A monitoring by 'Emirates Today' showed that all banks operating in the country are providing all banking services as usual through branches, ATMs, and electronic platforms via smart applications and bank websites. Bank customer service center employees confirmed that branches are operating according to the announced Ramadan timings, including those in shopping malls and commercial centers, which are open until 11 PM. They clarified that customers can visit a bank branch or use the smart app to complete any transaction, with ATM services for withdrawal and deposit also available normally. Debit and credit cards are working instantly and without interruption. Bankers told 'Emirates Today' that core banking services through branches and ATMs are available throughout daily working hours. They confirmed that banks have spent very large amounts over the past 10 years on their technical infrastructure, but they have not abandoned their core system based on branches and employees; instead, they have developed it while maintaining a sufficient number of core staff. Banking expert Ahmed Youssef told 'Emirates Today': 'The UAE has a very advanced technical infrastructure, and the banking sector in particular is a pioneer in using electronic services.' He pointed out that core banking services are available daily, in addition to ATMs that perform a large number of services. Youssef added: 'Banks have all alternative channels to their electronic services, which work with high efficiency, as well as communication channels via phone and WhatsApp.' He continued: 'Customers are accustomed to a very high level of service, and banks are doing their utmost to maintain this, and even develop it periodically. Nevertheless, branches remain a fundamental pillar and a fixed asset for banks.' He added: 'Over the past years, the existence of two types of services—electronic and in-branch—has provided great flexibility in work according to circumstances, which we have seen applied with great smoothness since the Corona pandemic until now.' Banker Tamer Abou Bakr said: 'All banks are operating physically and normally through their branches.' He noted that banks clearly and transparently inform customers on their social media sites in case of any service disruptions. He added: 'Only services via the smart app might be affected, which is a technically possible occurrence in the banking sector, especially during periodic maintenance, or for updates or app upgrades.' In the same context, a banker who preferred not to be named said: 'Banks in the country have alternative plans in case of any malfunctions, meaning they can switch between more than one server as an immediate alternative if some services are affected or malfunction until the technical fault is repaired. This has made the banking sector in the country one of the best in the world.' He added: 'Banks have spent very large amounts over the past 10 years on their technical infrastructure, but they have not abandoned their core system based on branches and employees; instead, they have developed it while maintaining a sufficient and acceptable number of core staff. Therefore, the sector operates with high efficiency, and there is great reassurance because of that.'
