Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) will install voice-activation technology on its ATMs to enable visually impaired customers to use their voice to easily and securely conduct their transactions.
The move, which is a part of the bank’s digital innovation strategy, makes ADIB the first UAE bank to use this technology. The new voice-activated ATMs wil begin to roll out in phases commencing with 20 ATMs in December.
ADIB, which has the largest ATM network in the UAE with more than 770 ATMs, has partnered with NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR), a global leader in omni-channel solutions, on this initiative.
“NCR ATMs are designed as per Access for All (AFA) standards and comprise accessible key pads, voice-guidance technology, Braille stickers and multi-lingual capability that allows visually challenged customers to securely execute standard ATM transactions such as withdrawals, deposits and payments without any help,” said Wael Al Aawar, managing director for NCR in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.
Approximately 98 per cent of all ADIB’s cash transactions are conducted though ADIB’s ATMs, which also offer other services, including utility bill payments, money transfers and charity donations.
ADIB was also the first to introduce the region’s first biometric ATM readers in cooperation with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
“We are pleased to be partnering with NCR in our efforts to better meet the needs of visually impaired customers, and to empower them to take control of their transactions and have secure access to our ATM services,” said Philip King, ADIB’s Head of Retail Banking.
