Abu Dhabi, 21 May 2011: Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank ("ADCB"), in an initiative unique to the UAE banking industry, today held a UAE National Development Forum for all managerial and executive Emiratis within its workforce. The forum took place at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi and was attended by H.E. Ali Rashed Al Ketbi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council, Mr. Essa Al Zaabi, Deputy General Manager, Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies and Mr. Saleh Omar Abdulla, Director - Abu Dhabi Campus, Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies. Guests at the forum were also honoured with the presence of ADCB's Board of Directors, ADCB's Chief Executive Office, Mr. Ala'a Eraiqat, its Senior Management team and all executive and managerial Nationals. 

The UAE National Development Forum offered Emiratis working at ADCB the opportunity to strengthen their network with each other, as well as with senior management and members of external government organisations. While showcasing ADCB's latest strategy on Emiratisation, the forum also presented key business trends and information on the development needs of Nationals across the UAE.

ADCB Nationals participated in an interactive development workshop and listened to a presentation from the Bank's Chairman, Mr. Eissa Al Suwaidi. Other presentations were delivered by the Head of Human Resources Group, Mr. Ali Darwish, and two senior business managers.

Chairman of ADCB, Mr. Eissa Al Suwaidi said: "The UAE National Development Forum was yet another step forwards in ADCB's ongoing efforts to support Emiratisation initiatives within the banking industry. UAE banks have a responsibility to support and educate existing and potential National employees through innovative initiatives and we feel the forum achieved this by further strengthening the National networks within the industry." 

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About ADCB:
ADCB was incorporated in July 1985 as a public joint stock company in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. ADCB's authorized and issued share capital is currently AED 4.81 billion. ADCB is owned 64.8% by the Abu Dhabi Government through the Abu Dhabi Investment Council.  Its shares are traded on the Abu Dhabi Securities Market.

As at 31 March 2011, ADCB's total assets were approximately AED 180,705 billion. As at the same date, its capital adequacy ratio was 17.03 per cent.  As at 31 March 2011, ADCB employed over 3,824 people from 48 nationalities, serving approximately 550,000 retail customers and over 23,000 wholesale clients in 50 branches in the UAE and 2 branches in India.

ADCB is a full-service commercial bank which offers a wide range of products and services such as retail banking, wealth management, private banking, corporate banking, commercial banking, cash management, investment banking, corporate finance, foreign exchange, interest rate, currency, derivative, Islamic products, project finance and property management services.

For further information please contact:
Corporate Communications Department ADCB
Tel: +971 (0) 2 696 2380
Fax: +971 (0) 2 610 9852

© Press Release 2011