Marhaba. Welcome to the Standard Chartered website, and welcome to the Middle East through the second country in the Strive for the Best series - the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As we celebrate the cultural diversity and international heritage of Standard Chartered, we are delighted to be sharing our knowledge of the UAE with you.

As you may be aware, the UAE is a loose but supportive federation of seven Emirates - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah - with each of the Emirates retaining considerable autonomy over political, economic and financial affairs. Despite its significant oil wealth (fourth largest oil reserves in the world), the UAE has developed a dynamic and diversified economy.

Standard Chartered has been operating in the UAE since 1958, when we opened our first branch in the Emirate of Sharjah. We are proud to be one of the leading international banks in the country with the widest network of 11 branches spread across the various Emirates. These include the recent opening of the Dubai Internet City branch and the Dragon Mart branch.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is integral to everything we do and Standard Chartered continues to lead the way in maintaining the highest levels of international corporate governance standards.

In the UAE, Standard Chartered has invested considerable resources to develop the Right Partnerships with the local community. We are committed to working in partnership with the community in the areas of Youth, Health, Education and the Environment, as evidenced by our continuing support of the Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre.

On Friday 7 January 2005, the inaugural Standard Chartered Dubai International Marathon was held under the patronage of His Highness, General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defense. The record turnout in our first year as Dubai's marathon title sponsor was pleasing and bodes well for greater participation in the years to come.

With our unique heritage and continued presence in the UAE, we believe we can share a lot with you about the UAE. Please spare a few moments to learn more about the UAE's culture and history, and how Standard Chartered is leading the way in this fast developing country. Our aim is to be financial and trading hub for the region.

I think you will see why we consider ourselves to be the world's best international bank, leading the way in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Warm regards,