The number of automatic teller machines (ATMs) operated by banks in the UAE, increased to 5,279 by end of the first quarter of the year, as against 5,274 in the same period last year, a media report said.

The continued rise in ATMs across the country reflects the UAE banking sector's commitment to forging ahead with its plans to automate services in a way that optimises costs and streamlines business, reported Emirates news agency Wam, citing a statement by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE).

On a different note, CBUAE statistics released recently on the latest financial developments in the country indicated that the number of national banks stood at 22, with the electronic service units operated by these banks rising to 33 in March 2019 from 32 in March last year.