Dubai-UAE: 6 January, 2012 - Noor Islamic Bank (Noor) announced Nurul Iksan from Bali, Indonesia, has won the grand prize of its global 'Shape Your Bank' challenge. The winner takes home US$20,000 in cash for offering the best idea to improve the banking experience.  

As part of its 'Bank of the Future' initiative, Noor launched the online 'Shape Your Bank' competition, in September, to solicit people's expectations of banks in the future and come up with innovative ideas.

Nurul Iksan was selected from the four finalists who received the new Apple iPad as an 'Ideation Prize'. In consultation with Noor's internal R&D team, the Ideation Prize winners' submissions were judged by a jury against criteria such as ability to execute, time to implement, expected benefits and customer interest, before the final winner was selected.

Hussain Al Qemzi, GCEO of Noor Investment Group and CEO, Noor Islamic Bank said: "I congratulate Nurul Iksan on winning the Shape Your Bank contest. The initiative received entries from across the globe. The unique challenge has brought forth creative ways of banking that we can incorporate into our products and services to meet the needs of contemporary customers."

At the GITEX Technology Week 2012, recently held in Dubai, Noor showcased its vision of the Bank of the Future, though a high-tech, interactive, concept bank that provided an immersive, 3D experience of the future of banking. Customers and members of the public can experience Noor's concept Bank of the Future by visiting Noor's Sheikh Zayed Road branch during normal banking hours.

At GITEX, Noor also announced its augmented reality 'Bank in Your Hand' app that will offer customers access to Noor's complete range of products and services, from opening an account to executing banking transactions.

Since its launch in 2008, Noor has established itself as a market leader in digital banking services and products. Earlier this year, Noor became the first Islamic bank to offer an internet bank account opening service. Additionally, Noor's website provides a suite of online banking services while its sister company, Noor Takaful, was the first Takaful operator to offer online insurance services and products.

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About Noor Islamic Bank
Established in 2008 in Dubai, Noor Islamic Bank is a full service bank delivering the broadest range of products for its customers, with an emphasis on unique and personalized services. Noor Islamic Bank's products and services are governed by a Shari'a Board, comprising leading Islamic scholars with extensive experience and expertise in legal, financial and banking-related matters. Noor Islamic Bank has locations across the UAE in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. Noor Islamic Bank is 50% owned by the Dubai government and 5% owned by the Emirates Investment Authority; the remaining 45% is held high net worth individuals in the UAE. For further details, please visit: www.noorbank.com or call 800NOOR(6667).

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