Ramadan Kareem

The month of Ramadan is a time of goodness, forgiveness, tolerance and generosity. Let us take this holy occasion as an opportunity for self-improvement and as a chance to multiply good deeds by bringing happiness and helping those who are less fortunate.

May you and your loved ones have a blessed and peaceful Ramadan.

BBAC Launches AUB Alumni Abu Dhabi Card

BBAC, in partnership with the American University of Beirut (AUB) Alumni Association of Abu Dhabi, has launched AUB Alumni Abu Dhabi Card, a new addition to its suite of credit cards.

BBAC unveiled the new card at the AUB Alumni Association’s annual Gala Dinner in Abu Dhabi on the occasion of AUB’s 150th Anniversary, in the presence of 600 alumni member and BBAC representatives.

The AUB Alumni Abu Dhabi Card is a mark of recognition that offers members of the AUB Alumni Association a higher spending power, added-value benefits and VIP treatment; all the advantages expected from a premium card. Additionally, the credit card is offered free-of-charge and gives its holders the opportunity to make a revenue contribution to AUB on every purchase.

Chairman Sheikh Ghassan Assaf Honored Figure of the Year by Saint Joseph University

Saint Joseph University (USJ) honored BBAC’s Chairman and General Manager Sheikh Ghassan Assaf in recognition of his efforts and achievements in the banking sector, in the presence of a score of ministers, MPs and ambassadors, as well as deans of colleges and educational bodies at the university. Attendees also included a number of economic and social dignitaries, along with Sheikh Assaf’s family at the honorary ceremony held at Phoenicia Hotel.

The ceremony opening included a word by the president of the university, Professor Salim Dakkash, who stated that the annual award is granted to one distinguished character that is characterized by excellence that goes beyond profession and extends to positive contribution in various aspects of social and cultural development.

Professor Dakkash highlighted that this honor is one of the few occasions in which the university praises an individual from the Lebanese community for their efforts and commitment to the principles and values. Professor Dakkash praised the achievements of Sheikh Ghassan Assaf, and spoke about his triumphs and fingerprints as a businessman and a banker, that enriched the Lebanese economy. He as well underlined the multiple aspects of Sheikh Assaf’s social, humanitarian and cultural contributions that complement the scene; the reasons he was chosen by the university as the honored figure for the year 2016.

In his delivered word, Sheikh Assaf acknowledged USJ’s initiative, and stressed his appreciation for the award and the honorary ceremony, as it is coming from a renowned institution in Lebanon and the Middle East in terms of tradition, knowledge, development and thought leadership. He stressed that the history of the university is signified through the key Lebanese politicians, researchers, scientists and businessmen who gleaned knowledge from one of the most significant educational institutes in Lebanon. 

He added: "USJ gathered all the Lebanese of all religious and political backgrounds, it is no coincidence that this campus, is the main foster of national movements that led to the independence of Lebanon ... there is no doubt that St. Joseph's University has been, and remains the launching base of many personalities that left their mark in the history of Lebanon .... ". He then thanked the university president: "I thank USJ for everything it offered to Lebanon and the Lebanese community, actually, you are the ones that deserve to be honored.”

Addressing his career in the banking sector, Sheikh Assaf said: "At BBAC, we have always remembered that the secret of success and sustainable growth is not due to balance sheet growth and increasing profits only, but in the acts of care in the society and seeking to improve people's economic situation and protect them from risks and bumps.”

Sheikh Assaf allocated a part of his speech to his family, referring to its impact on his life, particularly his late father, Sheikh Toufic Assaf, who in turn had an impact on Lebanese society through the many roles he has played as an industrial, a banker and a politician. He added: "The environment I grew up in, made me believe that the institution's contribution to the community development affairs is our duty, and falls among our primary responsibilities, it is not surprising that the motto the bank adopted,  and we always strive to achieve is that BBAC is " Your Caring Bank”.”

Finally, Professor Salim Dakkash handed out the university’s honorary shield to Sheikh Ghassan Assaf.