During the “Future-Ready Human Resources Conference,” the Emirates Banking Union reaffirmed its commitment to advancing talent and human capital development, especially focusing on the Emirati youth. The aim is to equip them with essential skills and knowledge by supporting continuous learning, fostering innovation, and adopting advanced technologies to meet future demands.
The Union emphasized that the UAE banking sector, under the direct supervision of the Central Bank of the UAE, is dedicated to launching and leading initiatives that provide employees with the necessary skills to adapt to the rapid transformations occurring in the financial and banking industries worldwide, especially in the context of digital transformation and the integration of artificial intelligence, along with evolving customer demands.
The conference featured prominent banking and financial leaders, representatives from the central bank, various government departments, as well as numerous experts in human resource development and employment, discussing key trends in human capital enhancement.
The Emirates Banking Union actively collaborates with its member banks, regulatory bodies, and academic institutions to foster a culture of continuous professional development through programs aimed at enhancing digital competencies, specialized training in diverse banking and financial areas, promoting innovation, and nurturing national talents. The Union also places a strong emphasis on leadership skills such as adaptability, decision-making, and responsible leadership.
These initiatives align with the UAE’s national strategies, including the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and localization objectives aimed at empowering Emirati talents in vital economic sectors, in conjunction with the localization plan set by the Central Bank of the UAE.
In his keynote address at the Future-Ready Human Resources Conference, Jamal Saleh, the General Director of the Emirates Banking Union, stated, “Human capital is the foremost and most crucial asset of the banking sector. We focus on preparing talents and teams to meet future demands, in line with the directives of the Central Bank of the UAE. We view this as essential to maintain the banking sector’s leading position and its resilience and competitiveness globally. Given the rapid technological advancements, ongoing investment in digital skills, data analysis, cybersecurity, and sustainable finance is a strategic necessity.”
The General Director emphasized the priority of enhancing localization within the banking sector and the importance of continuing to implement talent and human capital development strategies. This approach builds on the achievements of member banks over the past year, which surpassed targets by achieving a growth rate of 152.9% with the recruitment of 2,866 Emiratis in 2024.
Saleh added, “The banking sector has supported efforts to establish the UAE as a leading financial and banking hub. As we strive to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies, we will continue our efforts to develop Emirati skills and leadership that align with future needs by driving innovation and adhering to the highest standards of compliance and quality, while enhancing collaboration with the central bank and all local and international partners to advance human capital, which is the cornerstone of the sector’s development.”