Emirates NBD staff celebrate 50th anniversary on Mt. Kilimanjaro

As part of its activities to mark the 50th anniversary of its establishment as the first national bank in the UAE, Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, has organised a trip to Mount Kilimanjaro, in Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania. Organised in co-ordination with Gulf for Good, the Kilimanjaro challenge will see 50 adventure enthusiasts, from among the bank staff, climb the highest free-standing mountain in the world. 

The objective of the enterprise is to support “Amani,” a children’s charity in Tanzania, further reflecting Emirates NBD’s interest in children, who will be the future citizens of the world. Led by UAE Nationals, the venture, which has attracted participation from diverse group of employees covering 20 nationalities across all divisions at the bank, also encourages team spirit and self-development among the staff. 

A dormant volcanic mountain, Kilimanjaro comprises of three volcanic cones – Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira - and is the highest mountain in Tanzania. Towering 5,895 metres or 19,341 feet above sea level, the Uhuru Peak/ Kibo Peak on Mt Kilimanjaro has also been officially declared as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. 

“Emirates NBD’s human resources is our greatest capital and the bank’s 50th anniversary celebrations would be incomplete without the contribution of our employees,” said Hussam Al Sayed, General Manager Human Resources, Emirates NBD. “As a significant representation of Emirates NBD’s vision to be the most innovative financial services provider in the region, the Mt. Kilimanjaro climb is a venture that epitomizes the multicultural strength of our staff, underlines the bank’s position as a key pillar in community development, reflects its investment in the future and represents the company’s vision.” 

The 50-staff members undertaking the journey will be divided into two groups of 25 each with the first group set to depart on June 21st, while the second group will follow a week later on June 28th. Each group will be away for a total of nine days, which includes five days of trekking. 

“At Gulf for Good, we organise exciting adventure challenges around the world, inspiring people to do something unusual,” said Brian Wilkie MBE, Chairman of Gulf for Good. “Emirates NBD has opted for a unique way to celebrate its 50th anniversary by enabling its staff to push their own limits, while helping the less privileged. We wish the participants all the best in the Kilimanjaro challenge, which will give essential support to a children’s charity in Tanzania.” 

Preparations for the Kilimanjaro climb kicked off on 8 April 2013 with a launch event attended by Emirates NBD senior officials, staff members and the challengers (and back-up Challengers) participating in the climb. The team is also undergoing rigorous training and fitness programmes ahead of the climb in summer this year, with key elements of the training being a beach hike, Jebel Hafeet hike and a snow climb at Ski Dubai, organised by Gulf for Good. 

To keep track of Emirates NBD staff climbing the world's tallest free-standing mountain at more than 19,000 feet high, the bank will maintain a live update of the actual climb through regular updates on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/EmiratesNBD and Twitter account. The updates will be shared by Emirates NBD bloggers on the trek. The page will share videos and photos from the journey as it happens.