MANAMA, 19 January 2004 — Bahrain-based First Islamic Investment Bank (FIIB) said yesterday it made $44.8 million in net profits in 2003, a 24 percent rise from the previous year. A bank statement said FIIB’s board of directors recommended a dividend payment of $16.9 million, representing a return of 15 percent on the bank’s paid-in capital. It said the bank generated a return on average total equity of 25.5 percent, with total equity reaching $188.9 million.