Al Hilal Bank, a progressive Islk, has launched on Monday, February 20, 2012 the Middle East's first 'Money Station' branch in Dubai. Customers using the facility will be able to perform essential banking transactions from the convenience of their own cars, marking Al Hilal's latest landmark achievement in revolutionizing Islamic banking in the UAE. The innovative branch was inaugurated at Jumeirah Beach Road by His Highness Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. Al Hilal representatives gave a brief tour of the facility, explaining that it would accommodate common banking transactions such as cash withdrawals and deposits and the opening of new accounts for drive-thru patrons. Under the 'tube banking' concept, customers park beside a specially-designed money station where a teller appears on-screen to attend to their request. They then insert their document, application or money - depending on the transaction - in a see-through plastic capsule included in the station. The capsule or tube is placed back on its slot where a 'send' button is pressed to transport the contents to the teller for processing. The tube is sent back shortly with the necessary package for the drive-thru client to collect, and inserted back to its slot after the transaction is completed. The branch is already attracting huge interest with its promise of a unique and highly convenient banking experience that marks another Al Hilal -initiated first for the Middle East. "At Al Hilal Bank we always try to be distinguished through our products and services that are fresh and out-of-the-box and designed with the customer topmost in mind. Our 'Money Station' branch is a first in the region and affirms our commitment to innovation and customer convenience. We invite our valued customers to try out this one-of-a-kind facility and benefit from its simplicity, speed and efficiency,"said H.E. Ahmed Ateeq Al Mazroui, Chairman of Al Hilal Bank. Fully-owned by the Abu Dhabi Investment Council, the investment arm of the Government of Abu Dhabi, All Hilal Bank has gained a reputation for introducing innovative Islamic banking services. Last year, it rolled out the UAE's first thumb verification system for banking transactions and the Middle East's first-ever 'GOLD to Go' bank-installed gold dispensing machine. Al Hilal Bank currently has 21 local branches and 112 ATMs spread across the UAE as well as three overseas branches in Kazakhstan. Source: ameinfo
