The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) , the Number One Bank in the UAE, has partnered with the American University in Dubai ( AUD ) to jointly develop training programmes and cooperate on recruitment, sponsorships and job training. This marks NBAD 's fourth partnership with a University this year to support the Bank's objectives to strengthen UAE's academic institutions. " NBAD 's commitment to further the emergence of the UAE to global excellence is strategic and fundamental concept, it is a holistic approach. We not only take pride in being a significant financier of infrastructure projects, the Bank also supports growth at grassroots," says Suaad Al Shammari, the Head of Emiratisation at NBAD . "Academic institutions play a vital role in this process because they develop and train the human resources and tomorrow's leaders. They also help draw the best talents to the UAE and help promote our country's brand." Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NBAD and AUD , the Bank would provide career guidance to the university's graduates. NBAD would also provide tutorial, seminar expertise and lecturing to American University in Dubai . Furthermore, the two partners would develop joint venture training programmes. During the signing ceremony, Mrs. Peggy Awad, Director of External Relations at the American University in Dubai , commented: " AUD recognises the importance of providing access for its students to the broader external community and the crucial role that the industry and corporate partners play in helping develop our student's skills as we prepare them for the competitive workplace." "Driven by its community outreach and engagement plan, AUD is proud today to forge yet another valuable partnership with top industry leaders such as NBAD as together we pave the way for different avenues for our students and graduates to become better global citizens" adds Ms. Awad. The partnership would offer AUD students and graduates the chance to combine academics with practical knowledge as well boost NBAD employees' skills. "This ultimately would help NBAD , AUD , and our other academic partners," Ms. Al Shammari says. " NBAD believes strengthened relationship between educational-providers and employers would serve to gap the skills needed in the market." NBAD has been consistently recognised and honoured for programmes that are instrumental in the training of its employees and the recruitment and development of talented UAE nationals. Recently, for instance, Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies (EIBFS) honoured NBAD for its strategies to search, identify and hire UAE nationals who seek careers in financial services and proved their motivation through academic achievements. In another accolade, IFS School of Finance, the leading provider of professional banking and financial qualifications, has awarded Michael H. Tomalin, the Group Chief Executive of the National Bank of Abu Dhabi ( NBAD ), an Honorary Doctorate of Science in Banking and Finance in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the financial services industry. NBAD has a number of partnerships with governmental and non-governmental agencies to advance Emiratisation goals. NBAD is a founding member of Higher Colleges of Technology Foundation's 100-club and funded two Deans in Banking and Finance based at HCT's Abu Dhabi Women's College and Al Ain Men's College. Moreover, the Bank launched the Derasatee Programme with Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council (ADTC) and EIBFS to hire and train UAE national job seekers. Under Derasatee, ADTC and NBAD sponsor young UAE nationals to study at EIBFS toward a specialised Banking Diploma. Currently several students in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Sharjah are in the Derasatee programme, who are will work for the Bank upon graduation. The Bank also works closely with the National Human Resource Development and Employment Authority (TANMIA). NBAD also runs its own prestigious training and educational programmes to enhance its Emiratisation strategies. It recently launched "Tomouh" under which NBAD sponsors overseas education of UAE nationals and allows them to intern with the Bank during their education pursuit. Tomouh is part of NBAD 's Watani Development Programme. Under the Watani Development Programme, NBAD also offers AFAQ, in which young talented recruits study toward a Master's degree in partnership with Zayed University; Mustaqbali, a sponsorship and internship programme for Emirati university students with the chance to work for the Bank upon graduation, A Bedaya, which recruits and trains high school graduates, and Al Sadara, which helps talented Emiratis get a professional certification. The state-of-the-art NBAD Academies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai strengthens NBAD 's Emiratisation and 'learning culture.' Press Release
