Emirates Islamic Bank has consistently demonstrated innovation and leadership, particularly in the Islamic digital banking domain.
The first Islamic bank in the UAE to introduce Shariah-compliant digital wealth and equity trading, Emirates Islamic has quickly catered to a niche but essential market. In just a year, around 15,000 customers have actively engaged with its platform, with plans already in motion to further expand its features.
Furthering its commitment to innovation and customer convenience, the bank has revolutionised the handling of personal finance asset types through its adoption of digital sourcing. The transition to tablet banking has ensured that 90% of total sourcing is processed digitally, enhancing operational efficiency and significantly aligning with its ESG goals.
The EI+ app is a flagship initiative that stands testament to Emirates Islamic’s digital-first approach, engaging over 90% of its eligible customers via online and mobile platforms. This app has not only facilitated a substantial growth in customer interaction, evidenced by a doubling of transactions to 18 million, but also supports a rapidly growing customer base which expanded by an impressive 100,000 users in a single year.
Emirates Islamic was the first Islamic bank worldwide to launch WhatsApp banking, handling over 430,000 interactions in 2024
The app’s quality has significantly improved, with its rating rising from 3.8 in 2023 to 4.7 across Apple and Google Play stores. User engagement is remarkable, with over 4 million logins per month and a 30% increase in financial transactions.
Moreover, Emirates Islamic has enriched the EI+ app with over 160 services, innovating beyond its initial 50 offerings. This expansion includes exclusive features like Shariah investment options and quick remittance to five countries.
Emirates Islamic was also the first Islamic bank worldwide to launch WhatsApp banking, handling over 430,000 interactions in 2024, with their advanced chatbot resolving two-thirds of customer queries and connecting at least 10,000 customers monthly with live chat agents.
The bank has achieved significant operational efficiencies, with over 100 banking journeys now operating through straight-through processing. Its network of interactive and automated teller machines has been upgraded to over 200 units with more than 20 new services added. Its dynamic currency conversion service has seen revenue increase by a third, driven by strategic location-based initiatives.
Looking forward, Emirates Islamic is implementing generative AI to further streamline operations and improve customer service, while actively participating in key industry events such as fintech awards to stay ahead of market trends.
Through these strategic developments and digital enhancements, Emirates Islamic has established a robust foundation for digital banking tailored to the needs of modern consumers, particularly those observing Shariah principles.
