The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), the Number One Bank in the UAE, has celebrated the 39th UAE National Day. The bank's employees, customers, and the public participated in a variety of cultural and traditional activities held in the bank's branches to commemorate the event.
"On this glorious occasion, we would like to convey our cordial thanks and gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoom, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; Their Highnesses Members of Supreme Council, Rulers of Emirates, and H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for their continuous support and interest in the bank's activities, a matter which has brought us to leading position among national and regional financial institutions," said Mr. Nasser Ahmed Khalifa Alsowaidi, the Chairman of the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD).
"We cordially extend our congratulations to the people and residents of the UAE on this glorious occasion. Since its inception in 1968, NBAD has been playing vital roles in the economic and social development of the UAE" he added.
NBAD has been ranked among the 'World's 50 Safest Banks in 2010' by Global Finance and the safest bank in the UAE for the second consecutive year. NBAD is also recognised as the best bank in the UAE in 2010 from Euromoney for second year in row and fourth time in the last decade.
The Bank currently operates across 13 countries on four continents. It has a network of 110 branches and 375 ATMs in the UAE as well as 50 branches and 60 ATMs outside the UAE.
"The growth of NBAD mirrors the growth of the UAE; the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founder of the UAE, had a great vision for this country, and part of the vision was to establish a bank owned by Abu Dhabi for Abu Dhabi and its friends. The strength and vitality of NBAD today bears witness to that vision," said Michael Tomalin, the Group Chief Executive of NBAD.
NBAD's growth was not from acquisitions but from organic growth and entry into a number of new markets and businesses. From around 48 branches in 1999, NBAD achieved a milestone of 110 UAE branches by 2010.
NBAD is also the UAE's foremost international flag bearer. The Bank has aggressively expanded the NBAD brand globally. In 1999, it operated 13 branches outside the UAE. This network has increased steadily and reached almost 50 by 2010.
"As the number one bank in the UAE, we pledge to provide innovative, efficient, and secure products and services to make our valued customers enjoy a convenient banking experience," said Saif Al Shehhi, the Senior General Manager of NBAD's Domestic Banking Division.
"NBAD has been committed to the service of UAE society. This pledge emanates from our belief that social responsibility is one of the pillars which underpin our success as a responsible financial institution. In our CSR policy we pledged to act as a role model in the social and environmental development of the UAE, and the countries in which we operate. We are engaged in many vital activities in this regard such as donations, sponsorships, corporate philanthropy, and CSR projects. Our community support focuses on the areas of education, health, community development, environment, art, music, and sports" Mr. Al Shehhi added.
"As a responsible bank, one of our primary objectives is to attract, motivate, retain and develop UAE nationals to become leading professionals in the banking and finance industry. We look forward to further strengthen our role in the economic and social development of the UAE." Mr. Al Shehhi said.
NBAD recruited 442 UAE nationals in 2009, increasing the number of UAE nationals working for the Bank to 1046 staff, which constitutes 36% of the Bank's total workforce in the UAE compared with 30% by end of 2008. Emiratisation at senior management level reached 50%.
