Ethraa Program: Pioneering Future Financial Leaders In The UAE

The Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF) has marked a milestone in the banking and finance training sector by graduating the first cohort of its "Ethraa Program" for the 2022-2023 period. This initiative is part of a broader effort to nationalize the finance sector by equipping professionals with the necessary skills. To date, EIF has trained over 122,683 citizens, including more than 100 finance leaders, through its various partnerships. The Ethraa Program specifically has seen 1839 citizens trained across more than 20 specializations, boasting a success rate exceeding 84%. Notably, fields such as programming and cybersecurity have seen a 100% success rate.

Furthermore, EIF's commitment to Emiratization has led to the employment of 1100 UAE citizens in specialized financial sector jobs within 2023 alone. The institute has also enrolled over 80 citizens in the Future-Tech Leaders Program and trained more than 100 Emiratis in collaboration with the University of Oxford through the Leadership Program. These efforts align with the government's vision to achieve an Emiratization rate of 45% in banking and 30% in insurance sectors, thereby empowering Emiratis and enhancing their contributions to the future economy.

The training courses offered by EIF are meticulously designed to align with the dynamic job market and evolving skill requirements in the financial sector. By focusing on empowering Emirati youth with high-level education, EIF aims to cultivate competent financial leaders capable of contributing to a diversified and innovative economy. This vision is in harmony with the UAE 2030 Vision for sustainable development and prosperity.

Graduates of the Ethraa program have expressed their gratitude for the skills acquired and the career opportunities provided within banking and finance. EIF's strategic partnerships with both local and international entities, including the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, Harvard University, and Cisco, have been instrumental in expanding the scope and impact of their programs.

In essence, EIF's initiatives in Emiratization are pivotal for advancing the skills of Emirati youth in the banking and finance sector. Through its comprehensive training programs, partnerships, and dedicated efforts towards Emiratization, EIF is shaping a future where Emirati professionals are well-equipped to meet the industry's evolving demands.

With inputs from WAM