NBAD’s contributions to higher education rewarded

The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), the Number One Bank in the UAE, has been rewarded for its financial and strategic contributions to the Higher Colleges of Technology's (HCT) programmes to strengthen higher education and the development national human resources.

At a special ceremony held at Abu Dhabi Men's College, H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, the UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Chancellor of HCT, presented a special commemorative to NBAD for its continues support to the HCT Foundation's 100-Club.

Ruwaida S. Shahbal, the Head of Recruitment and Operations at NBAD Human Resources Group- SVP, represented the Bank at the ceremony and received the commemoration from Sheikh H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan and Tony Blair, the former UK Prime Minister.

"We are honoured and proud to receive this special recognition," said Ehab Anis Hassan, the NBAD Group Chief Human Resources Officer. "The most valuable resource of the UAE is its people. This is why NBAD actively engages in initiatives and programmes that train, educate, and prepare the nation's youth."

He added: "In addition to launching our own programmes, NBAD has consistently partnered with several organisations to increase educational and career opportunities for UAE nationals."

NBAD is a founding member of the of the HCT Foundation's 100-Club and last year signed a three-year agreement with HCT to fund two Deans in Banking and Finance based at HCT's Abu Dhabi Women's College and Al Ain Men's College.

"It was an honour for me to represent NBAD at this special ceremony and share the stage with His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan. I am extremely proud of NBAD's role in this worthy programme and our consistent contribution to others," said Ms. Ruwaida S. Shahbal.

Over the summer, NBAD launched the Derasatee Programme 2010 with

Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council (ADTC), and Emirates Institute of Banking and Financial Studies (EIBFS). Under this programme, NBAD is to hire 30 UAE nationals and sponsor their enhanced training. The Bank's Afaq programme, under which NBAD hires scores of recent college graduates and allows them to spend the first year of their employment to further their training in financial services industry, is distinguished throughout the nation.

"NBAD fully believes that its investment in training UAE nationals and preparing them for promising careers in financial services industry is a worthy cause that would bear great results for the Bank as a company and for the nation as a whole," Mr. Hassan said.

NBAD has been recipient of many awards and recognitions for its Emiratisation programmes.

The Bank has won the Human Resources Development Award in Banking Sector in 2008 and 2009; and Michael H. Tomalin, the Chief Executive of NBAD, won this year the Best Emiratisation CEO Award from EIBFS.