ADIB Wins Diamond Category at Nafis Award in Recognition of its Leadership in Emiratisation

ADIB Wins Diamond Category at Nafis Award in Recognition of its Leadership in Emiratisation

Abu Dhabi, 24 October 2025 – Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), a leading Islamic financial institution, has been awarded the Diamond Category in the Nafis Award by the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, in recognition of its outstanding efforts in supporting Emiratisation and empowering national talent.

His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Presidential Court, Chairman of the Central Bank of the UAE, and Chairman of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council “Nafis,” honoured the winners of the third edition of the award (2024–2025).

Earlier this year, ADIB announced a strategic initiative to hire 400 UAE Nationals in Al Ain by the end of 2026, underscoring its long-term commitment to advancing the UAE’s Emiratisation agenda and increasing Emirati participation in the banking sector. The initiative aligns with the National Strategy for Skills Development and the Nafis Programme, aiming to create high-quality career opportunities across compliance, collections, and banking operations, thereby strengthening the capabilities of the national workforce.

In line with the UAE’s vision to provide promising career paths for citizens in the banking sector and nurture the next generation of Emirati leaders, ADIB has launched a range of advanced training and development programmes designed to meet the evolving needs of the modern financial industry and build a strong pipeline of future leaders.

Commenting on the recognition, Mohamed Abdelbary, Group Chief Executive Officer of ADIB, said:
“At ADIB, supporting Emirati talent is a strategic priority. Attracting and empowering UAE Nationals remains at the heart of our growth strategy. We are proud of our strong Emiratisation record and reaffirm our commitment as a national institution to attracting, developing, and retaining Emirati talent. We will continue to align with the leadership’s vision to empower and advance Emiratis across the financial sector through meaningful opportunities and programmes that foster growth and leadership.”

Bushra Al Shehhi, Group Chief HR Officer and Chairman of Kawader, added:

“Receiving this prestigious recognition highlights ADIB’s deep commitment to nurturing and empowering national talent within the banking sector. The Nafis Programme has played a pivotal role in supporting Emiratisation efforts by providing effective tools and well-designed initiatives that help attract, train, and develop UAE Nationals to contribute to the nation’s progress and excellence, in line with the leadership’s aspirations to enhance Emirati participation in the private sector.”

This recognition underscores ADIB’s continued leadership in supporting and empowering national talent to play an active role in driving the UAE’s economic development. It also reflects the bank’s commitment to fostering an attractive and inclusive workplace environment, while developing programmes and initiatives that align with the aspirations of Emirati professionals and open new opportunities for growth and innovation within the banking sector.