(3 June 2015)
Al Hilal Bank has inaugurated its new branch in Masdar City, a mixed-use project being developed in Abu Dhabi which is envisioned to emerge as the world’s most sustainable eco-city.
The branch highlights Al Hilal Bank’s commitment to introducing products, services and facilities that are environmentally friendly and powered by state-of-the-art technology.
The opening ceremony was led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan. Aside from meeting the conventional and Islamic banking needs of the surrounding community, the branch also serves as a hub for students of the nearby Masdar Institute of Science and Technology- a graduate level, research-oriented university specialising in alternative energy, sustainability, and the environment and Masdar City’s first-ever tenant.
The unique banking facility integrates elements such as a vending machine and wall-mounted touch screens for social media interaction to provide a venue for the Institute’s students and faculty to do research or simply to relax.
Mohamed Jamil Berro, Group CEO of Al Hilal Bank, said, "Masdar City is a perfect place for us to concretise our slogans of being ‘a bank like no other’ and ‘the orange bank that thinks green.’ Our new branch will enable us to be part of the growth of a project that will change the way urban developments use technology and ‘green’ principles to host the societies of the future. More than just a banking facility, we have created a venue that is conducive to safe, productive and healthy learning and personal development in keeping with the pioneering spirit of Masdar City. We invite the members of the Masdar family to take advantage of the products and services Al Hilal Bank offers as they explore better ways of living and working for all."
Al Hilal Bank, a progressive Islamic bank based in Abu Dhabi, now has a total of 25 branches spread across the UAE in addition to three overseas branches in Kazakhstan. It is renowned for several pioneering sustainability initiatives such as ‘eGrab,’ the world’s first 100% electrical mobile banking branch. The bank’s headquarters at the award-winning eco-friendly Al Bahr Towers in Abu Dhabi complements its strong environmental advocacy. The Masdar Branch reflects Al Hilal’s focus on applying innovation in all areas of its business to achieve excellence at all levels and support local and national development goals.