Ahmed Ateeq Al Dhaheri will lead ADIB’s UAE network of over 70 branches
Brings 20 years of experience with ADIB under Retail Banking
Key role in developing framework for branch optimization and digitization
Abu Dhabi, May 5, 2021: Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), a leading Islamic financial institution, announced that Ahmed Ateeq Al Dhaheri is promoted to be the Head of Branches – UAE.
With 20 years of experience, the veteran UAE national was selected for the newly created role after a highly competitive process. He will be entrusted with managing over 70 branches across all seven Emirates and report directly to Samih Awadhalla, Distribution Head Retail – UAE.
Al Dhaheri will be tasked with developing a framework to help ADIB manage its cost optimization program, lead the digital transformation of the branch network, and further enhance the banking experience customers can expect when visiting an ADIB branch.
In his previous role as Al Ain area manager under Retail Banking – Branches Network, he oversaw a significant expansion in customers as well as a 54% growth of assets under management and 128% growth in liabilities portfolio while ensuring controls and costs were well managed. He was also engaged in different transformational projects within the broader Retail Banking division.
Samih Awadhalla, Distribution Head Retail - UAE at ADIB, said: “During his 20-year tenure, Ahmed (Ateeq Al Dhaheri) has demonstrated outstanding ability and commitment. He has exceptional knowledge of the retail banking landscape in the UAE and a practical understanding of ADIB’s strategy to digitize its branch network. His deep customer relationships, valuable local insight and well-rounded banking experience mean that he is perfectly suited for this newly created role.”
Last month, ADIB launched its new Analytics Center of Excellence (ACE), a fully integrated, real-time data analysis and visualisation center. ACE will enable ADIB to drive greater efficiencies, optimise performance and respond to complex market dynamics. The January 2021 report published by ACE reveals new digital data that highlights the uptake in digital banking by ADIB’s clients. 52% of ADIB’s new account openings took place through digital channels, 5x the annual growth rate; 78% of ADIB customers are digitally active while other online activities that has seen significant pick-up include money transfers, KYC checks, customer profile updates and new finance sales. And since the start of the year, ADIB has introduced a digital booking service enabling customers to schedule their branch visits ahead of time through the online banking platform and mobile app.
ADIB is committed to leading the way in digital transformation efforts to drive further value and ACE is a core part of the journey, especially as it serves to aggregate real-time information across all business units and uses smart analytical models, AI and big data to generate operational insights and recommendations. ADIB will continue to advance projects for the next phase of its digital journey, including expanding its solution and products and rolling out new capabilities on its app.
In February 2021, ADIB became the first Islamic bank globally to receive the Gold LEED (ID+C) V4 certification from the US Green Building Council for the opening of its first ‘green’ branch in Dalman Mall following a significant redesign following a new sustainable layout.