"There are a very large number of Indian expatriates living in the UAE and we have our bank branch in India, the plan can work favourably, there is good potential and we are hopeful of an ealry action," said Knox who has recently taken over as CEO of the bank.

He was speaking to Khaleej Times on the side lines of the launch of " Expatriate Consumer Loan." scheme, under which ADCB in partnership with the Lebanese Canadian Bank offer consumer loans to expatriate Lebanese in the UAE.

He said that the bank was looking forward to expand the facility to other countries whose nationals are living in large numbers in the UAE.

"We will expand the product on the same format to other countries in the sub-continent and some Arab countries like Egypt," added Knox. The laons offered under the scheme are mostly consumer loans like home, cars and personal.

There are an estimated one million Indians living and working in the UAE, while the ADCB has a branch and NRI representative Office in Bombay, this will be an added advantage for the bank as well as the Indian community.

He noted that the bank was on an offensive, upgrading its services inducting new and young blood in tandem with introduction of new products.

He said the bank was looking forward to expanding its services opening new ATM's at the shopping malls all over the country and providing facilities in some suburban areas. The bank has shed its conservative approach and is offering bold new financial products and loan offers matching competition.

ADCB, since Knox took over as CEO has embarked upon a sustained programme of centralising its functions under the stewardship of selected team of qualified and experienced bankers to cater to the corporate, retail and personal customers.