Al Hilal inaugurated in Abu Dhabi

With a clear vision to become the region's leading financial institution, Al Hilal has developed a completely new approach to Islamic banking by focusing on new products and technology while bringing excellence in service to the forefront.

The stated aim of this new concept is to set high standards of excellence in the UAE's banking industry, and to maximise stakeholders' value by acting as a catalyst towards the growth of local and regional economies. By doing so, Al Hilal seeks to offer contemporary and innovative financial services in accordance with Islamic Shari'a.

As a cutting-edge financial institution with a completely new outlook on banking, Al Hilal has placed great emphasis on recruiting the highest calibre of management staff.

His Excellency Eissa Mohamed Al Suwaidi, who serves as a director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, serves as Chairman of Al Hilal Bank. In other roles, he holds a number of directorships in the UAE and in the Arab world.

Meanwhile, with a wealth of industry experience from around the region, Mohamed Jamil Berro heads up as the bank's Chief Executive Officer; formerly the Global Head at the Personal Banking Group for Arab Bank, he has also been a board member at a number of prestigious institutions, including Arabian Insurance in Lebanon, Arab Islamic International Bank, Al Nisr Insurance and Visa, in Jordan.

The uniqueness of Al Hilal as a banking institution is matched by its revolutionary setting, and the inauguration took place at the main branch at the Al Sahel Tower. This "Financial Mall" is completely groundbreaking in its approach to business and customers.

The first of its kind in the Middle East, Al Hilal has brought a shopping mall feel to consumer banking by bringing its products and services into a retail environment that has been designed to be interactive and engaging for customers.

In this financial mall, customers are given the opportunity to feel the Al Hilal promise of "It's all about you." The 360-degree approach to banking here is divided into a variety of sections that specialize in each customer's requirements.

Each line of business, such as real estate, automotive and personal banking, takes a separate area that is based on a "shop within a mall" concept. There is a main walkway with kiosks and displays with rest areas, similar to a commercial mall. Meanwhile, each product area has its own shop front and entrance archway.

A modular exhibition space has been built in to bring a third dimension to banking, to showcase local artists and act as an event venue.

There is a private area for ladies' banking with a branded coffee shop and its own version of the art gallery. Children, too, are catered for with their own banking areas that are designed to be engaging and educational, alongside a separate area for youth banking that is sophisticated, trendy and technology driven.

Even a car showroom is available for customers who are interested in automotive finance, and a theatre has been installed for movie presentations, guest speakers and focus groups.

With this unique infrastructure in place, Al Hilal expects to enjoy enormous success very quickly. With its innovative approach to Islamic finance, customer service and location, it has already captured the imagination of customers and soon foresees growth beyond the national boundaries of the UAE.