | MENA
Tel: +971 4 3210 077
Mobile: +971 50 288 9601
Email: mohammad.alqassem@ws-mena.com
© Press Release 2011
