First Gulf Bank (FGB), the leading financial partner of choice has launched a leadership development programme called “Nujoom” for Emirati university graduates.

Nujoom is tailored to develop future leaders in the market and to promote a larger talent group for FGB, and the finance and banking sector in general. The 18-month Emiratisation scheme is one of many key initiatives in place at FGB to build a qualified UAE Nationals and to provide them with the necessary tools to succeed in the sector.

The programme targets individuals who have studied in local or international universities, and comprises three phases structured to expose participants to real-life work scenarios, guidance and mentoring. It also helps them to enhance their networking skills and work relations as well as to provide hands-on experience of the basic knowledge required to operate within the finance industry, as well as to leadership training, problem solving and workplace skills.

In addition, Nujoom provides graduates with extensive insight into the banking sector. The goal is to fully orient them with the required knowledge prior to their permanent employment at the bank. Topics tackled over the course of the programme include an introduction to FGB and its values, the structure and performance of the UAE banking sector, current financial issues, the development of retail and non-retail businesses, the critical importance of customer service, an overview of lateral, critical and effective thinking, and the role and purpose of anti-money laundering policies and procedures, among others.

Commenting on Nujoom, Ayadh Farooq, Head of National Development at FGB, said: “FGB appreciates that it is not alone in striving to enhance the capabilities and opportunities for the youth of this country; not only are we enhancing programmes that we have run up to now aimed at the professional development of fresh Emirati graduates, but we are also encouraging more nationals to consider jobs in the banking sector. We see Nujoom as different in that, it is a pivotal part of our business strategy, and we have integrated it into our five year plan for enhancing our structure and growth. This makes it much more potent than many other similar programmes being run elsewhere in the sector.”

Noora Al Reyasi, Head of Nujoom also commented: “We are looking to add value and not just numbers, as we work towards becoming the employer of choice for UAE Nationals. Our career training and development programmes are created to offer real-life skill sets and career growth opportunities. As a UAE-based bank, we are on a fast track to recruit more Emiratis, and we will continue to work towards developing more programmes of this kind to achieve our goal.”

Nujoom is among a range of initiatives at First Gulf Bank to attract more qualified UAE nationals to the banking field. The programme is tailored to reflect feedback from senior executives in different divisions in the bank and in response to FGB’s meetings with other banks in the Emirate on the challenges facing Emiratisation.

Through covering lectures, simulations, group sessions and field visits, Nujoom incorporates practical training methods to best convey the skills and information needed to recipients. Not only will participants be assigned individual projects by their relevant departments, but they will be also challenged to solve real-life issue facing FGB under the guidance of senior managers. These activities will help develop their thinking and problem-solving skills, build teamwork, as well as enhance participants’ confidence and visibility. Business simulations will also be offered to provide background on key goals for the bank. Throughout the course, feedback and performance assessments will be conducted to provide constructive comments to participants and to ensure that they are fully benefiting from the programme.

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