Being locked indoors due to the pandemic prompted people to turn towards online channels for work, shopping, education, entertainment and everyday tasks like payment of bills as well as banking, which previously involved paperwork and a weekly visit. The transition towards digital services has not just increased convenience for people in connected ecosystems existing across the gulf, but has also raised their expectations, hence accelerating the pace of innovation introduced by businesses as well as government agencies.

Managing personal funds has become more effortless than ever before, since smartphone apps for banking are now equipped with AI, and major transactions can be carried out with a few taps thanks to a user-friendly interface. In the race to serve clients more efficiently and make financial management more hassle-free for them, the Qatar Islamic Bank has introduced a unique video calling feature for resolving complications.

Part of the bank's quest for complete digitisation via online services, the visual communication feature can be used by customers through QIB's smartphone app to clear doubts about any service or procedure. Once connected with a consumer care executive through video conferencing, the client in any part of the world can use screen-sharing to explain their issue in detail, so that the agent can guide them to carry out transactions through the app.

Apart from getting clarifications in real-time, customers can also use the video call to apply for finance and get it approved instantly, thanks to easy verification. This game-changing feature is the first of its kind in Qatar, and completely does away with the need to physically visit a bank.

Apart from saving a client's time, the app and visual interaction also reduces pressure on employees at the bank, giving them more time as well as space to focus on effective resolution of problems.

Achieving complete digitisation will also put QIB in league with other regional institutions, like the first ever fully online Islamic bank, established in the UAE earlier this year.