ABN AMRO's expanding footprint in UAE reflects the bank's successful growth strategy

This brings the total number of electronic banking centres in the city to three in the last 12 months.

The move is a direct result of the bank's continued success and expansion in the UAE. Year to date, ABN AMRO's retail customer base has increased by 23% while UAE operating profit has grown by 25% and revenue growth by 30% over the same period last year. Meanwhile, the bank's Van Gogh Preferred Banking (VGPB) and credit card business have also experienced exponential growth. Today, ABN AMRO is one of the major providers of credit cards in the UAE.

Speaking at the latest customer service centre launch, Colin Macdonald, ABN AMRO's Country Executive in the UAE said,

"As one of the fastest growing banks in the UAE, having the right footprint to service our expanding customer base is imperative. Our aim with this new facility is to provide service in line with ABN AMRO's leading market standing, directly to our customers where they live."

The bank's new service centre strategy reflects the demographic shift of the city's population as it continues to flow to urban developments in the new Dubai. With the aim of doubling revenues in the UAE in the next five years, the bank's footprint expansion in the city is set to continue with two additional customer service centres scheduled to open in 2007.

Spanning more than 2,500 square metres and open from 8 am to 3 pm the new service centre is located near the fourth interchange on Sheikh Zayed Road, near the Gold and Diamond Park. More than 100 staff will be based at the site.

The centre is equipped with a 24/7 electronic banking zone allowing customers to carry out a full range of banking transactions with greater convenience. As well as 2 ATM and cash deposit machines it also houses the new generation 'Kiosk Teller System', which delivers extended services to customers in an automated and user-friendly interface featuring cutting-edge video conferencing technology.

The centre also boasts fully furnished Van Gogh Preferred Banking facilities with eight relationship managers in residence.