Dubai Bank expands reach to SMEs with new branch in Department of Economic Development

This makes it the first bank to establish a dedicated presence in DED premises, which represents the heart of commercial activity in the emirate.

The new branch, which is Dubai Bank's tenth branch in Dubai and 21st in the UAE, is situated on the ground floor of the DED building. It was inaugurated by His Excellency Mr Sami Ahmad Al Qamzi, Director General of DED and Mr Salam Al Shakshy, CEO of Dubai Bank recently. The ceremony was attended by Mr Sultan Butti Bin Mejren, Director General of the Government of Dubai Land Department, and senior officials from both Dubai Bank and the DED.

Al Qamzi said:

"DED is at the forefront of driving a new business and entrepreneurial culture in the Emirate. DED's various initiatives are aimed at facilitating ease of doing business. The opening of Dubai Bank's branch in our headquarters will be a value addition for visitors, who can now coordinate their business banking needs from our office itself."

Al Shakshy said, "Our partnership with DED marks the start of a long-term strategic relationship, and we are grateful for their confidence in our service capabilities. This new branch at the DED aims to strengthen Dubai Bank's position as a distinguished, best in class, provider of innovative Shari'a-compliant financial products and services. Positioning ourselves in such a prime location will enable us to provide added convenience and high-quality service to our customers."

Mohammad Amiri, Head of Retail Banking at Dubai Bank, said, "Although electronic banking has reached a high level of utilisation by our customers, we have also strived to grow our physical branch network in order to provide more personalised service. The new centre at DED is the second branch within Dubai government departments; the first one was opened at the Dubai Land Department in April 2007."

Dubai Bank's DED branch will operate from 08:00 AM to 02:00 PM and offer a wide range of personal and corporate banking facilities and an Automated Teller Machine. Masoud Al Ansari, Zone Manager, Government Sector Branches, who brings with him extensive experience in the Islamic banking sector, will manage the new branch. Al Ansari has previously worked in several leading financial and banking institutions in the UAE.