Manama, Bahrain – 04 /May/ 2025:

Ahli United Bank B.S.C. (c) (“AUB”) in preparation for the global transition to the SWIFT ISO 20022 messaging standards, has successfully completed an extensive internal training programme for its Group Operations and Technology experts. This initiative underscores AUB’s commitment to operational excellence and readiness for the November 2025 industry-wide adoption target date.

The training programme delivered in collaboration with DIXIO, an official SWIFT partner, conducted in two phases focused on understanding the new standards, their implementation, and their operational impact on cross-border payment processes.

As the financial services industry undergoes this critical shift, AUB’s proactive measures ensure seamless transition and enhanced service delivery for its customers. The SWIFT ISO 20022 standard introduces a unified messaging framework that facilitates faster processing, greater data accuracy, and improved compliance across global payment systems.

“The successful completion of the SWIFT ISO 20022 training, , reflects our commitment to staying ahead in the evolving financial landscape. This initiative ensures our teams are fully equipped to handle the complexities of cross-border payments at the backend with enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. This ultimately strengthens the seamless banking experience we deliver to our customers,” commented Samih Abutaleb, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer – Technology & Operations at AUB.

The transition to SWIFT ISO 20022 represents a significant advancement in the global banking standards. By adopting this framework ahead of its mandatory implementation date and upskilling employee competencies, AUB reinforces its position as a leader in innovation and customer-centricity within the financial sector. This achievement highlights AUB’s dedication to maintaining uninterrupted payment processing while ensuring compliance with international standards.

A delegation of Shari’a supervisory representatives from Ahli United Bank Group recently concluded its participation in the AAOIFI 23 rd Annual Shari’a Boards Conference, organized by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) in cooperation with the Central Bank of Bahrain and held in Bahrain.

AUB’s participation stems from its keenness to develop the Islamic banking industry and continue supporting the advancement of financial products and services in compliance with Shari’a rules and principles, as the conference is one of the most prominent gatherings of Shari’a scholars and decision-makers to discuss various topics and developments in the Islamic financial industry worldwide.

The conference convened Shari’a scholars, leaders, and experts in the Islamic finance industry, alongside senior officials from central banks and supervisory authorities. Across five panel discussions held over two days, the conference explored the Shari’a aspects pertinent to the Islamic finance industry, focusing on Shari’a governance frameworks for its institutions. The event also featured several live and virtual dialogue sessions where prominent figures in Islamic finance presented their visions for the industry’s development, addressing challenges in upholding Shari’a principles in transactions and tackling current issues. Following this, four workshops were conducted, focusing on the governance and financial accounting standards issued by AAOIFI.

AUB Group’s participation in the conference represented an opportunity to exchange ideas, visions, and concepts with leading specialists in the Islamic banking industry, and to review the most important issues and topics in Islamic banking that require practical solutions and applications, especially that the Islamic banking sector needs continuous research and development efforts to address various issues facing its development.

AAOIFI, established in 1991 and based in Bahrain, is the leading international not-for-profit organization primarily responsible for development and issuance of standards for the global Islamic finance industry. It has issued a total of 100 standards in the areas of Shari’a, accounting, auditing, ethics, and governance for international Islamic finance. It is supported by a number of institutional members, including central banks and regulatory authorities, financial institutions, accounting and auditing firms, and legal firms from over 45 countries. Its standards are currently followed by leading Islamic financial institutions across the world and have introduced a progressive degree of harmonization to International Islamic finance practices.

Ahli United Bank B.S.C (c) (AUB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Shadi Zahran as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 13 April 2025.

Dr. Zahran brings a wealth of experience in the banking and financial services industry, having held key leadership roles across the region. Prior to joining AUB, he served as Senior Deputy Group CEO for Finance at Kuwait Finance House (KFH), where he played a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives and enhancing financial performance. His extensive experience also includes serving as Group CFO at KFH and holding senior positions at Ahli United Bank in Bahrain and Kuwait earlier in his career.

With over two decades of expertise spanning Islamic banking, financial management, and corporate strategy, Dr. Zahran is well-equipped to lead AUB into its next phase of growth and innovation. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Hult international business school, an MBA from the University of Manchester, a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Jordan, and several professional certifications, including CPA and CIPA.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr. Zahran said: “I am honoured to return to Ahli United Bank and take on this leadership role at such a transformative time for the organization. I look forward to working with the talented team at AUB to build on its strong foundations and deliver sustainable value for all stakeholders.”

The Board of Directors expressed their confidence in Dr. Zahran’s ability to steer the bank toward continued success, citing his proven track record of leadership and deep understanding of regional markets.

Ahli United Bank remains committed to delivering exceptional banking services while driving innovation and growth across its operations in the region and beyond.

Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain: Ahli United Bank (AUB), a leading Islamic bank in the Kingdom of Bahrain, held a special ceremony at its Adliya branch to celebrate the winners of the March 2025 MyHassad draws. The event featured the delivery of the grand prize and monthly prizes in the presence of bank officials and the families of the winners.The March 2025 draws included Mr. Mohammed Al Khunaizi the winner of the special monthly grand prize of BD 100,000. Additionally, three customers received monthly prizes of BD 10,000 each, while ten other customers won the prizes of BD 1,000 each.

Mr. Mohamed Zakout, Deputy Group CEO – Retail Banking at AUB, stated, “We are proud to offer the MyHassad program, which underscores our commitment to fostering a culture of savings among our customers. The substantial prizes we offer not only incentivise saving but also reflect our vision of supporting the Bahraini community and providing valuable financial opportunities. We look forward to the next April draw, where the grand prize will be half a million dinars, enhancing our customers’ chances of realising their dreams.”

Mr. Mohammed Al Khunaizi who’s been a customer with the bank for the last two and half years expressed his overall satisfaction with the different products offered by AUB and he also expressed his excitement, by saying: “This win marks a significant moment in my life. I am grateful to AUB and the MyHassad program for this incredible opportunity, and I am excited to invest this prize in a way that brings my family and me more comfort and stability.”

Customers can open a MyHassad account through digital channels, such as the AUB app, or by visiting one of the bank’s branches. Additionally, to make further deposits, customers can do so via the AUB app, online banking services, or through the BenfitPay App.

Ahli United Bank B.S.C (c) (“AUB”) successfully participated in Earth Hour 2025, a global environmental initiative, on Saturday, 22 March 2025. The bank switched off non-essential lights and electrical equipment across its Bahrain branches and offices from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

This action demonstrated AUB’s commitment to sustainability and its support for Bahrain’s environmental goals. By joining this global movement, AUB contributed to raising awareness about climate change and conservation.

“Ahli United Bank was pleased to once again support Earth Hour in Bahrain, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to a sustainable future,” said [Mohammed Abusaqer, Head of Corporate Communications]. “We believe that collective action, even in small ways, can contribute to significant positive change for our planet.”

Earth Hour is one of the largest global environmental initiatives, with hundreds of cities worldwide participating to highlight the importance of sustainable actions. AUB’s involvement reflects its ongoing dedication to environmental responsibility and sustainability.

With Prizes Worth BD 100,000, BD 10,000, and BD 1,000

Ahli United Bank (“AUB”) held a special ceremony at its Adliya Branch to honour the winners of the MyHassad February 2025 draws. The event marked the handover of the monthly prizes and first special grand monthly prize of the new MyHassad 2025 scheme.

The February 2025 MyHassad draws saw one lucky winner, Naveed Salim, claim the monthly grand prize of BD 100,000. Additionally, three fortunate customers each received monthly prizes of BD 10,000, while ten others were awarded BD 1,000 each.

Naveed Salim, the recipient of the BD 100,000 monthly grand prize, expressed his excitement, saying: “I’m overwhelmed with joy at winning this life-changing amount. MyHassad has truly made my dreams a reality, and I’m grateful to AUB for this incredible opportunity.”

Mohamed Zakout, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer – Retail Banking at AUB, commented on the occasion: “At AUB, we take great pride in rewarding our customers’ saving efforts through MyHassad, especially during the blessed Ramadan-Eid season. These prizes reflect our unwavering commitment to our customers and our desire to contribute to achieving their dreams, from the smallest wishes to the most significant life-changing aspirations.”

AUB encourages both existing and prospective customers to participate in the upcoming MyHassad draws. The coming draw is scheduled for the end of March, and customers are urged to open a MyHassad account or boost their existing account balances before the 24 th of March 2025 for a chance to win up to BD 100,000.

AUB offers MyHassad account opening, a Shari’a-compliant savings account, conveniently through its digital channels, and branches. For those looking to increase their current deposits, AUB provides multiple options such as the AUB Mobile Application, Internet Banking Services, and BenefitPay App.

Since its inception, MyHassad has awarded many prizes to over 19,000 winners, reaffirming AUB’s goal of delivering exceptional offerings and helping make dreams come true.

Ahli United Bank (“AUB”) has been named the Best Islamic Bank in Bahrain 2024 by EMEA Finance in its prestigious 17th annual Middle East Banking Awards. This recognition comes as a testament to AUB’s successful transition to Islamic banking and its commitment to providing exceptional Shariah-compliant financial services.

The award acknowledges AUB’s outstanding performance, innovative product offerings, and dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its customers in the Islamic banking sector. This accolade follows AUB’s successful conversion from conventional to Islamic banking in 2023.

Ahmed AlKharji, Group CEO of Ahli United Bank, expressed his delight at receiving this prestigious award: “We are honoured to be recognised as the Best Islamic Bank in Bahrain by EMEA Finance. This award is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication in successfully converting to Islamic Bank and delivering exceptional Shariah-compliant products and services to our valued customers. It reinforces our position as a leading financial institution in the region and our commitment to Islamic finance principles.”

The EMEA Finance Middle East Banking Awards highlight the best commercial, investment, and Islamic banks across the Middle East region. They recognise institutions that have demonstrated consistent and sustainable growth, digital acumen, and a willingness to expand and innovate. AUB’s win in the Islamic banking category underscores its rapid progress and success in this sector.

As part of its Islamic banking transformation, AUB now offers a comprehensive range of Shariah- compliant products and services, including retail and corporate banking, savings and investment products, trade finance, and wealth management solutions. This transition aligns with the Bank’s strategy to cater to the growing demand for Islamic financial services in Bahrain and the wider region.

As AUB continues to strengthen its position in the Islamic banking sector, this award serves as motivation to further enhance its offerings and maintain its status as a trusted financial partner for individuals and businesses seeking Shariah-compliant banking solutions

Ahli United Bank has announced the MyHassad savings scheme for the first six months of 2025. Designed to reward customers and to make their financial dreams come true, MyHassad offers a unique opportunity for savers to transform their financial aspirations into tangible success.

The Shari’a-compliant MyHassad scheme features two grand prizes of BD 500,000 each, scheduled for April and July 2025. Apart from these rewards, the scheme includes ten monthly prizes of BD 1,000 to each winner, as well as three monthly grand prizes of BD 10,000 each.

MyHassad scheme includes an exclusive prize for high depositors maintaining a minimum of BD 30,000 in their accounts. These customers will have the opportunity to compete for the special monthly prizes of BD 100,000.

The MyHassad account offers remarkable versatility, serving simultaneously and a practical salary account that comes with a debit card. This functionality ensures that customers can manage their daily expenses with ease while participating in exciting prize draws.

Mohamed Zakout, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer – Retail Banking, commented: “We are thrilled to introduce the enhanced MyHassad savings scheme for 2025, which reflects our commitment to rewarding our loyal customers and encouraging a culture of saving. With grand prizes of BD 500,000 and a range of monthly rewards, we’re not just offering financial incentives – we’re providing our customers with the opportunity to turn their dreams into reality. The MyHassad account’s versatility as both a savings and salary account, coupled with our user- friendly mobile application, demonstrates our dedication to innovative, customer-centric banking solutions. We invite everyone to join the MyHassad family and take the first step towards a more prosperous future.”

Embracing digital innovation, AUB has streamlined the account management process through its mobile application. Customers can now effortlessly open or top up their MyHassad accounts in just a few intuitive steps, reflecting the Bank’s commitment to providing a seamless and user- friendly banking experience.

Ahli United Bank continues to position itself at the forefront of innovative financial solutions, with the MyHassad scheme representing a testament to its vision of empowering customers and transforming savings into opportunities.

Every BD 50 saved earns account holders an additional chance in the monthly draw of BD 1,000 for ten winners, grand monthly worth BD 10,000 for three winners and grand prize draw worth BD 500,000, promoting regular saving habits. (the monthly, grand monthly and special draws happen on a monthly basis expect for the months where the grand prizes take place) Prospective participants are encouraged to download the AUB Mobile Application or visit their nearest AUB branch to embark on their MyHassad savings journey.

Ahli United Bank (AUB) has celebrated the winner of the largest-ever MyHassad prize—a life- changing BD 1 million. Sadaf Mohamed, a paediatrician in one of the government hospitals and her mother, Khorsheed Mohamed, jointly invested in the winning MyHassad account, making the win a significant event for their family.

The MyHassad handover ceremony took place at AUB’s headquarters located in Seef Headquarters and was attended by senior executives of the Bank alongside the winners. This grand event reflected AUB’s dedication to rewarding its customers and recognizing their trust. The winner, who had never won a prize with any bank before in her life, expressed her heartfelt gratitude, saying: “This is truly a dream come true for my family and me. I am deeply thankful to Allah for blessing us with this reward through the account I opened with my mother. MyHassad has not only helped us save together, but also rewarded us in ways we never imagined.”

The winning account was the first one she had ever opened with any bank. She shared that this victory validated her decision of choosing AUB as her primary banking partner, and encouraged her to further grow her relationship with the Bank. The joint account underscores MyHassad’s unique flexibility, enabling families to pool their resources into joint accounts, save collectively, and maximise their chances of winning life-changing prizes.

Mohamed Zakout, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer – Retail Banking, commented: “We are thrilled to witness this historic moment for MyHassad and AUB. This BD 1 million prize, our largest ever, exemplifies our commitment to rewarding our loyal customers and transforming lives. The story of Sadaf and her mother is a testament to the power of family savings and the life-changing potential of MyHassad. We are proud to offer a savings solution that not only encourages financial prudence but also brings joy and prosperity to our customers. This win marks a new chapter for MyHassad, and we look forward to creating many more millionaires in the future.”

MyHassad is more than just a savings account—it also functions as a salary account, offering unparalleled convenience and benefits. Customers can easily open a MyHassad account digitally through the AUB mobile application or by visiting their nearest branch, Internet Banking, or Self-Service Kiosks. Every BD 50 deposited increases the chances of winning, making MyHassad an ideal choice for diligent savers.

Since its inception, MyHassad has awarded many prizes to over 19,000 winners, reaffirming AUB’s position as a customer-centric institution committed to making dreams come true. As the Bank celebrates this milestone event, it is excited to announce the first draw under the new scheme is set to take place at the end of February 2025—offering customers even more opportunities to win big.

And is preparing for its grand draw of 1 Million Bahraini Dinars this January

Ahli United Bank (c) recently celebrated the winners of the MyHassad monthly draws for December 2024 at a special event held at the Adliya Branch. The celebration recognized customers’ continued loyalty and participation in MyHassad, one of Bahrain’s most rewarding savings programs, which empowers customers to save while enjoying unparalleled benefits and life-changing prizes.

December draw included the special prize of BD 100,000 that went to Mr. Sameer Engineer, three Grand Monthly Prize winners of BD 10,000 represented in Mr. Mohamed Faridoon and Ahmed Mohamed (joint account) Ms. Fakhruddin Qader Ali and Mr Hasanin Ali Mohamed along with ten other loyal customers receiving BD 1,000 each, which highlights Ahli United Bank’s ongoing commitment to rewarding its loyal customers.

MyHassad is designed for customers and based on their preferences, continuously offering its participants meaningful rewards. It all leads up to the grand prize draw worth BD 1,000,000 at the end of this month, where one fortunate customer will see their saving journey culminate in a life-changing reward. Customers are encouraged to maintain their deposits in MyHassad to qualify for the draw.

Through MyHassad and its other initiatives, Ahli united Bank reaffirms its dedication to exceeding customer expectations, showing that every interaction is an opportunity to appreciate and reward its customers’ loyalty.

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