Emirates Islamic, one of the leading Islamic financial institutions in the UAE, walked away with two major trophies at the Banker Middle East Product Awards. Reaffirming the bank's commitment to bringing greater innovation in Islamic banking, the bank claimed the 'Best Mobile Banking app' award. The bank also won 'Best Islamic Card' for its Emarati Credit Card that is customised to meet the needs and lifestyles of UAE national customers via exclusive privileges and offers.

Emirates Islamic's mobile app is one of the highest ranked Islamic banking apps on App Store with an outstanding rating of 4.5/5 and is used by a large number of its customers. The app offers over 150 services including SmartPass, the bank's secure and convenient authorisation for online banking transactions without the need of waiting for the SMS authentication code; Instant Account Opening that enables customers to instantly open a current account online across eleven currencies; QuickRemit fund transfer platform for remittances to India within 60 seconds at zero processing fees; Cards Management facility which lets cardholders to manage all their credit card activities including blocking, activating and unblocking; a Cash on Call facility which enables customers to transfer up to 80% of their card's available limit to their bank account; and App Demo feature that allows users to get a real look & feel of the app and explore the features without logging in.

Launched in 2017, 'Emarati' Credit Card from Emirates Islamic is a premium, free-for-life VISA Signature card customised to meet the needs of UAE national customers via exclusive travel & lifestyle privileges and offers, both in the UAE and abroad. The credit card offers instant and flexible rewards redemption options on Emirates Islamic's loyalty rewards programme, EI SmartMiles, and also offers free valet parking, a welcome bonus, complimentary airport lounge access and other lifestyle benefits.

Commenting on the awards, Wasim Saifi, Deputy CEO - Consumer Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates Islamic, said: "At Emirates Islamic, innovation is a core value by which we have played a key role in setting new benchmarks for the Islamic banking sector in the UAE. We were the first Islamic bank in the UAE to launch a mobile banking app that addresses the growing needs of digital savvy customers and we continuously enhance and improve the app's user friendliness and performance to enable a seamless banking experience for our customers. Emirates Islamic will continue to enable our customers' transition to digital channels, in line with the Smart Dubai agenda of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai".

Commenting on the award-winning card, Saifi added, "We are honored that our 'Emarati' Credit Card has been named as the Best Islamic Card. As a home-grown bank, we are cognisant of the banking needs of our Emarati customers, and we continue to launch customised products and services for them. The 'Emarati' Credit Card has been developed after careful consideration of the lifestyle of our Emarati customers and we are pleased that the card has been very well received by them"

The Banker Middle East Product Awards, sponsored by the CPI Financial Group, is one of the most distinguished awards programmes acknowledging significant developments within the financial industry in the Middle East, and provides a benchmark for the regional financial sector. With categories covering all areas of banking and finance from consumer products to corporate and investment banking services, the awards are decided through public voting of the nominated products.