One of the largest banking groups in the Middle East, 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 program was launched in conjunction with the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office, Mr. Omar bin Sultan Al Olama.
With the aim to nurture a pool of UAE interns over the next four years, the banking group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Teleworking Applications Office, as well as the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) and University of Sharjah (UoS).
According to the statement, this comes as part of ongoing efforts to support the UAE government’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, which aims at developing a world-class national workforce proficient in AI and related technologies.
The joint initiative will contribute to building and growing local digital talent by offering the necessary resources and equipping young UAE nationals with critical skills and practical knowledge needed to flourish in the field of digital and information technologies including AI, ultimately contributing to priority sectors of the national digital economy.
Mr. Al Olama affirmed the UAE’s keenness to prepare future generations, building their capabilities, and equipping them with advanced knowledge, enabling them to contribute to the UAE Government’s mission of building an innovative future, and enhancing its global status.
The minister further added that “providing the necessary resources and equipping young nationals’ digital talents with the critical skills and practical knowledge is a key priority to flourish in the field of digital and information technologies, especially; Artificial Intelligence, ultimately contributing to priority sectors of the national digital economy.”
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Abdulla Qassem, Group Chief Operating Officer, Emirates NBD said that, “We are extremely pleased to support the UAE’s mission to become one of the world leaders in Artificial Intelligence by 2031. As a bank that has always championed innovation and is a leader in digital banking, we are committed to catalyzing the digital capabilities of our future workforce and will continue to invest in building the national digital economy.”
Through its partnership with Higher Colleges of Technology and UoS, 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 Information Technology departments.
The paid internships will provide undergraduate students an exposure to the latest technologies and innovations in the financial services industry and directly learn from its digital transformation leaders in AI, Cloud, Open Banking, Robotics, Platforms, FinTech, and Security.
Furthermore, Emirates NBD will 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.
