Emirates Islamic, one of the leading Islamic financial institutions in the UAE, was named “Best Islamic Bank” at the ninth edition of the Global Islamic Finance Awards this year in South Africa

The bank was recognised as leading the way for peers in the industry in delivering a wide range of innovative Shari’a-compliant products and services, as well as for its social responsibility initiatives and commitment to promoting Islamic banking and finance.

Commenting on the win, Salah Amin, CEO of Emirates Islamic, said: “Emirates Islamic is greatly honoured to win the title of Best Islamic Bank at the Global Islamic Finance Awards. Prestigious industry accolades such as this serve as valuable affirmation of the hard work and dedication of our team at Emirates Islamic in providing best-in-class service and ensuring that customer happiness is at the heart of our operations. We hope to continue leading innovation and driving growth in Islamic banking and finance, in line with Dubai’s vision to be the global capital of the Islamic economy.”

Professor Humayon Dar, Chairman of Global Islamic Finance Awards, said: “Emirates Islamic has come a long way to receive the coveted award of Best Islamic Bank 2019, ahead of many of its peers and strong contenders and competitors, primarily because of its commitment to Shari’a authenticity of products and processes, social responsibility and commitment to promotion of Islamic banking and finance.

“Its product development and Shari’a structuring is one of the most innovative teams in the global Islamic financial services industry. Furthermore, with a number of socially-responsible programmes, Emirates Islamic is contributing to the vision of the rulers to make UAE as a Centre of Excellence for social welfare,” he added.

Emirates Islamic is a digital frontrunner among peers in the Islamic banking sector, with a long-term commitment to bringing banking innovation to UAE customers. Following on from being the first Islamic bank in the UAE to offer all three major wallets –Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay – Emirates Islamic became the first Islamic bank in the world to introduce WhatsApp Banking for its customers. The bank also recently announced the launch of Cashbacksouk.ae, an online shopping portal exclusively for Emirates Islamic cardholders allowing them to earn up to 25% cashback across more than 1,500 local and international brands.

The Global Islamic Finance Awards (GIFA) recognise governments, institutions and individuals who have exhibited outstanding achievements in their respective fields, contributing to the sustainability of Islamic banking and finance as a viable system within the global international financial architecture. Founded in 2011 by Edbiz Corporation, GIFA celebrate the achievements of individuals, institutions and governments in promoting and advocating Islamic banking and finance, while advancing social responsibility initiatives.