Mashreq Al-Islami, the Islamic banking division of Mashreq, received the Best Islamic Window award for the third time at the recent Banker Middle East Islamic Business & Finance Awards 2013 in Dubai. The recently held awards saw the attendance of various financial institutions, both local and regional. Mashreq Al-Islami previously won this award in 2010 and 2011.
The aim of the Islamic Business & Finance Awards, established in 2005, is to recognize the best performing institutions in a variety of regions where Islamic finance is either already developed or is rapidly expanding. The event is truly global and attracts nominations and submissions from the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe and Americas.
A panel of judges has nominated institutions across 40 categories based on their industry expertise. Winners were chosen based on the institutions' overall performance, innovations, improvements and growth over the last 12 months.
On behalf of Mashreq Al Islami, Tooran Asif, head of personal banking; Moinuddin Malim, CEO; Momim Hyat, manager Shariah governance and compliance; and Salman Ahmed, business manager-Islamic banking, attended the awards ceremony.
“We feel overwhelmed to win the Best Islamic Window award for 2013; this is the recognition of the significant leap we have taken in enhancing our Islamic banking proposition this year, which includes the launch of an Ujrah-based Islamic credit card, launch of gold (premium banking) and business banking propositions, takaful solutions via region’s provider and award-winning in-house Islamic wealth management solutions among many others. We have also launched an advanced online banking and mobile banking platform for our customers, which is unmatched among the competition. Islamic banking is an area of growth for us and we feel very much geared up and equipped to take this forward now,” said Tooran Asif, head of personal banking at Mashreq Al Islami, which continues to expand its Shariah-compliant product offerings.
Mashreq wins Best Islamic Window award
Mashreq wins Best Islamic Window award
LuLu Walkathon: 22,000 participants champion greener future
Alkhobar’s New Corniche transformed into a vibrant hub of energy and community spirit when more than 22,000 people gathered for the highly anticipated “LuLu Walkathon.” Organized by LuLu Saudi Hypermarket, the 3-km event was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Sport and Alkhobar municipality on Jan. 31. The walkathon successfully united the community under the themes of health and environmental sustainability.
The event was held with the cooperation of Meshaal Al-Harbi, head of Alkhobar municipality, and Tareq Al-Qahtani, director of the Ministry of Sport’s Eastern Province branch. The official flag-off was performed by Mohammed Haris, director of LuLu Hypermarket Saudi Arabia.
This year’s walkathon went beyond fitness, offering a rich tapestry of entertainment including soulful traditional Arabic music, a contemporary violin performance, and a playful “donuts dance,” which ensured a festive atmosphere for families of all ages.
A major highlight of the morning was the presence of Khadra. Khadra served as a living reminder of the Kingdom’s deep-rooted cultural artistry, posing for photos with the thousands of participants who lined the coast. To ensure every attendee felt the spirit of the celebration, participants were geared up with a premium merchandise kit containing custom-branded T-shirts and caps. Furthermore, every individual who successfully completed the 3-km route was rewarded with an exclusive LuLu goodie bag at the finish line to celebrate their achievement.
Sustainability remained a core pillar for the LuLu Walkathon this year, reflecting the brand’s long-term environmental vision. LuLu’s staff managed the route with a strict focus on environmental responsibility, while strategically placed refreshment stalls kept walkers hydrated without compromising the pristine condition of the corniche.
The massive success of the event was supported by key partners, including MasterCard as the commercial sponsor and Nada, which provided vital refreshments, alongside significant support from Radio Mirchi and Alyaum newspaper.
“The walkathon concluded not just as a race, but as a meaningful tribute to the Kingdom’s past and a definitive step toward a sustainable future,” a statement said. “By blending physical activity with cultural celebration and environmental stewardship, LuLu Hypermarket reaffirmed its commitment to the Saudi community, promoting an active, engaged, and responsible lifestyle for all residents.”
