Looking for a good outlet to help you spend all your money? Simple: just put it all in the bank. Yes, it's true, the institution which has been traditionally responsible for helping you put away your savings for a rainy day is now primarily accountable for assisting you in squandering it all away. How the tables have turned.

Consumers in the UAE are now frequently at the mercy of banks which have begun to introduce innumerable hidden charges in every possible type of transaction.

It would be difficult for anyone in the country to put their hands up and say that they would vouch for any such institution. Most hidden charges, or "service" fees, are not publicised, naturally.

In fact, a customer's problems begin only after he or she opens an account. Banks can buy a lot with these charges, but goodwill is not one of them. Do they really care?