Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), a leading financial institution, has launched ADIB Express, a first of its kind class of digitally-enabled branch that combines the benefits of digital banking with a bespoke personalised service.

The first branch, located in Dubai’s The Ranches Souk – Arabian Ranches II, was officially opened by Khamis Buharoon, vice chairman of ADIB, with senior management in attendance.

ADIB Express branches provide customers with access to a wide range of digital services while benefiting from the genuine personalised service of onsite relationship managers. This seamless integrated approach enables relationship managers to focus on providing a more meaningful banking service to customers, with the bank’s digital technology automating time-consuming administrative processes, the bank said.

Customers can book ADIB Express appointments online in advance of their branch visit to minimise waiting times. At ADIB Express, they can receive approval of personal finance, and instantly open new bank accounts, with cheque books and debit cards immediately printed and delivered on the spot. On leaving the bank, both the customer’s account and card are fully activated for use.

The branch is also designed with the latest digital technology such as interactive screens, Emirates ID scanners and media walls to provide customers with a truly immersive experience. The process for new customers setting up an account is now significantly quicker and can be done during 30 minutes and paper free, due to high-tech scanners which can capture all necessary customer details, including their signature.

“There is a definitive shift taking place in the way that consumers in the UAE are banking and we are investing heavily in digital infrastructure to reflect this,” said Philip King, Head of Retail Banking at ADIB. “Many customers tell us that they value the human touch provided in our branches, but also desire the efficiency of digital transactions. ADIB Express represents the solution and provides customers with this optimal balance.”

He added: “ADIB Express is a digitally-enhanced branch allowing customers to conduct their banking transactions in a highly efficient and effective manner. It is the unique fusion of digital banking with a highly-personalised service that represents the future of our industry in the region.”

The Ranches Souk – Arabian Ranches II branch ADIB Express outlet is open six days a week, 12 hours a day. Three more locations will open soon in the Burjuman Metro Station, Abu Dhabi World Trade Center, and Emaar Business Park, with a wider roll-out of premises taking place over the next few months.

Research by ADIB shows a growing demand among UAE consumers for access to an efficient digital banking offering, although the ability to experience a high-level of personalised service in a branch remains a key priority for many customers. - TradeArabia News Service