The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), the Number One Bank in the UAE, has launched the Fursati (which means “my opportunity” -Economic Empowerment programme, a first of its kind initiative in the UAE which includes educational seminars for women and aligning NBAD products and services to meet the needs of women in business.

“Through this programme, the National Bank of Abu Dhabi will offer its intellectual and financial capital to support the economic empowerment of UAE women,” says Ehab Anis Hassan, the Group Chief Human Resources officer of NBAD. “We aim to make this a comprehensive community programme that extends to youth as well as women in business and careers, including the Bank’s women employees.”

Mr. Hassan continues: “The National Bank of Abu Dhabi is committed to supporting Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision, which aims to develop Abu Dhabi into a world class hub of commerce and culture. Our objective in launching the Fursati programme is to increase entrepreneurialism and investment skills among UAE women and youth, who are a key to the future progress of the country.”

NBAD’s Velvet offering, a NBAD private banking services exclusively for women; and the Bank’s Learning & Development Division have collaborated to design and implement the Fursati-Economic Empowerment initiative, customising beneficial and suitable programmes to equip women and youth with essential skills in today’s challenging financial environment. The offering includes one training session per month in cooperation with the Dubai Business Women’s Council and other organisations in the future.

Mrs. Raja Al Gurg, President, Dubai Business Women Council, said: “Dubai Business Women Council is pleased to support NBAD’s Fursati-Economic Empowerment programme. This initiative which comprises widely informative and highly motivating seminars complement our own efforts to provide practical training and educational support to the members of DBWC. I am confident that these workshops will provide key insights about entrepreneurship and vital advice that will help participants become extremely successful in their respective businesses.”

“NBAD believes that banks could play a substantial role in developing skills from a grassroots level, which in the long-run helps nurture entrepreneurial spirit in a financially vibrant society. The Fursati programme is in line with this belief since we seek to partner in the success of our clients,” says Ashraf Mazahreh, the Head of Private Banking at NBAD.

NBAD’s Private Banking offers women exclusive services through its Velvet Programme.

“NBAD’s success in establishing comprehensive relationships with clients is founded in our strategy to invest in our communities and promoting long-lasting, enduring interactions with people. Fursati intends to take input from the clients and would tailor its programmes according to their need, rather than stick to a pre-conceived curriculum,” says Mariah Khan, Head of Velvet.

She adds: “For example, some clients have voiced concerns that their children are not fully equipped with the realities of running a business; Fursati intends to have a few sessions focusing on the youth, dedicated to Basics of Business. Erudite women and children are crucial to any nation’s economic vitality and we would like to further empower them with skills and entrepreneurial thought, which is an investment in our business and the future of our economy.”

International and regional research shows that economically-empowered women act as multipliers to create healthier and more productive societies and Fursati supports our sustainability focus in this area of developing outstanding relationships within local communities by investing in women’s development. It also supports our internal focus of investing in our people as women employees often represent a powerfully motivated pool of talent. Fursati serves as a tool to help women positively invest in the human capital of the next generation.

NBAD has been ranked since 2009 by the prestigious Global Finance in the World’s 50 Safest Banks, and is the highest ranked Middle East Bank in the list. NBAD became in 2010 the first UAE bank to earn more than US$1 billion in annual net profits; a repeat of its of feat in 2004 when it became the country’s first to earn more than AED1 billion.

Founded in 2002, DBWC motivates women to be productive members of the society, while encouraging role models to rise up from the ranks and inspire other women around the world, especially in the Arab region, to discover their true potential. DBWC organises the high-profile monthly event ‘Network Majlis’ to provide information about the latest knowledge, skills and best practices for women entrepreneurs and leaders.

We accept Guest Posts