Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, has expanded its disability-friendly branch network to include the Hamriya, Rashidya and Al Aweer branches, in addition to the Jumeirah and Jumeirah Emirates Towers branches in Dubai, UAE.

The bank has also implemented the distribution of Braille currency in its Jumeirah branch for customers with vision disabilities, and will remain committed to enabling financial inclusion for people with disabilities in the UAE into 2017.

In its first phase of modification, employees of Hamriya, Rashidiya and Al Aweer branches were trained on disability etiquette and the privileges offered to Sanad Card holders. To enhance mobility access, branches have been equipped with sliding doors, accessible low-height ATMs and cheque writing counters, in addition to designated car parking spots.

To provide people with visual impairment ease of direction within the branch, tactile floor indicators have been installed. All branches also offer priority queuing and a separate waiting area to provide an easier and more elevated branch experience for people with disabilities.

Husam Al Sayed, Group chief human resource officer at Emirates NBD said: “Step by step, we are working to transform our entire institution into one that caters to the needs of people with disabilities in the UAE and furthers their financial inclusion and independence. The three additional branches that have been transformed this year attract a large percentage of Emirates NBD’s customer base with disabilities and we are happy to provide them a far superior and inclusive customer experience.”

The bank will also be launching the distribution of Braille currency, issued by the Central Bank of the UAE, in its Jumeirah branch to further empower its customers with visual disabilities and offer them the independence of processing their own branch transactions.

Ahmed Al Marzouqi, executive vice president & general manager of Retail Distribution at Emirates NBD said: “With the introduction of Braille currency in our branches, we hope to set an example in the UAE banking industry and offer our customers with visual disabilities the ability to manage their own cash transactions.

“Starting with the Jumeirah branch, the distribution of Braille notes will extend to the rest of our branches and we envision a society in which disability-friendly currency will be the norm. Going forward, Emirates NBD will continue to find more ways to elevate the customer experience of people with disabilities and offer them products and services that support both their integration and independence financially.” – TradeArabia News Service