The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) has partnered with the American University in Dubai (AUD) to jointly develop training programmes and cooperate on recruitment, sponsorships and job training.

This marks NBAD’s fourth partnership with a university this year to support the bank’s objectives to strengthen UAE’s academic institutions, a statement from the bank said.

“NBAD’s commitment to further the emergence of the UAE to global excellence is a strategic and fundamental concept, it is a holistic approach. We not only take pride in being a significant financier of infrastructure projects, the bank also supports growth at grassroots,” said Suaad Al Shammari, the head of Emiratisation at NBAD.

“Academic institutions play a vital role in this process because they develop and train the human resources and tomorrow’s leaders. They also help draw the best talents to the UAE and help promote our country’s brand.”

Under the terms of the memorandum between NBAD and AUD, the bank would provide career guidance to the university’s graduates, and also provide tutorial, seminar expertise and lecturing to the university. Furthermore, the two partners would develop joint venture training programmes.

Peggy Awad, director of external relations at the American University in Dubai, said: “AUD recognises the importance of providing access for its students to the broader external community and the crucial role that the industry and corporate partners play in helping develop our student’s skills as we prepare them for the competitive workplace.”

“Driven by its community outreach and engagement plan, AUD is proud today to forge yet another valuable partnership with top industry leaders such as NBAD as together we pave the way for different avenues for our students and graduates to become better global citizens.”

The partnership would offer AUD students and graduates the chance to combine academics with practical knowledge as well boost NBAD employees’ skills.

“This ultimately would help NBAD, AUD, and our other academic partners,” Al Shammari said. “NBAD believes strengthened relationship between educational-providers and employers would serve to gap the skills needed in the market.”

NBAD has been consistently recognised and honoured for programmes that are instrumental in the training of its employees and the recruitment and development of talented UAE nationals.

The Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies (EIBFS) recently honoured NBAD for its strategies to search, identify and hire UAE nationals who seek careers in financial services and proved their motivation through academic achievements.

In another accolade, IFS School of Finance, the leading provider of professional banking and financial qualifications, awarded Michael H Tomalin, the bank’s chief executive, an Honorary Doctorate of Science in Banking and Finance in recognition of his contribution to the financial services industry. – TradeArabia News Service