Commercial Bank International, or CBI, will open five new branches in strategic locations around the UAE before the end of 2012. The branches are located in prime properties across the UAE, namely in Julphar Tower in Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai Mall, Emaar Boulevard, Dubai Festival City and Muroor Street in Abu Dhabi. In order to support this growth and new strategy, CBI has appointed Marwa Ahmed Al Falasi as its new head of branches for retail banking. Marwa is a seasoned leader with a strong retail banking background, having held a number of senior positions in various local and international banks across the UAE and has been greatly successful in building teams. Each of the new branches includes state of the art features such as a learning library, an interactive self-service zone for quick transactions, enhanced digital merchandise, cash and payment service areas and a specialised relationship banking zone.   Kris Babicci, chief executive officer said “We are growing steadily across the UAE. Our new branches will offer an easier and more enjoyable banking experience. They are designed to deliver the best in banking for every customer”. “We currently have 17 branches and over 110 ATMs across the UAE. The new branches will be setting the tone for future expansion as we grow our retail base. One of our core initiatives is to create a great banking experience for all of our customers.” Babicci continued. The new Ras Al Khaimah branch will be located on the ground and the mezzanine level of the retail section in Julphar office tower which is a 45-storey office and residential project in Ras Al Khaimah. David Power, Head of Retail Banking Group in CBI, said: “The new Ras Al Khaimah branch, through its prime location, is a tailored design whose aim is to provide all our customers, be it retail, business or corporate, a one stop superior banking experience.” Power added: “Our strategy is to open a number of new branches in strategic locations across the UAE that are close to our customers by offering a best in class, convenient banking experience.” “Our retail franchise is also growing rapidly in Abu Dhabi and we have plans to offer a number of new branches in the future. We currently have three branches in the Capital; Abu Dhabi Corniche, Electra and Marina Mall and these will soon be supported with the addition of our new branch in Al Muroor Street.” Power concluded. From her side, Marwa Al Falasi, new Head of Branches, commented on her appointment: “CBI is one of the most established banks in the UAE with more than 21 years of experience and relationship building and so I am eager to begin my new role and responsibilities. The new network expansion will allow us to bring in more clients and better service our existing ones. Now CBI is growing and we are all growing with it”. From khaleejtimes