H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, has today (Tuesday, June 12, 2012), officially launched ‘Egrab,’ the world’s first emission-less mobile bank, initiated by Al Hilal Bank. The unique 100 per cent electric concept vehicle will eventually form a fleet that will be deployed across the capital to deliver personal banking services on the move.

Scheduled for full activation by tomorrow (Wednesday, June 13, 2012), the groundbreaking initiative will deploy a specially-fitted electric-powered bus that will travel to various areas around Abu Dhabi to bring Al Hilal’s world-class banking services closer to customers. The bus will offer comprehensive banking services to individuals including but not limited to opening an account, making deposits, ordering a cheque book, applying for a credit card, and using ATM machine services. The latest security measures will be in place to ensure the safety of both customers and employees. A dedicated area will also be assigned for the physically challenged.

Masdar, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, is supporting Egrab via its carbon emission offsetting service. The initiative is expected to raise awareness on the importance of sustainability through eco-themed banking and corporate operations across the Emirates. It will also encourage more partnerships between environmental champions such as Masdar and the private sector.

“Our upcoming E-Grab fleet will be the world’s first eco-friendly banking services on wheels. This innovation combines Al Hilal Bank’s commitments to sustainability and technology. We are proud of our project team and their enthusiasm in concretizing our progressive approach to Islamic banking. This undertaking will hopefully inspire other businesses in Abu Dhabi and across the Emirates to adopt more sustainable and green strategies for corporate growth,” said H.E. Ahmed Ateeq Al Mazroui, Chairman of Al Hilal Bank.

E-grab is a major milestone under the bank’s sustainability strategy as embodied by its slogan ‘The orange bank that thinks green.’ The strategy promotes the adoption of renewable energy sources and eco-friendly initiatives in the local banking sector in line with Abu Dhabi’s 2030 vision.

Al Hilal Bank is wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi Investment Council, the investment body of the Abu Dhabi Government. It operates 21 branches and over 112 ATMs in the UAE as well as three overseas branches in Kazakhstan. The bank is noted for various pioneering initiatives such as the ‘Mall Branch,’ the UAE’s largest banking branch, the Middle East’s first-ever bank-installed gold dispensing machine, and the ‘Money Station,’ the first drive-thru branch in the region.

 

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