Barclays Bank opens its first electronic banking unit at Bank Street in Dubai

Their first Electronic Banking Unit was officialy inaugurated by Ahmed Khizer Khan, Chief Executive Officer, Global Retail Commercial Banking, Emerging Markets, Amin Habib, Managing Director, Global Retail Commercial Banking, UAE and GCC, Farhan Waheed, Head of UAE Retail Branch Banking and Barclays Bank staff.

Barclays Bank PLC, in the UAE, successfully introduced its complete range of Retail Banking proposition of Accounts, Credit Card and Loans to the UAE on 30th May 2007. Barclays is committed to re-invent the way retail banking is delivered in this region, by giving customers choice, great service and more control over their finances.

Ahmed Khizer Khan, CEO, Global Retail and Commercial Banking, Emerging Markets said:

"The UAE has emerged as one of the most exciting financial services markets in the world and as a financial hub for the Middle East. The buzz, the growth, the passion and the pace of business is amazing and I believe Barclays is uniquely poised to be an active partner in this growth story. The electronic banking unit is just another step demonstrating our commitment to our customers and our expansion plans in the Emerging markets."

Amin Habib, Managing Director, Global Retail Commercial Banking, UAE and GCC added "Barclays will continue to meet its customers expectations and live up to the promise of re-inventing banking in the UAE. Barclays Electronic Banking Unit will make banking easier in terms of accessibility and service delivery to both our retail & commercial customers. In continuation of our expansion plans in the region, the Barclays network in the UAE will include two fully functional branches with teller and commercial services, three electronic banking units and a large ATM network, by the end of the year."

The newly opened centre has been exclusively designed keeping in mind the needs of today's consumer who expects innovation and service delivery with a difference. The centre will enable customers to conduct their banking through dedicated Relationship Managers from 8:00 am to 8:00

pm, Saturday through Thursday, situated within the premises. In addition to Electronic Banking through the ATM lobby, Barclays will hand-over Welcome Packs to account holders containing their debit card and cheque book within minutes. Further more, customers will be able to complete basic account enquiries, obtain duplicate statements, request for issuance of pay-orders, avail NRI Banking facilities, submit requests for fund transfers and subscribe to fixed deposit services. They will also be able to deposit cheques into their account or towards payment of their Barclaycard, UAE.

Barclays is accelerating its drive towards the entire banking community in the UAE with great plans for every consumer, household and business establishment. Our journey in the Emerging Markets continues at a rapid pace to meet the needs of our customers and to service them in any market.