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The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), the Number One Bank in the UAE, hosted its third graduation ceremony for AFAQ Management Trainees at the Bank’s Head Office in Abu Dhabi.
The Bank graduated 19 UAE nationals who successfully completed the first year of the programme and received Postgraduate Certificate in Finance – equivalent to 50% of a Masters qualification.
Michael H. Tomalin, the NBAD’s Group Chief Executive, congratulated the graduates for their achievements and accomplishment. He told the graduates: “AFAQ programme was the first phase of your journey with NBAD and the time to apply skills and expertise has arrived. I have full confidence in your ability to lead NBAD to continued success and excellence.”
NBAD’s AFAQ, a two-year programme, is delivered in collaboration with Zayed University at the state-of-the-art 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.
The ceremony was attended by members of the senior management of the Bank and representatives from Zayed University as well as family member of the AFAQ graduates.
“The future of the UAE lies with the young generation. This is why NBAD is investing on young Emiratis through nurturing them with the knowledge and providing best training facilities to prepare tomorrow’s leaders,” said Ehab Anis Hassan, the Group Chief Human Resources Officer at NBAD. “AFAQ is an exemplar programme that NBAD offers to the UAE nationals because it assures trainees get the best and most up-to-date information and practices in the financial services industry.”
The Bank also offers other Emiratisation programmes that aim to attract, retain, and develop best qualified UAE nationals who wish to pursue a career in financial services industry. The programmes are international scholarship, Tomouh, under which NBAD sponsors young UAE nationals interested in studying abroad also offers internship and employment upon graduation; Al Sadara, which enables recruited nationals 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. Moreover, Mustaqbali programme in which NBAD sponsors enrolled university students by paying a monthly allowance and offers them internship. The nationals in this programme are guaranteed recruitment upon graduation.
“NBAD’s Emiratisation strategy goes beyond attracting UAE nationals, we have developed programmes to allow nationals to best utilise their skills and advance their career in the financial industry within NBAD,” said Mr. Hassan.
“Our Emiratisation programmes demonstrate our focus and commitment towards empowering UAE nationals and this has made NBAD the employer of choice for UAE nationals,” he added.
The last few years witnessed a remarkable rise in the Bank’s UAE national work force as Emiratisation jumped from 30% in 2008 to 36% by end of 2009 and to 39% by end of 2011.
In recognition of its achievements, NBAD has won a number of awards and recognitions for its Emiratisation programmes and record. Mr. Tomalin, NBAD’s Chief Executive, won the Best Emiratisation CEO award in Banking Sector from Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial studies in 2009. NBAD won the Human Resources Development Award in Banking Sector for 2008 for its successful Emiratisation programmes.
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