Emirates NBD launches ‘National Digital Talent Program’ to support Emirati youth and UAE’s AI strategy

Emirates NBD, has launched a first-of-its-kind ‘National Digital Talent Program’, to support the UAE government’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031.

The programme was launched in conjunction with the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office, and aims at developing a national workforce proficient in AI and related technologies.

To power the programme and nurture a pool of UAE interns over the course of the next four years, the banking group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with partners, including Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) and University of Sharjah (UoS).

The joint initiative will equip young UAE nationals with critical skills and practical knowledge needed to flourish in the field of digital and information technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), ultimately contributing to priority sectors of the national digital economy.

With a high percentage of the UAE student population is pursuing core STEM areas including information communication technology (ICT), engineering, and natural sciences, this programme aims to upskill these graduates by applying the skills they have learned into real-life work experiences with experts in the industry.

.@EmiratesNBD_AE launches ‘National Digital Talent Programme’.This comes as part of ongoing efforts to support #UAE government’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, which aims at developing a world-class national workforce proficient in AI and related technologies pic.twitter.com/UM3JOWKH4m

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 14, 2022

Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, affirmed the UAE’s keenness to prepare future generations, building their capabilities, and equipping them with advanced knowledge to build a strong digital economy. He added that the UAE government is committed to supporting programmes and initiatives that develop national talent akin to the industry level.

Through its partnership with Higher Colleges of Technology and University of Sharjah, Emirates NBD will offer internship opportunities for UAE national students to shape their future and create a stronger talent pipeline to support the bank’s digital and IT departments. The paid internships will provide undergraduate students an exposure to the latest technologies and innovations in the financial services industry.

Emirates NBD will also support the Coders HQ’s mission to create the highest number of coders per capita and attract global talent to set up their base in the UAE. To achieve this, the bank will provide more than 20 real-world business challenges through structured events including coding hackathons, design and test hacks, and deliver at least 40 curated learning interventions through their best-in-class digital and IT leaders.

Abdulla Qassem, group COO, Emirates NBD said: “As a leading regional bank and a pioneer in the digital services industry, we are confident that in partnership with Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office and prestigious institutions such as Higher Colleges of Technology and University of Sharjah, we can help develop the digital capabilities of young UAE talent, who form the future of the nation and will contribute to building an agile, future-proof economy.”

Emirates NBD Group has launched a number of development and training programmes specifically for Emiratis, as a part of its commitment to UAE talent development. Last year, the bank with the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office to support the National Program for Coders, the largest ever UAE initiative to foster the development of coding talent in the country. The bank also launched a new and exclusive graduate program called “Ruwad”, to propel young Emiratis into leadership roles. The programme was the first of many initiatives to be introduced in response to the government’s federal NAFIS programme and also the largest investment the bank has ever made in a single talent management.