Dubai Bank said it will showcase its Al Ruwaad Leadership Programme at the 9th annual Careers Show, which begins on Sunday at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Through this programme, the bank aims to attract and provide Emirati graduates with hands-on training and development support in the areas of risk management, information systems and treasury management within the bank, said an official.

In line with the bank’s Platinum Sponsorship of the Careers Show, the Al Ruwaad programme will a form a key highlight of Dubai Bank’s participation in this year’s show.

The Al Ruwwad programme was started in 2007. Each year, 50 graduates are trained for six months on both theoretical and practical areas of Islamic banking, as well as on division-specific operations.

Annually, two top-performing trainees are selected for an advanced four-week training course in the UK, aimed at honing their strategic management and leadership skills.

“Within a short span of time, our Al Ruwaad programme has achieved considerable success in developing and retaining the finest Emirati talent. We believe that such programmes serve as a launch pad for UAE nationals to be integrated into the fast-developing financial services industry,” Asim Ahmed Al Ali, human resources manager, Dubai Bank.

“Throughout the programme, we work closely with the trainees, providing career guidance, regular reviews and evaluation meetings to ensure they fully optimise their potential,” he added.

Dubai Bank has also established a dedicated training centre. Practical training sessions form 70 per cent of the overall development programme, while virtual training modules are also included in the six-month course.

Commenting on the bank’s support of Emiratisation, he said that Dubai Bank has reached 26 per cent Emiratisation of its workforce.

"This figure is expected to rise to 30 per cent by end of 2009. All our branch directors across Dubai are UAE nationals. Moreover, a number of branches are completely run by a team of nationals, reflecting our confidence in the competencies of UAE nationals,” he added.

He said Emirati students who wish to meet Dubai Bank’s recruitment managers can visit Stand No. B 4-1 in Hall 3 at the Dubai International Convention Centre.

The annual Careers Show is organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre in conjunction with Tanmia, Emirates Nationals Development Programme, Higher Colleges of Technology, Zayed University and UAE University.

The Careers Show enables talented UAE nationals in all fields to meet directly with recruiters and hiring managers from top employers.-TradeArabia News Service