Ajman Bank has inaugurated a new cohort of Emirati professionals through its comprehensive ETHRAA development framework, marking a significant advancement in its nationalization strategy. The initiative represents a strategic commitment to cultivating homegrown talent within the UAE’s financial services industry.
The bank’s leadership emphasizes that human capital development serves as a fundamental pillar for institutional resilience and sustainable growth. Chief Executive Officer Mustafa Al Khalfawi stated: ‘Our deliberate focus on Emiratization enables us to build critical capabilities, leadership depth, and organizational continuity. This investment in national talent aligns perfectly with our governance framework and core values, ultimately enhancing our capacity to deliver long-term value to the communities we serve.’
The newly recruited employees will undergo an intensive week-long orientation program developed in partnership with the Emirates Finance Institute. This curriculum transcends conventional onboarding by incorporating executive-led sessions, structured learning across essential banking disciplines, and immersion into the bank’s Islamic finance principles and operational methodologies.
Chief Human Resources Officer Hend Ismail Al Ali elaborated on the program’s design: ‘ETHRAA establishes a sustainable ecosystem for empowering UAE Nationals through clear professional development pathways. This initiative supports both the evolving requirements of the banking sector and the nation’s broader objective of building a knowledge-based economy driven by national capabilities.’
The program’s distinctive feature involves active participation from the Executive Committee members, who serve as presenters and mentors to reinforce institutional alignment and cultural values. This leadership engagement ensures early exposure to decision-making principles and performance expectations, fostering accountability and organizational belonging from the outset.
Ajman Bank’s systematic approach to talent development recently garnered recognition when the institution secured first place in the Medium-sized Entities category at the prestigious Nafis Awards. The ETHRAA program continues to serve as a persistent catalyst within the bank’s talent ecosystem, integrating skills-based development, mentorship, and strategic exposure to prepare Emirati professionals for leadership positions across the organization.