Dubai Islamic Bank launches third round of Iktasib professional banking training for UAE nationals

The training, taking place over the summer period, aims to identify the strength and capabilities available in the working market. It also provides a practical and professional opportunity for the youth to familiarise themselves with the Islamic banking sector while shifting them away from the studying into the working atmosphere.

The program has attracted 160 trainees from senior students in schools and technical collages from all over the United Arab Emirates. Due to the huge contributions witnessed from trainees, two courses were introduced, the first ends by the end of this month and the second start by the beginning of next month.

Mr Ahmed Al Sarkal, Human Resources Manager, DIB said: "Through the Iktasib programme, the bank aims to strengthen its contribution to society. Iktasib provides professional training opportunities for young UAE nationals allowing them to develop their skill set and increase their knowledge of Shari'a compliant Islamic finance. Trained individuals will be given priority regarding employment vacancies at the bank in the future." The second round of the Iktasib programme builds on the success of the previous undertaken programs that took place over the past two years."

Mr Al Sarkal noted that the programme is open to young UAE nationals with High School Diplomas degrees and above. "This training exposes the trainees to the bank's overall strategy and vision. We at DIB are committed to providing the highest quality of innovative financial services that comply with Islamic Shari'a." Trainees that participate in the Iktasib programme receive a monthly stipend and appreciation certificates.

Iktasib programme is known for introducing practical training for its trainees, where it starts with an opening reception for the trainees where they get general information about the bank and its operations, where trainees become familiar with Islamic Financing services and its role in developing the society, and then trainees are divided into groups according to the bank's divisions where they start practical work.

Iktasib introduces trainees to the various services of the bank including specialized advisory services, savings and current accounts; investment and credit products, foreign transactions, safety deposit boxes, call centre management and Internet banking.

The programme also uses a creative style in the way it is managed. It is organised by the trainees themselves who will subsequently develop their managerial and administrative skills. Ms Maryam Saif Al Noaimi, summer training programme manager, will supervise the programme.