National Bank of Dubai launches interest paying current account

NBD Value Account to offer customers insurance and medical benefits

Dubai, UAE, 03 April 2006 - As part of continuing efforts to expand its range of retail banking products and offer more value and convenience to customers, National Bank of Dubai today announced the launch of the NBD Value Account, a packaged interest-paying current account, a first in the market from any local bank.

NBD Value Account combines the advantages of current and saving accounts, offering customers a cheque book, an international ATM/Debit card as well as tiered interest rates on balances maintained in the account.

Customers will also enjoy a host of other FREE privileges that include life insurance cover of AED 100,000, free 24-hour roadside auto assistance, a medical access card offering attractive discounts at reputed medical providers in the country, and a set of value vouchers offering discounts and special offers at over 60 selected shopping, dining and entertainment outlets in the UAE.

"We believe customers want the convenience of writing cheques and the benefit of interest on funds they keep with their bank. We have combined both these features plus a number of other insurance, medical and shopping benefits on the new NBD Value Account, " stated Suvo Sarkar, Head of Retail at National Bank of Dubai. "We aim to provide outstanding products that give our customers peace of mind," he added.

NBD Value Account customers can also apply for an NBD Credit Card with no annual charges for the first year, and an NBD Personal Overdraft facility at a preferential rate, with no arrangement fees. In addition customers will get to enjoy the NBD Telebank, NBD Online and NBD Mobile services free of any charges.

What's more, every customer who opens an NBD Value Account before September 2006 will enter draws to win a Maserati Coupe car or other exciting monthly prizes such as holiday packages to Europe, laptops and mobile phones. Every AED 5,000 of average balance maintained in the account will also get additional entries into the draws.

The NBD Value Account is offered in two variants, one of which requires customers to maintain a minimum monthly balance of AED 5,000, and another that does not require a minimum balance in the account, but instead will require the customer to pay a nominal monthly fee.

For further information, customers can contact the NBD Call Centre on (04) 310 0222 to request a sales officer to come and meet them, or walk into an NBD branch, or visit www.nbd.com

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About National Bank of Dubai
Founded in 1963, the National Bank of Dubai is the oldest, locally incorporated bank in the Southern Gulf. Recognized as the bank with a performance that is second-to-none, NBD has built a reputation of stability and strength much appreciated by shareholders and customers alike.

Offering diversified financial services, NBD is a leader in corporate banking. Its portfolio covers a wide range of services including transport, real estate, construction, manufacturing, tourism and service industries throughout the region. In addition, NBD's 'Private Office' provides private banking services, offering highly tailored solutions to preserve and protect the personal wealth of its customers. Along with supplying customers with a variety of exclusive service based products, secured facilities, credit cards, personal loans, auto loans and home loans, the National Bank of Dubai also offers a variety of treasury products and services, advising customers on exchange markets and interest rate outlook. NBD, also recently launched Suhail Priority Banking Services, a premier banking service offering customers personalized relationship management and a host of exclusive products and services. Furthermore, NBD presents their customers with automated banking services, which consist of an internet service (NBD Online), a telebanking facility (NBD Telebank), and an SMS based service (NBD Mobile). With a comprehensive card portfolio that provides an array of benefits, the National Bank of Dubai has, over the years, built a wide ATM network as well as Point of Sale terminals in select locations throughout the UAE.

The National Bank of Dubai currently has an extensive branch network that includes 39 branches throughout the UAE. In addition, NBD also has a branch in London and a representative office in Tehran.

Press release issued on behalf of the National Bank of Dubai by Hill & Knowlton Dubai.

For further media information please contact:
Nada Lotfy
Tel: +971 4 3344930
Fax: +971 4 3344923
Email:nada.lotfy@hillandknowlton.com