Sharjah- 30 May 2011: HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, and Head of Sharjah Media Corporation, inaugurated the Sharjah Islamic Bank's newest branch - situated in Sharjah Mega Mall - on Monday, 30 May 2011. The new branch brings the total number of branches, which are strategically located in main areas across different parts of the UAE, to 25.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by HE Mohammed Abdullah, CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank, Mr. Ahmed Saad, Deputy CEO, Mr. Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Saeed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Mega Mall, as well as a number of senior officials from the Sharjah Islamic Bank and Sharjah's local government departments.

Abdullah said that the opening of the new branch in such a superb location is in line with the board's directives of strategically expanding the bank's network of branches and delivering the best banking services to all its clients. Located on the ground floor, the new branch will be open from 10am to 9pm to make banking services available to clients at any time.  

Commenting on opening the new branch in a shopping mall, Abdullah said: "Opening this branch in a mall is aimed at providing our clients with greater access to the banking services that help them meet their daily financial requirements. Sharjah Mega Mall is an ideal location for the new branch as it is the shopping destination of choice in Sharjah. This ideal location also means that we are able to offer our services to clients in the entire surrounding area.

"We are fully aware of the importance of satisfying our clients and providing them with a convenient banking experience, therefore, we are keen to expand the bank's network of branches and provide new and alternative channels that will enrich the client's banking experience. This branch is the first to be opened in a commercial centre - and the first of kind for Sharjah Islamic Bank. Through this branch, we will provide our retail and corporate clients with a wide range of Sharia'a-compliant financial products and solutions." 

Sharjah Islamic Bank was the first bank in the UAE to successfully convert from traditional banking to Islamic banking in 2002, offering a wide range of Shari'a-compliant services and international banking to individuals, establishments, institutions and investors. Through well-placed risk management strategies SIB has managed to achieve an unprecedented growth rate, launching 25 branches throughout the UAE, in addition to over 100 strategically-located ATM machines in residential areas, shopping centres and entertainment centres.

-Ends-

About SIB
Sharjah Islamic Bank, formerly known as National Bank of Sharjah, was founded by an Amiri decree issued by H.H. Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council, and Ruler of Sharjah, to provide commercial banking services to firms and individuals. Originally a conventional bank, Sharjah Islamic Bank became the first in the world to convert successfully to Islamic banking in 2002. Since then, all operating systems and procedures have been modified to facilitate this conversion and all employees trained in Islamic banking.

For more information, please contact:
Serine Srouji
SAHARA Communications
Tel: +971 4 3298996
Fax: +971 4 3298995
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Email: serin@saharagcc.com
Website: www.saharagcc.com

© Press Release 2011