Corporate Social Responsibility at National Bank of Abu Dhabi

The manifestation of this intent is embedded in NBAD's CSR policy. As an active partner and supporter of the Emirates Environmental Group, the bank is a member of its CSR network, which includes members from the government, financial and international sector, who seek to promote and share best practices in companies in the Gulf region and to form cross-sector partnerships.

A special seminar was held at the JW Marriott Hotel Dubai, titled, "Corporate Social Responsibility in the Financial Sector," which attracted speakers from academic and leading financial institutions. Issues related to managing both direct and in-direct environmental impacts, sustainable social initiatives and challenges specific to the region were discussed.

"As a pro-active participant in CSR initiatives and a leading financial institution of the UAE, NBAD has a three-pronged approach towards ensuring that its social, environmental, ethical and strategic objectives are achieved. Benchmarking and sharing best practices are intrinsically linked to the bank's strategic process planning,"

said Mr. Zillay Ahmed, Head of Business Excellence, NBAD, during a presentation at the seminar.

Elaborating on the Bank's approach, Mr. Ahmed stated, "first and foremost, we endeavor to engage our internal stakeholders via education, communication, volunteer work, knowledge sharing and other means, in order for them to become responsible citizens and ambassadors of good, in the society at large."

Externally, he noted that NBAD utilizes its extensive ATMs and branch network to inform and engage the large customer base in CSR initiatives, like supporting the Red Crescent Society, the Blood Drive and other endeavors.

"As the first bank in the UAE to formulate a CSR policy and sign a memorandum of understanding with the federal Environmental Agency, NBAD realizes the importance associated with being an effective role model for the UAE business community. Having initiated the first cross-industry, Benchmarking Consortium during 2003, NBAD's participation in the CSR network is another step in our quest to share our best practices with business community and work towards the overall betterment of society," Mr. Ahmed concluded.