BNP Paribas expands its footprints in the region

The announcement was made during a special cocktail reception close to its new premises at Burj Dubai Square and attended by Mr. Jean-Jacques Santini, Global Head of International Retail Services - Emerging Markets; clients; government officials; ambassadors; media representatives and senior staff members.

Also speaking on this special occasion, Mr. Jean-Jacques Santini, Global Head of International Retail Services - Emerging Markets said:

"Our office relocations and expansion plans in the UAE represent a significant milestone in the continuous growth of BNP Paribas. While the bank has been operating in the UAE for over 35 years, this expansion re-confirms our commitment to the region, UAE, clients, staff, and to our local community. The GCC and UAE are among BNP Paribas' key markets, due to their consistent performance, fast accelerating openness and increased sophistication; we are all devoted to them at the global and local level."

BNP Paribas currently has two branches in the UAE, located in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and has opened two Electronic Banking Services Units (EBSU) one in the autumn 2007 within the Jebel Ali free zone and, in August 2008, in Al Qusais close to the border of Sharjah. In an effort to continuously offer the best services, the branch and offices in Dubai were recently transferred to the prestigious Burj Dubai Square; the same process of relocation is being initiated in Abu Dhabi which should be completed before year-end.

The bank has been operating in the region for over 35 years with a presence in five Gulf countries Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The teams also cover Oman and Yemen. BNP Paribas in the region accounts for approximately 670 employees working for three core business lines of the group - Asset Management and Services, Corporate and Investment Banking, and International Retail Banking.