National Bank of Dubai

Emirates NBD advances Nationalisation Efforts
Sixth batch of PAL Trainees Celebrate Graduation

Press Releases Dubai, 30 March, 2008

Emirates NBD, the biggest banking group in the Middle East by assets under management and the largest banking group in the UAE by market capitalisation, has graduated another 7 UAE Nationals from its Programme for Accelerated Learning (PAL). The initiative forms part of the bank’s ongoing efforts to develop and train talented UAE Nationals. Present at the graduation ceremony was Mr. Rick Pudner, CEO of Emirates NBD who presented the graduates with their certificates along with other members of the Senior Management of the group.

Addressing the graduates, Mr. Rick Pudner said:” I am really proud to see another batch of qualified and talented young UAE Nationals accomplish the PAL programme. Emirates NBD is the biggest bank in the GCC and these individuals are playing a major role as we grow further to achieve our ambitions. So far, the achievements have been great in terms of the integration of both banks and all this is due to the efforts and commitment of our staff. The PAL programme comes in line with Emirates NBD’s commitment to continuously develop our Human Resources and grow to become the most successful bank in the region.”

PAL is the first programme of its kind in the UAE that enables UAE Nationals to take part in a comprehensive, in depth programme for personal and professional growth. PAL puts trainees through a rigorous 18-month course to gain the skills and knowledge to perform supervisory or managerial roles and become leaders within their areas of expertise. Modules of the PAL programme include branch banking, management development and banking products and services. The programme is then followed by job placements, mentoring and further job-specific training designed to help the recruits succeed in their new careers.

Commenting on bank’s Emiratisation strategy, Mr Husam Al Sayed, General Manager Human Resources, Emirates NBD, said: “We consider our staff as our most valuable asset as they are the most critical factor which lead to the success of an organisation. Emirates NBD is committed to increasing its efforts to attract, develop and retain young and talented UAE Nationals. This comes in line with our strategy to improve the talents and skill sets of our staff, providing them with meaningful career paths so we may form the future leaders of the Emirates NBD group and our country.”

Mr. Al Sayed continues: "PAL trainees are equipped with the latest, world-class banking practices. The high standards that we’ve adopted as benchmarks for the skills of our trainees distinguish them from their peers in the industry. Successful candidates have passed a series of tests that enable them to deal with challenging tasks they may face in their future careers.”

The PAL initiative, which is growing to become the most advanced and innovative UAE Nationals Management training programme in the country is now in its third year and has celebrated the graduation of over 50 UAE Nationals who are currently working at different departments in Emirates NBD. The programme is part of the Emirates NBD Academy which was established to train and develop young UAE and GCC Nationals on the latest international best practices in the banking and financial industry.

Mr. Rick Pudner, CEO Emirates NBD and Mr. Hussam Al Sayed (General Manager Human Resources, Emirates NBD with the PAL graduates.

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Reported by 'Corporate Communications'