DUBAI: Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, announced the further expansion of its customer service initiatives across the wider Gulf region by becoming the first UAE-based bank, and the only non-Saudi bank, to offer customers in the Kingdom electronic bill payment facilities, or Sadad, for government services. 

The payment facility, managed by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA), is an extension of Emirates NBD’s services for its customers in Saudi Arabia, and offers them the convenience of making direct payments for a host of services, such as utility bills and now, government services. 

The provision of Sadad utility bill payment facility is mandatory for all banks operating in the Kingdom. However, the inclusion of government services has only been adopted by the major ones. 

Now, Emirates NBD KSA customers are also able to take advantage of the system, which facilitates payment for services such as Saudi passport fees, company or family visa fees and civil registration fees for births, deaths, marriages and divorce. The facility also covers driving license fees, motor vehicle fees and traffic fines. 

“Emirates NBD is pleased to be able to offer its customers both home and abroad the best in new and innovative products and services,” said Saif Al Mansoori, Deputy Head -Group Marketing, Emirates NBD. 

“With the introduction of this service, all our Personal, Corporate and Priority Banking customers in Saudi Arabia can now save even more time by streamlining their payments through one convenient channel,” he added. “The new facility is the latest addition to our wide range of banking services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and is part of our award-winning international banking brand.” 

“Today’s announcement underscores the comprehensive nature of our service offering in Saudi Arabia, which is an important market for our corporate, retail and Islamic banking brand,” said Mohammed Al Hegelan, Country Manager - KSA, Emirates NBD.