ADCB Localises Entire Banking Workforce In Al Ain, Setting New Standards For Emiratization

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) has recently accomplished a significant feat by achieving full Emiratisation in all banking roles within its branches in Al Ain, marking a notable step in the bank's commitment to promoting local talent and aligning with the UAE's broader national goals.

This initiative has positioned ADCB as a leader in the banking sector's Emiratisation efforts, reflecting its dedication to fostering a future-ready workforce and contributing to the country's economic growth.

ADCB's strategic focus on Emiratisation has led to the creation of around 300 jobs for UAE nationals in Al Ain, encompassing a wide range of skilled positions across various departments such as Islamic Banking, Corporate Banking, and Wealth Management, among others.

These roles are filled by UAE nationals who bring an average of nine years of loyalty and dedication to their positions, supported by comprehensive training programs and clear career advancement pathways. This commitment is set to continue, with plans to introduce 300 more positions for UAE nationals by 2026, further solidifying ADCB's leadership in Emiratisation within the banking sector in Al Ain.

ADCB's Strategic Emiratisation Efforts and Future Plans

Ala'a Eraiqat, Group Chief Executive Officer of ADCB, emphasized the importance of Emiratisation in the bank's strategy, stating, "Emiratisation is a cornerstone of our strategy designed to foster sustainable growth across the banking sector and the broader economy. By investing in national talent, we are not only building a future-ready workforce but also creating a robust pipeline of leaders who will drive innovation and excellence.

"This milestone represented by the full localization of our banking workforce in Al Ain, serves as a clear testament to the bank's unwavering commitment to its strategic vision of empowering UAE nationals to achieve their full potential and in contributing to the accelerated realization of the national agenda objectives."

In recognition of its successful Emiratisation strategy, ADCB has been awarded first place in the 'Nafis' award for large entities in the banking sector, an accolade that highlights the bank's excellence in nurturing Emirati talent. The award was presented at a ceremony presided over by H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reflecting the significance of ADCB's efforts in promoting Emiratisation within the UAE's financial sector.

Empowering Women and Young Emiratis in the Banking Sector

A key component of ADCB's Emiratisation strategy is the empowerment of women and young Emiratis within the banking sector. The 'Tamooha' initiative, marking its 10th anniversary in 2024, has been instrumental in providing employment opportunities to over 400 UAE national women, with 178 currently active in the program. This initiative spans various business sectors and banking specialties, showcasing ADCB's commitment to diversity and gender equality in the workplace.

Moreover, ADCB's dedication to fostering young talent is evident in its workforce demographics, with over 41% of its Emirati employees being under the age of 30. This is indicative of the bank's focus on nurturing the next generation of leaders and professionals in the banking industry.

Support for the professional growth of Emirati employees is a cornerstone of ADCB's philosophy. In 2024 alone, UAE nationals completed over 116,847 hours of training, and 168 were promoted, underscoring the bank's investment in career development.

Additionally, Emirati leaders play a pivotal role in ADCB's strategic direction, with significant representation in key management committees. Emiratis with voting rights make up 60% of the Compliance Committee and 62% of the Risk Management Committee, showcasing the bank's commitment to integrating local expertise in its governance structures.