MUDHI ALOBTHANI (ABU DHABI)

Empowering Emirati talent and preparing them for leadership in the financial sector lies at the heart of the new partnership between ADGM Academy (ADGMA) and Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank).

The collaboration, announced earlier this month, is part of ADGMA’s broader mission to prepare and upskill local talent for the workforce, strengthening their participation in the private sector and contributing to the UAE’s long-term economic growth.

Speaking to Aletihad, Ali Al Mehairi, Senior Director of Business Enablement at ADGM Academy, said the main goal of the partnership is to nurture and develop the next generation of Emirati talent through a collaborative framework that supports national development.

“This partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to empowering Emirati talent through meaningful, future-focused development. We invite participants to be part of a transformative journey that equips them with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to shape the future of the UAE’s financial sector,” Al Mehairi said.

He explained that the initiative primarily targets Emirati staff at Al Maryah Community Bank, offering tailored programmes to develop their skills and support career growth within the banking sector.

The MoU will see both institutions work together on a range of training programmes, courses, and initiatives aimed at upskilling national talent and ensuring a smooth transition into the private sector. These will include national development programmes and customised courses, such as those focused on artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and financial innovation. Participants will also take part in collaborative learning opportunities hosted by both organisations.

According to Al Mehairi, the partnership will help develop local financial talent by addressing critical skill gaps, offering tailored learning pathways, enhancing the capabilities of current employees, and supporting the recruitment and retention of Emirati talent. It will also provide experiential and educational opportunities aligned with the latest market demands.

Innovation and technology are key features of the collaboration, he said. “The partnership integrates future-ready skills and supports digital transformation goals, reflecting the bank’s identity as the UAE’s leading digital bank and aligning with ADGMA’s focus on financial and digital training,” Al Mehairi said. “Our methodology is to follow the dynamic changes in the market and design programmes that enable future success — such as those focusing on AI applications to enhance day-to-day operations.”

The success of the collaboration, he added, will be measured through several indicators, including recruitment and retention rates of Emirati talent; improvements in employee capabilities; recognition and awards received; and contributions to the UAE’s national agenda.

Al Mehairi highlighted that the partnership directly supports the UAE’s financial sector goals by empowering citizens with essential skills, fostering sustainable employment, and promoting innovation and knowledge exchange. “It contributes to the UAE’s vision of becoming a global hub for knowledge, innovation, and economic resilience,” he said.

While the collaboration progressed seamlessly due to the strong alignment between both organisations, the initial phase involved designing training programmes that truly addressed Emirati talent needs and ensuring that technology integration stayed relevant amid a fast-changing financial landscape. “Successfully overcoming these challenges has reinforced the foundation of our collaboration and amplified the impact of our joint initiatives,” Al Mehairi said.

Looking ahead, both parties plan to expand and introduce new programmes to respond to future market needs. “The MoU establishes a long-term collaboration, suggesting ongoing development and expansion of programmes to meet evolving demands,” Al Mehairi explained. “Through close cooperation with Mbank, the academy ensures both organisations remain agile and ready to adapt as market needs evolve.”