•Graduates join the fourth phase of FGB's Nujoom scheme

•26 students now graduated from the programme

•FGB consolidates UAE banking sector with local Emirati talent

Abu Dhabi, 09 September, 2014: As part of its ongoing strategy to build and strengthen a sustainable pipeline of talented Emirati employees, FGB, one of the leading banks in the UAE, has launched the fourth phase of its fast-track management trainee programme, 'Nujoom. 14 Emirati banking and finance graduates from local and international universities have joined the programme, which will allow trainees to experience a diverse range of FGB's business functions, through departmental rotations.

The 18-month Nujoom scheme will provide the trainees with hands-on experience and knowledge of the bank's various departments, whilst allowing them to identify where their key strengths lie and which career path they would like to pursue at the bank.

Noora Al Reyasi, Vice President and Head of UAE National Development at FGB, said: "Our Nujoom programme will equip the trainees with the practical experience and leadership skills they will need to progress in their careers. The scheme features privately-held, regular advisory sessions, interactive modules which incorporate business simulations, group work, projects, assessments, and individual as well as team presentations."

Work-experience opportunities are available to graduates across the business, from Consumer Banking, Treasury, Information Security and Corporate Affairs to Wealth Management, HR, IT, Wholesale Banking and Finance.

Abdulrahman Saqr, Senior Vice President of HR and Head of Emiratisation at FGB, said: "The Nujoom scheme has enabled the bank to tap into a wealth of potential talent within the Emirati community and it is vital to the success of FGB's medium to long-term Emiratisation strategy. With 26 UAE nationals having now graduated from the programme, Nujoom has already proven to be a major success at FGB and we're very pleased to welcome our fourth batch of graduates to the scheme."

FGB offers a wide range of programmes specifically designed to enhance the professional skills of Emiratis and prepare them for roles within the banking industry. These include the bank's Al Masar scheme, a customised programme for existing staff members which was launched to identify internal high potential talent and equip them with a fast-track learning journey. FGB also provides its Al Manara and Arshedni schemes, which aid in the ongoing development of the bank's Emirati employees.

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About FGB
As a major leading bank in the UAE, FGB had Shareholder Equity of AED 31.0 billion as of June 30th, 2014 making it one of the largest equity based banks in the UAE. Established in 1979 and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE, the bank offers a full range of financial services to business and consumer sectors throughout an extensive network of branches across the UAE. Internationally, FGB has branches in Singapore and Qatar, representative offices in India, Hong Kong, Seoul and London and a subsidiary in Libya.

Today, FGB is recognised as a world-class organisation committed to maximising value for shareholders, customers and employees as it focuses on delivering banking products and services that meet client needs and support the UAE's dynamic economy. In line with its commitment to excellence the bank continues to invest significantly in people and technology to provide superior service standards. FGB was named the 'Best Bank in the United Arab Emirates' and 'Best Wealth Management Firm' at the Banker Middle East Industry Awards 2014. It was also ranked as the 8th most powerful company in the Arab World and 4th leading bank in Forbes' 'Top 500 companies in the Arab World' list.

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Ghaleb Zeidan                                                                                 
Weber Shandwick MENA                                                               
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Email: GZeidan@webershandwick.com                                     

Jennifer Cain
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Email: JCain@webershandwick.com 

Hiba Haddad
Weber Shandwick MENA
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Email: hhaddad@webershandwick.com    

© Press Release 2014