First Gulf Bank (FGB), the leading financial partner of choice in the UAE, received the “Best Creativity Award” for its website by the Banking Web Awards Committee. The bank’s online portal was awarded for the “Commercial & Corporate Banks” category during the 3rd Banking Web Awards Grand Finale Ceremony which took place on February 18, 2012 at the Phoenicia Intercontinental Beirut, Lebanon. The prestigious award was presented to FGB following the recent renovation of its website in terms of updating its look and feel, reiterating the important role played by FGB in driving innovation in the banking and financial sector in the region. Held by the Pan Arab Web Awards Academy in partnership with Microsoft and the Business Software Alliance (BSA), the Banking Web Awards aims to recognize outstanding e-services and websites by banks in the Arab region. It also works on encouraging innovation among the banking community with regards to facilitating and expanding banking services through new mediums. Commenting on the award, Abdulwahed Juma, Head of Corporate Affairs at FGB said: “We are pleased to have been awarded the ‘Best Creativity Award’, which reflects the recognition and praise that the website has received among experts in the region. Our recently renovated web portal provides a range of services to ensure interactivity and provide comprehensive information in a user-friendly format. FGB is committed to providing high-quality services to our customers and clients, and we are continuously searching for methods to enhance our offerings.” “Our renewed web portal allows our customers to learn about all the services offered by our bank and provides an interactive portal where we can communicate with our clients and receive their various suggestions and feedback,” Juma added. FGB’s website had recently undergone a complete renewal, where a range of services were added to the bank’s online portal. The bank’s website has received a new layout, look and feel to enhance the experience of its visitors. Providing simple navigation and access to information, the new layout falls in line with FGB’s strategy to better meet the needs of its clients. FGB also recently launched its new multi-faceted mobile banking service which aims to provide tailored services to each customer. Some of its features include:  allowing users to view accounts, credit card balances, obtain the last 10 transaction details, transfer funds to predefined beneficiaries within or outside the UAE. It also allows customers to make FGB credit card payments and to register for email statements.