Sharjah Islamic Bank appoints 45 Emirati employees

As part of a MoU with Directorate of Human Resources in Sharjah

Sharjah, 12^th of May, 2012: Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB) announced the appointment of 45 UAE nationals in the differennt branches and departments of SIB, during an open-day held at SIB's headquarters under the patronage and presence of HE Tariq bin Khadim, Chairman of the Directorate of Human Resources in Sharjah and HE Mohammed Abdullah, CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank. This step is a translation of the vision of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

During the open day, SIB appointed 16 UAE nationals from the Eastern Region, as phase one of the appointments, who started their tasks in Kalba, Dibba Al Hsn, Khorfakkan and Fujeirah branches. Through this initiative, the total number of UAE nationals appointed in SIB reached 45 starting from the beginning of 2012, as per Memorandum of Understanding between SIB and the Directorate of Human Resources in Sharjah.

Speaking on the occasion, HE Tariq bin Khadim, Chairman of the Directorate of Human Resources in Sharjah, said, "The appointment of this first group of national resources comes within the framework of the directorate's strategic approach of assisting and providing job seekers with adequate training and appropriate placement in the government or private sector. The initiative is, indeed, in line with the SIB's belief in the importance of social partnership and the imperative to support all community and service institutions in the country. This step is, also, part of the SIB's prominent role in recruiting and training national job seekers. I would like, on this occasion, to extend our thanks and appreciation to Sharjah Islamic Bank for their tireless efforts and constant endeavours to implement the Emiratization vision at grassroots leve, and therefore, becoming role model in this regard".

Addressing the appointed candidates, Chairman of the Directorate of Human Resources in Sharjah, said, "We congratulate you on being appointed to Sharjah Islamic Bank, a prestigious financial institution to be proud of. I advise you to exert your utmost efforts to prove yourselves in the private sector. Our nation is looking forward to seeing and benefiting from the results of your efforts, achievements, and creativity."

HE Mohammed Abdullah, CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank, said, "Emiratization is one of our most important priorities in line with the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Chairman of the Sharjah Islamic Bank. Attracting and offering national resources the right positions, developing their skills and experience, and providing them with career progression and development opportunities for successful tenure in Islamic banking are amongst our most important duties under the slogan 'Our Nationalism Leads Us'."

HE Mohammed Abdullah added, "Emiratization program will have significant impact on organizational level, when the right staff is put in the right place to contribute to the growth process and play their part towards the continued development of the nation." Mr. Mohammed Abdullah welcomed the new employees on board, wishing them continued success in their new positions and expressing delight in welcoming them to the SIB team, as they are highly motivated to serve their country and further strengthen its leading position. He said the door is open for other creative talents to join the national employees at the bank.

HE Mohammed Abdullah, CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank, held a meeting with new employees who joined the bank in the last year. He shared his experience with them, urging them to continue learning and gaining experience, pursue greater creativity and live up to their aspirations and hopes.

Sharjah Islamic Bank and the Directorate of Human Resources in Sharjah recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the latter's headquarters for the appointment of a number of national graduates in the bank's various departments and branches. According to the agreement, several groups of qualified national resources will be appointed in the bank over a period of two years. Employees were selected following interviews held with candidates from the Eastern region at the Kalba branch of the Directorate of Human Resources.

About Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB):
Sharjah Islamic Bank, formerly known as National Bank of Sharjah, was founded by an Amiri decree issued by H.H. Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council, and Ruler of Sharjah, to provide commercial banking services to firms and individuals. Originally a conventional bank, Sharjah Islamic Bank became the first in the world to convert successfully to Islamic banking in 2002. Since then, all operating systems and procedures have been modified to facilitate this conversion and all employees trained in Islamic banking.

For further information, please contact:
Serine Srouji
SAHARA Communications
Tel: +971 4 3298996
Fax: +971 4 3298995
Email: serin@saharagcc.com