The Sanad branch inauguration ceremony was held under the patronage of Central Bank of Bahrain Executive Director Banking Supervision, Khalid Hamad Abdul-Rahman Hamad, and brings the total number of full-service branches in Ithmaar’s fast growing retail banking network to 13 and the number of Automated Teller Machines to 31.
Present at the Ceremony were Ithmaar Chief Executive and Member of the Board, Mohammed Bucheerei, Executive General Manager Juma Abull, General Manager Retail Banking Ahmed Abdul Rahim, Assistant General Manager Retail Banking Mohammed Janahi and other members of the Bank’s management team.
Bucheerei thanked Hamad for patronising the inauguration and said it was a reflection of the CBB’s unwavering support for Bahrain’s banking and finance sector and further testimony to its close working relationship with banks in the Kingdom.
“Ithmaar’s growing success as an Islamic retail-focused bank is made possible, to a large degree, by the guidance and support of the CBB,” said Bucheerei. “This, in turn, sets the stage for the Bank’s continued expansion and, subsequently, its growing contribution to Bahrain’s continuous development,” he said.
“Ithmaar Bank, which played a pioneering role in the establishment and subsequent development of Islamic banking in the region, remains as committed as ever to contributing to the continuous development of Bahrain’s banking and finance industry,” said Bucheerei. “It is a commitment we take very seriously, as demonstrated by the far-reaching expansion plans we announced earlier this year,” he said.
Ithmaar Bank had earlier announced its determination to push ahead, with full force, towards the implementation of retail expansion programme that has already seen the Bank expanding its network, improving its delivery channels and introducing new, customer-focused products and services. In fact, Ithmaar has this year already commissioned two new ATMs at offsite locations across Bahrain, and is set to formally commission four more. Another three new full-service branches are also scheduled to open in Budaiya Road, Hamala and Busaiteen this year to bring the total number of branches and ATMs to 16 and 32 respectively.
“The Ithmaar branch network already includes a full-service branch in the nearby East Riffa area, but we felt a presence in the Sanad area would allow easier access both for residence in the area and employees of Bahrain’s largest industries,” said Bucheerei. “This is part of our ongoing efforts to get closer to our customers while continuously improving our products and services,” he said.
“In doing so, we are contributing to Bahrain’s growth, under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and in-line with the Economic Vision 2030,” said Bucheerei. “We are privileged to be able to contribute towards the realisation of His Majesty’s vision,” he said.