The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), a leading bank in the UAE, hosted a graduation ceremony for a total of 58 UAE nationals graduating from its Afaq management programme at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi.

The ceremony graduated 18 UAE nationals who have successfully completed and received Master’s of Science in Finance as well as 40 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.

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’s of Science in Finance by recruiting recent university graduates who exhibited great motivation and the potential to grow into future leaders.

The recruits complete a Postgraduate Certificate in the first year by studying fulltime at the academy. During this period they receive a full employment salary. After the first year, Afaq recruits are assigned to their permanent position. While they work full-time, they continue studying part-time towards the completion of the Master’s Degree.

“NBAD is committed to Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 which aims to diversify the economy away from oil and Afaq is an exemplar programme for youngsters because it assures trainees get the best and most up-to-date information and practices in the financial services industry,” said Ehab Hassan, Group chief human resources officer at NBAD.

“Empowering our young generation with tools to learn and environment to best utilise their skills is part of the bank’s Emiratisation strategy. We will continue to invest in human capital to be a leader in our field and achieve the 2030 vision,” added Hassan.

The bank also offers other Emiratisation programmes that aim to attract, retain, and develop the best qualified UAE nationals who wish to pursue a career in the financial services industry.

The programmes consist of an international scholarship, Tomouh, under which NBAD sponsors young UAE nationals interested in studying abroad, it also offers 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 to obtain an Associate Degree in Banking and Finance.

In addition, Mustaqbali programme is offered in which NBAD sponsors enrolled university students by paying a monthly allowance and offering internship. The nationals in this programme are guaranteed recruitment upon graduation.

NBAD has increased Emiratisation from 30 per cent in 2008 to 37.4 per cent by the end of 2012. This year NBAD aims to raise Emiratisation rate and recruit over 150 UAE nationals. – TradeArabia News Service