NBAD kick-starts Master’s Porgramme

The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), the Number one Bank in the UAE, welcomed the second group of 75 recruits who have been accepted into the competitive AFAQ – Master’s Programme.

NBAD’s prestigious AFAQ programme, which has been upgraded to a Master of Science in Finance, drew hundreds of applicants. NBAD recruited the most qualified who exhibited great motivation and passion to succeed and the potential to grow into leaders who can benefit the Bank and the UAE.

The inaugural Master’s Programme is run in three batches: 25 recruits started the programme earlier this year, another 25 over the summer and the last batch for this year will begin in September.

“On behalf of the National Bank of Abu Dhabi, I welcome the talented young men and women who have been accepted to this prominent programme. Your acceptance into AFAQ is a testament to your success and our belief that each of you is capable of becoming a leader who would contribute to the progress of your country,” said Ehab Anis Hassan, the Group Chief Human Resources Officer.

“Sponsoring a Master’s degree and supplementing it with practical experience during the course of the study would assure that NBAD continues to attract the most motivated UAE nationals and that we contribute greatly toward producing tomorrow UAE leaders.”

NBAD AFAQ Master’s programme is collaboration between NBAD and Zayed University.

The recruits complete half of the Master’s requirement in the first year by studying fulltime at the State-of-the-art NBAD Academy. During this period they receive full employment salary.

After the first year, AFAQ recruits are assigned to their permanent position. While they work fulltime, they continue studying part-time toward the completion of the |Master of Science in Finance.

AFAQ, which means horizons in Arabic, is NBAD's flagship National Talent Development Programme that fast tracks gifted Emirati University graduates into successful careers in the financial services industry. The programme, started in 2009 and open to UAE nationals who hold a bachelor’s degree, mixes theoretical training in the classroom with practical experience at NBAD offices.

“The distinguished AFAQ programme is a pillar of NBAD Emiratisation strategy and defines the Bank’s commitment to developing the national talent, assuring success of UAE nationals in the banking profession and creating tomorrow’s leaders,” Mr. Hassan said.

In May 36 AFAQ recruits graduated from the inaugural AFAQ programme with a post graduate certificate. All of them serve now in different departments of NBAD that include international banking, marketing, corporate banking and technology.

 “AFAQ programme is the most competitive Emiratisation programme in the market, and the first initiative in banking industry that offers UAE Nationals full benefits including holidays and attractive income and increments beside career development plan for at least two years after trainees appointment in their permanent positions,” said Suhaila Al Jasmi, AFAQ program Manager.