Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the MENAT region, has announced the launch of the fifth cohort of its flagship graduate leadership programme, Ruwad. Since its inception in September 2021, the programme has been a cornerstone of the bank’s Emiratisation agenda, designed to accelerate the career progression of high-potential UAE National graduates into management and executive positions.
A Unique Model With Global And Tech Partnerships
The two-year Ruwad programme provides participants with a distinctive blend of hands-on experience and elite training. A hallmark feature is its secondment component, which places graduates with 15 leading partner organisations, including KPMG, Plug & Play, Visa, and Dell. This exposure to diverse industries, combined with involvement in Emirates NBD’s own strategic projects and international placements across the bank’s global network, offers a holistic development experience complemented by world-class mentoring and performance management.
A Strategic Pillar For Emiratisation And Global Growth
The programme has become strategically vital to Emirates NBD’s wider growth strategy, particularly as the bank expands internationally. Eman Abdulrazzaq, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, noted that Ruwad is preparing Emiratis for leadership opportunities not only in the UAE but also in key markets like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, India, and Türkiye. The initiative has demonstrated strong results, with nearly 100% of participants advancing into managerial roles at twice the speed of traditional career paths. Furthermore, each cohort has maintained a consistent 50-50 gender balance, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to developing diverse leadership.
Investing In The Next Generation Of Emirati Leaders
Ruwad, along with the Bedaya programme, forms the foundation of Emirates NBD’s significant investment in young Emirati talent. The bank’s commitment extends beyond these entry-level pathways, offering continuous career acceleration through sponsored MBA programmes, executive education at world-class institutions like Oxford University, and numerous opportunities for both domestic and international career mobility. This comprehensive approach ensures a robust pipeline of capable Emirati leaders poised to shape the future of the banking sector.
About Emirates NBD
Emirates NBD is a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) region, with a presence in 13 countries. Serving over 9 million customers, the Group has operations in the UAE, Egypt, India, Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, among other key markets. As a key participant in the digital banking industry, Emirates NBD is a leader in innovation and is committed to supporting the UAE’s main development and sustainability initiatives.
Source: Zawya
