TLDR: Bank ABC’s AI-driven digital human, Fatema, has been recognized as the ‘Best AI Virtual Assistant in the Middle East’ at the prestigious AI World Series Awards 2025. The award acknowledges Fatema’s expanded role as an emotionally intelligent internal AI assistant, significantly enhancing employee efficiency and supporting teams across the bank’s global network.
Bank ABC, a prominent international bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has proudly announced that its advanced AI-powered virtual assistant, Fatema, has been awarded the ‘Best AI Virtual Assistant in the Middle East’ for 2025. This esteemed recognition was presented at the AI World Series Awards 2025, an event organized by the AI for Business Institute, which celebrates groundbreaking AI applications globally.
The award ceremony, held in Dubai on October 9th, 2025, brought together 250 innovation experts and industry representatives. Fatema’s win followed a rigorous evaluation process that saw over 138 submissions from 23 countries, with independent experts identifying winners who demonstrated exceptional AI excellence and delivered substantial value.
Dr. Yousif Almas, Bank ABC’s Group Chief Digitisation Officer, expressed his honor regarding the accolade. “We are honoured to receive this prestigious recognition for our AI assistant, Fatema,” he stated. “As an exemplary product of the Bank’s long-term AI and digital strategy, Fatema has evolved into a powerful employee assistant, seamlessly supporting teams across our global network. Since her launch, she has elevated efficiencies and insights generation, enabling our staff to focus on higher-impact activities that accelerate our vision as MENA’s international bank of the future.”
Fatema, described as an ’emotionally intelligent digital DNA human,’ has significantly expanded her capabilities beyond her initial role. She serves as an internal AI assistant for employees, streamlining operations and enhancing productivity across Bank ABC’s extensive network, which spans five continents.
Initially launched in late 2017 in partnership with Soul Machines, Fatema was designed to revolutionize customer experience with her hyper-realistic interface, autonomous movements, facial expressions, and conversational AI skills. She functions as a customer service executive at ila Bank, Bank ABC’s digital mobile-only subsidiary, offering 24/7 online support and answering a wide array of business and personal queries. Her unique ability to detect and respond to emotional cues allows for more human-like and engaging interactions, fostering greater customer trust and confidence.
Beyond her operational roles, Fatema has also become a prominent AI figure on social media, acting as ila’s brand ambassador and promoting AI and financial literacy through her LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.
The recognition of Fatema underscores the growing trend of AI adoption in the GCC banking sector, where virtual assistants are transforming consumer banking by providing faster, more efficient, and personalized services. Mark Hamill, Chapter Head, UAE of the AI for Business Institute, commented on the increasing engagement with AI, noting, “We are delighted to see entries double year on year for this edition of the awards. Further proof that companies are getting stuck into Artificial Intelligence and using this technology to transform their business.”
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Bank ABC, established in 1980 and listed on the Bahrain Bourse, continues to lead the fintech agenda in the MENA region, offering a comprehensive suite of services including Trade Finance, Treasury, Project & Structured Finance, Syndications, Corporate & Institutional Banking, and Islamic Banking.
