Bindawood Supermarket implemented the QVS software mPOS solution. Chosen based on light software for IBM POS, speed of execution and references from other parts of world, QVS software runs IBM POS on wifi Motorola handheld device, giving cashier full POS functions on mobile device. Receipts for customers come from wifi portable Zebra printer.
AutoSoft Dynamics bank automation IT solutions signed an agreement with Sindh Bank to provide its “AutoBANKER” software to automate their core banking operations in over 150 branches. The “AutoBANKER” modular architecture and real-time online processing functionalities have allowed banks and other institutions to streamline their core banking services as well as automate more complex banking operations.
UAE Exchange launched its 2011 version of “Onasowbhagyam” for Keralite customers in the UAE. The 10-day promotion allows customers sending money to Kerala to do so in a specific time period during the day through any UAE Exchange branch in the UAE. They need to then send their transaction number through SMS to 4642, to qualify for the corresponding daily draw and win prizes including INR 25,000 and a Gold Coin daily. The special timing called ‘Onasowbhagyam timing at UAE Exchange’ will be conveyed to the customers daily through Radio Asia or NTV. The “Onasowbhagyam” also has a strong global network with over 530 direct offices in 24 countries, along with correspondent relationships with over 150 global banks.
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) Islamic financial services has appointed UAE Exchange global remittance and foreign exchange brand a collection agency for “Covered Card” payments by the bank’s customers. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) was established in 1997 as a Public Joint Stock Company following the Emiri Decree No. 9 of 1997. UAE Exchange has a strong presence with more than 520 direct offices in 24 countries across five continents built over 30 years of committed customer service while its remittance operations contribute to 5.28% of the global remittance volume, has a 7000+ professional team representing over 40 nationalities striving to enhance customer experience, worldwide.
UAE Exchange global remittance and foreign exchange brand has been awarded the Superbrands status for the third consecutive time, considered to be a stamp of quality and innovation. It is awarded based on market dominance, longevity, customer loyalty and other related criteria. UAE Exchange was chosen as one of the most preferred and strongest brands in the UAE during 2009 and 2010 too and has more than 520 direct offices spanning over 24 countries across five continents. The strong correspondent banking relationship with over 150 global banks further adds to its strength to reach out to over 3.5 million customers with the best service.
RAK Airways has partnered with Al Fardan Exchange global remittance to offer a convenient option to pay for their airline tickets. RAK Airways passengers can pay for tickets booked through the airline’s call centre at any Al Fardan Exchange branch across the emirates. After making a booking through RAK Airways call centre, customers will receive a reservation number. Upon presentation of the reservation number at any Al Fardan Exchange branch, the customer will be able to pay for the ticket and confirm their booking. Customers can also book tickets online at www.rakairways.com; through sales offices in Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al-Quwain as well as Calicut, Jeddah, Dhaka, Chittagong and Cairo; and through appointed travel agents.
Vodafone Qatar has launched its new service Vodafone Money Transfer. This will allow customers in Qatar to instantly make international money remittances directly from their mobile phone. Approved to launch by Qatar Central Bank, this service is a milestone not only in mobile telecommunications, but also in improving accessibility of financial services to low-income groups. Vodafone Money Transfer is a way to send money to family overseas. The service will make it easier to send money overseas for the more than 1 million expatriates living in Qatar who send the bulk of their salary home to their family. The Vodafone Money Transfer users in Qatar will be able to send funds directly from their mobile phones to any GCash enabled mobile in the Philippines, or send money to a bank account or for collection at a GCash Remit outlet. All Vodafone and GCASH transactions are secured with a PIN to ensure security of the fund transfer. In addition, both the sender and recipient are notified of the transaction via SMS.
Standard Chartered Bank has introduced its Shariah compliant “Saadiq
VISA Gold Credit Card”, designed with Islamic financial expertise, to
ensure that the guidelines meet Ujrah requirements. The Ujrah concept
ensures that customers pay card fees only at a fixed rate, rather than
a rate that is reflective of the customer’s card balance, on a monthly
basis. This fixed rate allows customers to choose to pay 5% or AED 100
of the outstanding balance monthly. The remaining balance is then
transferred to a non-interest bearing / non-profit bearing Service Account.
In addition to the “Saadiq VISA” Shariah compliance, card members are
also afforded free comprehensive travel coverage, 5% discounts on travel
with MMI Travel LLC and ‘Saadiq Rewards’ on everyday-purchases for
redemption against transactions or for select charities.
Standard Chartered has introduced its first global
Islamic credit card. The “Saadiq VISA Gold Credit Card” will initially
be available only for the Bank’s UAE customers, but will be rolled-out
across the Middle East in coming months. The new card is part of the
new “Saadiq” global Islamic Banking business brand first introduced in
Malaysia. “Saadiq” means “truthful” in Arabic. The StanChart “Saadiq
Gold Credit Card” is comprised of a card and service account, and operates
on a fixed-fee structure based on the “Ujrah” concept. This unique
feature provides customers with the flexibility of paying a fixed
monthly maintenance fee and does not depend on the outstanding balance
or duration of the balance in the service account.
First Gulf Bank has unveiled the Mid-East’s first stand-alone,
unsecured Islamic credit card. The new “Makkah VISA” offers cardholders the ability to earn “Steps” to travel to the Holy City of Makkah. For every AED 1 spent on the card, users earn one “Step.” “Bonus Steps” are also accrued by those paying their monthly administration charges on time. First Gulf says the new card will shortly be followed by a number of other Sharia-compliant products and services. FGB-IBD’s Sharia Supervisory Board consists of prominent Islamic scholars with a strong background in law and economics. All FGB-IBD’s products and transactions are carried out in full compliance with Sharia Supervisory Board’s pronouncements. First Gulf Bank is one of the largest equity based banks in the UAE with shareholders equity at AED 9 billion at end 2006.
Gulf Bank and American Express have introduced a co-branded card. The
agreement enables Gulf Bank to market and distribute American Express
Cards through the Bank’s 37-branches across Kuwait. As part of the agreement, American Express will issue US dollar denominated cards from Bahrain and manage credit operations and customer service. Operating in 18 markets in the Middle East and North Africa, American Express Middle East issues dollar currency Credit and Charge Cards. Gulf Bank is Kuwait’s second largest and fastest growing commercial bank.
National Bank of Dubai and Dnata, a large supplier of travel services in the Middle East, have teamed to launch a MasterCard credit card with rewards. The new card enables cardholders to earn reward points for each purchase with a maximum reward of 10% on the amount spent. Points can then be redeemed at selected Dnata outlets for any of their products or services, including tickets at more than 130 airlines, exotic holiday packages and various other services. The new “Dnata MasterCard” is available in gold and silver variants to all residents of the UAE. NBD is one of the leading providers of POS terminals to over 2500 merchants in UAE.