Dubai, January 18, 2012: Noor Islamic Bank announced today the launch of the first on-line bank account opening service offered by an Islamic Bank, to mark the fourth anniversary of the bank's launch. The new service is the latest innovation to be provided by Noor as part of its increasing focus on digital banking.

The easy to use service enables UAE residents to apply for either current, savings or current and savings accounts, from the comfort of their home or office, without the need to visit a bank branch. Account approval is normally given within 48 hours. People living outside the UAE, who wish to have a Noor account in the UAE, can apply for a savings account through the dedicated web site.

Hussain AlQemzi, Group Chief Executive Officer, Noor Investment Group and Chief Executive Officer, Noor Islamic Bank explained the launch of on-line bank account opening heralded a new phase in Noor's digital strategy, aimed at enhancing its customers' banking experience.

"Our aim is to provide our customers with convenient, holistic, enterprise-wide, digital banking services, from opening a bank account on-line to applying for products and services and managing their account 24 hours day, without the need to visit a bank branch," he said.

"We are committed to utilising the latest technology to enable us to offer personalised, products and services which meet our customers increasingly sophisticated needs. Online banking is rapidly becoming the preferred method of personal banking and Noor is determined to be at the cutting edge of this shift in demand.

"With the launch of our ground breaking on-line account opening service, Noor is once again demonstrating its leadership in the implementation of innovative, technology-driven, banking services and products," Hussain added.

To apply for an account on-line, customers complete a simple form with their personal details and upload supporting documentation, including copies of their passport and residency visa, for non-nationals, UAE ID card for nationals and salary certificate. Self-employed applicants are required to upload a copy of their trade licence. Applicants can then select which Noor branch they wish to have their account at and are able to track the status of their application on-line.

After approval the applicant goes to their chosen branch with the originals of the documents they uploaded, for verification, and to sign an account opening form. They then receive their cheque book, debit card and on-line banking ID. New customers are immediately able to access Noor's first-of-its-kind, Arabic and English bi-lingual mobile internet banking service, which is available 24 hours a day from any make, or type, of smart phone.

The on-line bank account opening service is initially available in English. Noor are working to make an Arabic version available in the coming months.

Noor has established itself as a market leader in innovative on-line services and products. In addition to its bi-lingual mobile internet banking service, Noor Islamic Bank's website provides a suite of on-line banking services in English, Arabic and French. And, its insurance arm, Noor Takaful, was also the first Takaful operator to offer on-line 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. For further details, please visit: www.noorbank.com or call 800NOOR(6667).

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© Press Release 2012