Sharjah Islamic Bank introduces first wheelchair accessible ATM in the Middle East

This service, which is considered the first of its kind in the United Arab Emirates and in the Middle East, aims to bring 24/7 banking services to those who currently cannot use ATMs simply because none of these machines are accessible as well as operational by an individual confined to a wheelchair.

This initiative is part of Sharjah Islamic Bank's multi-year strategic program to make sure every segment of the society will have full access to and command of banking products.

His Excellency Mohammed Abdulla, the Chief Executive Officer of Sharjah Islamic Bank said: "Through the introduction of the new ATMs designed to be used by our customers with special needs, we hope to expand the scope of our banking services to all segments of the community and we hope to provide the latest technological solution to improve the level of electronic services provided by the bank for persons with special needs."

Abdulla indicated that a year-long study involving people with wheelchairs as well as design experts that was conducted throughout the entire UAE indicated that none of the existing ATMs were accessible by the group. Design experts and focus groups have developed recommended changes including the height of the machine as well as the dimensions of the space below the key-pad.

After a period of testing and ensuring that the design and functions were fully welcomed by the group, Sharjah Islamic Bank started to fit new ATMs across its ATM network.

Qassem Albuloshi, Head of Communication for the bank, stated that that persons with special needs using wheelchairs will be able to use the new machines to conduct all normal ATM functions including cash withdrawal, printing of account statements, payment of Etisalat and Dewa bills, and recharging mobile phone using "Wasel" services as well as the ability to make charitable donations and money transfers.

Many reports suggested that UAE should do more to ensure that people with special needs can lead an independent life. Although building code in the country suggests having wheelchair access to major locations and buildings, the guidelines make no requirements about functionality.

Before the new ATMs were introduced, people with wheelchairs needed a second person to operate an ATM machine even in the few locations where wheelchair access was taken into consideration.