The number of bank branches, according to the figures released by the Central Bank, rose 11 per cent in the UAE indicating rise in commercial activities in the country. The banks also tried their best to serve people with electronic banking facilities as number of ATMs rose 48 per cent to stand at 3,599 by the end of last year as compared to 2,420 in 2008.

Banks in UAE, despite making additional provisions for covering loan losses, did not hesitate to spend extra on their branch expansion. Tirad Mahmoud, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) said that bank would continue to expand its geographical presence in future as well for catering the needs of business community and general consumers.

Tirad Mahmoud added, "In 2009, we grew our branch network to 52 from 44 while our ATM network expanded to 204 from 116. In 2010, we have a clear target of 70 branches in all emirates of the UAE."

Graham Honeybill, General Manager of the RAK Bank also said that it would continue to serve people within the UAE through new branches and off-site ATMs. UAE's total bank's assets stand at Dh1.51 trillion at the end of January 2010 reporting a year-on-year increase of 4.65 per cent.