Emirates NBD steps up Emiratisation efforts

This step comes as part of the Group's strategy to maintain its leading position in the field of Emiritization with 30% UAE nationals of its workforce and increase the percentage to %34 by end of 2009. For that aim, the Group regularly holds recruitment open days and is holding one of its most important today at Intercontinental Hotel, Al Ras Ball room, Dubai Festival City from 10 am to 8 pm.

In his comments about the importance of the campaign, H.E. Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer, Chairman of Emirates NBD, said:

"Our aim is to prepare a qualified generation of UAE nationals capable of leading the local and regional banking sector. We have adopted an ambitious strategy for growth and job Emiritization that reinforces our ongoing efforts to encourage local young talents to join the banking sector. Emirates NBD is also committed to adopting international best practices in the banking sector and familiarizing our UAE National employees with such practices."

Mr. Hussam Al Sayed, General Manager Human Resources, said: "The campaign introduced by Emirates NBD stresses active involvement in several initiatives and activities, including supporting UAE National qualified students through scholarships and guaranteed job opportunities upon graduation, and conducting visits to local educational institutions to sponsor several sports, cultural and entertainment activities. Furthermore, Emirates NBD participates in most of the job fairs organized in the United Arab Emirates. In this context, Emirates NBD launched a far-reaching media campaign to encourage local young talents to join the thriving banking sector by applying to Emirates NBD."

Emirates NBD's campaign extends beyond recruiting UAE nationals as the Group has established the Emirates NBD Academy which trains and develops young UAE nationals. The Group has also launched several training programmes, including Programme for Accelerated Learning (PAL) which is designed to train university graduates for managerial and supervisory positions in the Group while Al Misha'al and Al Thurayya programmes are designed to train undergraduates and school students for operational and administrative jobs. The Emirates NBD Academy introduces world-class programmes including theoretical and practical courses that fully prepare students for a bright future in the banking sector.

Emirates NBD is considered as one of the largest employers in the UAE with UAE nationals representing 30% of its 8500 workforce. All Emirates NBD's branch managers are UAE nationals.