Citibank to provide employment opportunities for 110 UAE Nationals in 2006

This follows the successful training and recruiting of more than 200 UAE nationals since July 2004, as per two MoUs signed previously between the two parties.

Under this agreement, the 110 UAE nationals will be trained by and offered jobs at Citibank. Students will enroll in a rigorous three-month intensive program during which they will receive a mix of focused academic and practical training in the fields of banking, finance, credit, leadership, sales, teamwork, management and customer service. Upon successful completion of the program, all of the students will be offered jobs at Citibank.

The signing of the third MoU with TANMIA comes amid Citibank's achievement of a new record in its drive to increase the percentage of UAE local workforce among its staff. The bank reached a 32.39% Emiratization level in 2005 as compared to 28% in 2004. The consistent level of Emiratization ratio achieved came as a culmination of efforts during the past year, which ensured that high, yet sustainable staffing goals are precisely met.

In mid 2004, the bank forged a strategic alliance with TANMIA and established the Citibank academy, a proprietary training program dedicated to training and developing UAE national talent through intensive training programs, which offer a mix of focused academic and practical training.

Miss Feddah Lootah, Acting Director General at TANMIA, said:

"The strategic alliance we have with Citibank is unique in the banking industry today. We think it's a good model to follow for improved localization ratios in banks. The new Emiratization ratio achieved by Citibank is witness to the viability of this model which we would encourage others to emulate."

Sajjad Razvi, Citigroup Country Officer in the UAE, said: "Citigroup is committed to supporting financial education in the UAE and to training and retaining national talent in order to help achieve the UAE's human resource development goals. Together with TANMIA, we have built a new approach, which can be used by others as a role model for successful hiring and retaining of local staff."

Sanjoy Sen, Citibank Business Manager in the UAE, said: "At Citibank, we believe that it is imperative to build a solid benchstrength of well-trained/high potential UAE national staff who would be the future senior management of the country. In 2006, we hope to make new progress in this important effort in full partnership with TANMIA."

Citibank has been closely associated with innovation and the introduction of the latest banking technology worldwide. Moreover, it has consistently ranked at the forefront of human development and training throughout all the markets where it is present, including the UAE.