Fifty-two Emiratis graduated from the National Bank of Abu Dhabi’s (NBAD) fourth AFAQ programme in Abu Dhabi.

The AFAQ management trainees included 33 Emiratis who completed and received Master’s of Science in Finance and 19 trainees who completed the first year of the programme and received their Postgraduate Certificate in Finance– equivalent to 50 per cent of a master’s qualification, said a statement.

Alex Thursby, group CEO, said: “Today is also the start of the next phase of your career – and is an opportunity for all of you to contribute to our strategy as we focus on being core to our chosen customers. This means all of you becoming what I call ‘a professional Banker,’ a trusted advisor who provides end to end financial solutions that exceeds our customer’s requirements.”

NBAD’s AFAQ, a two-year programme, is delivered in collaboration with Zayed University at the NBAD Academy.

Under this programme, the bank sponsors a Master of Science in Finance by recruiting recent university graduates who exhibited great motivation and the potential to grow into future leaders. The recruits complete post graduate certificate in the first year by studying fulltime at the academy. During this period they receive full employment salary.

After the first year, AFAQ recruits are assigned to their permanent position. While they work fulltime, they continue studying part-time toward the completion of the Master’s Degree.

“More than just creating NBAD’s bankers, the AFAQ programme is producing the next generation of UAE bankers. It is the bank’s flagship Emiratisation programme to ensure NBAD’s culture of learning,” said Ehab Anis Hassan, the group chief HR officer.

NBAD also offers other Emiratisation programmes including an international scholarship Tomouh, under which the bank sponsors young UAE nationals interested in studying abroad, with internship and employment upon graduation; Al Sadara, which enables recruited nationals to earn a professional diploma in banking and finance and gain work experience simultaneously; and Al Bedayah, geared to allow UAE nationals earn an associate degree in banking and finance.

Under the Mustaqbali programme, NBAD sponsors enrolled university students by paying a monthly allowance and offers them internship and they are guaranteed recruitment upon graduation.

“NBAD’s Emiratisation strategy goes beyond attracting UAE nationals, we have developed programmes to allow them to best utilise their skills and advance their career in the financial industry within NBAD,” added Hassan. - TradeArabia News Service