Dubai Bank introduces major initiatives to boost Emiratization (Ar-Rawwad)

The initiatives include long term training programs aimed at fresh graduates as well as structural development plans for existing national staff.

According to Ziad Makkawi, CEO, Dubai Bank, 'building Local National talent in the fast growing financial services industry has always been a key initiative for Dubai Bank. We are continuously investing in building relationships with institutions to develop channels for Local Nationals to access a career in banking and finance with Dubai Bank. In fact, we have already established alliances with colleges, including the Higher Colleges of Technology, the Emirates Institute of Banking and Financial Studies (EIBFS) and the National Employment Authority, Tanmia. As Dubai Bank continues to expand its operation, it will continue to search for good talent. We have made it our priority to recruit, train and develop individuals to help set high standards within the market and to create career opportunities for UAE nationals".

Dubai Bank signed an agreement with KNET, and International House (Dubai based international training institutes) to provide core skills training for its UAE National Development programs. KNET will deliver phase one of a three phase program. The second phase includes an orientation program at Dubai Bank, and the third phase allows individuals to conduct on-the-job training within specific departments. The course will take up to one year to complete and promises to provide the candidate with experience, knowledge and confidence for a long term career with Dubai Bank.

'We are continuously seeking to recruit fresh graduate and experienced UAE Nationals. Our well managed processes and programs have been developed with a number of objectives in mind' said Issam Kazim, Emiratization Manager at Dubai Bank. 'Firstly, as we expand we want to attract additional UAE Nationals to Dubai Bank to increase our Emiratization ratio in line with Central Bank directives and our social responsibility objectives. Secondly, we are continuing to invest in building talent through education, training and experience - one of our latest initiatives is our 'Ar-Rawwad' program, which means "Leaders". This was a conscious decision on our part as our intention is to attract, develop and retain UAE future leaders for the bank.

"Finally, Dubai Bank aims to become an employer of choice, both through the working environment and through various growth opportunities within clearly defined career paths. In fact, our tag line in HR is "your future begins today", and we really do mean that', concluded Issam.