Travel & Places Travel Knowledge

National Bank of Dubai - Money Makers

Summary

The National Bank of Dubai is the largest bank in the Middle East. Its head quarters are in an iconic building by the Dubai creek, whose design was inspired by the dhow. The 125 meter building is the tallest in Deira and was among the first such buildings to be constructed in the city.

Content

The National Bank of Dubai or NBD as it is commonly known, is the largest bank in the Middle East. It was formed in October 2007 with the amalgamation of UAE's second and fourth largest banks creating a bank with the largest asset base in the region. Currently the bank has operations everywhere in the UAE with 141 branches, in Saudi Arabia, the UK and Jersey and has offices in India, Iran and Singapore and provides commercial banking products and services. The bank is made up of several core companies and a slew of subsidiary and associate companies. It is recognized as an outstanding private bank in the UAE.
The Head Quarters of the National Bank of Dubai in Deira is one of the Dubai Creek's most recognisable buildings. At 125 meters and 47 floors above ground it is Deira's tallest building. Designed by Carlos Ott and completed in 1998 it houses office space, banking facilities and underground parking for staff. The unique building serves as an iconic symbol for the financial district of the city state. The architect is said to have been inspired by the sails of a dhow, the traditional sailing vessels of the region. The bronze / gold glass curtain wall representing the sail appears to billow in the breeze between two granite faced towers on either side housing the elevators representing the masts. The main banking hall below in glazed green glass is said to represent the water of the gulf. The building is seen at its best at sunset when the changing colours are reflected on its curtain wall and takes on a surreal aspect particularly viewed from a boat on the creek. It is said to be one of the most photographed buildings in the city and is one of the buildings that set off the trend in the construction of super tall buildings in the city. An interesting fact about the building is that about 6 kg of gold went into getting the colour of the glass curtain wall right. Although many more striking and taller buildings have been constructed in the city the NBD head quarters remains one of the most striking and much viewed buildings in Dubai.
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