Girl power

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"The only different between Johara and our other branches is the fact they are run by women, for women. Customers can also make the use of relationship managers for financial advice, a service which is usually only for reserved for VIP customers" he continues. So far the response has been positive, Ameery claims, "We have had excellent results from our independent mystery shoppers and now plan to open another three branches."

Following DIB's successful female friendly launch, a number of similarly women specific products have been launched.

Al Reem is Emirates Islamic Bank's (EIB) own service for its female customers. Launched this year, the Al Reem bank account offers its account holders a number of complimentary services including breakdown cover, a points reward scheme, precious stone financing and a dedicated women only queuing system once inside any branch. Shamsa Lootah, manager, ladies branch, EIB, says that the account is "a tribute to women".

"In each of our branches we have a dedicated queue for women, however if more privacy is required we can arrange a separate room for our Al Reem customers," she continues.

As well as a breakdown recovery service, the bank can also arrange to pick up its customers cars up once a year and arrange payment for outstanding car fines before arranging the following year's insurance.

Other female friendly banking services available in the UAE include credit cards from ABM Ambro and First Gulf Bank. The Al Ameera credit card from ABM Amro was launched in 2003 and was the first female only credit card in the UAE.

Its incentives include a points rewards scheme which can be redeemed in stores such as IKEA and Mark & Spencer. "The Al Ameera card is an exclusively women's only card - a product that men simply can't have," says Beg of ABN Amro, describing the card.

"The benefits of the Al Ameera credit card range from fashion, beauty, spas, health and fitness to jewellery and accessories.

"Along with these benefits the card also gives an independent spending limit to the customer, rather than the limit being a portion of the husband's credit card limit which is the case for supplementary cards" he says.

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READERS' COMMENTS

Girl Power
Posted by Riana Auret-DuBois, Dubai, UAE on Wednesday 2 July 2008 at 20:12 UAE time

This is all good and well, but the real issue is that banks promise and do not deliver - it took me almost 6 months - SIX MONTHS - to get my internet banking with Mashreq operational.
I wish I counted the hours on the phone and the number of promises from the helpline that "someone will get back to me in 3 to 5 business days", only for me to have to call back and try again after 2 weeks of no response. Getting that right, THAT is service that means something. I say banks should stop wasting their time on fuzzy side issues and address the real issues. Like delivering what they have promised their customers in the first place.

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