Noor Islamic Bank presents its vision of the future of banking at Gitex

It includes the latest touch screen technology, 3D holographic projections, finger print recognition and surround sound, bringing together technology which is available today, but has yet to make inroads into banking.

Visitors to Gitex Technology Week, underway at the Dubai International Exhibition and Conference Centre, can experience Noor's vision of the Bank of the Future by visiting Noor's experiential stand 2, in Hall 6.

Hussain AlQemzi, GCEO of Noor Investment Group and CEO of Noor Islamic Bank explained that Noor has invested in the Bank of the Future concept to kick start a debate on people's expectations of banks in the future.

"We want ordinary people to help shape the future of banking in the UAE and elsewhere. We are known as a progressive bank that believes in using the latest technology to give our customers the best possible banking experience," he added.

"Our concept Bank of the Future demonstrates our vision of how banks of the future may meet the next generation of customers' expectations. It is futuristic but the technology and ideas that have gone into creating it are very much of today. It underlines our commitment to be the leader in digital banking."

Supporting the Bank of the Future concept, Noor has launched an online competitions, with a main prize of US $20,000, to solicit ideas from across the world on how the banking experience can be improved. Ideas can be submitted, by logging on to the dedicated 'Shape Your Bank' website www.shapeyourbank.com or via Noor's Facebook page facebook.com/NoorIslamicBank. The closing date for entries is October 31.

"This is the latest step in a journey that began even before we launched, when we held our first 'Shape Your Bank' campaign,' Al Qemzi explained. "We listened then and we are still listening. The ideas we receive, through this latest 'Shape Your Bank' campaign, will guide the way we conduct our business in the future."

Also on show at Gitex is Noor's new augmented reality 'Bank In Your Hand' smartphone and tablet app, the first of its kind in the Middle East. The Noor App, which will be available for download in November, will enable customers to access Noor's full range of products and services, from opening an account to executing banking transactions, such as money transfers and utility bill payments. Future enhancements could include scanning and paying in cheques via the app.

Since its launch in 2008 Noor has established itself as a market leader in innovative banking services and products. Noor was the first UAE bank to open a 24/7 bank branch and earlier this year it was the first Islamic bank to provide an internet bank account opening service. In addition Noor's website provides a suite of cutting edge online banking services. And, its insurance arm, Noor Takaful, was the first Takaful operator to offer online insurance services and products.