Emirates NBD's National Digital Talent Incubator concludes third cohort
Bespoke Incubator program actively shapes next generation of UAE National FinTech talent
Program fosters connections leading to tangible business outcomes including potential partnerships and funding discussions
Aligns with the UAE's strategic objectives to enable innovation and economic diversification
Dubai, UAE: Reinforcing Dubai's position as a global hub for FinTech, Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT) region, has announced the successful wrap-up of the third cohort of the popular Emirates NBD National Digital Incubator (NDTI)® program.
Propelled by a network of renowned industry partners, including DIFC Innovation Hub, Visa, Microsoft and Dell Technologies, the NDTI program provides Emirati FinTech founders with unparalleled opportunities to grow and thrive within the industry. The third cohort of the NDTI program received exclusive access to top industry leaders, decision-makers and high-profile engagements from mentoring sessions to exclusive events.
For the first time, the NDTI program provided its founders with the opportunity to gain insights from His Excellency, Essa Kazim, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). It was a powerful reminder of the program's deep-rooted connection to the UAE's economic vision and its commitment to nurturing homegrown FinTech talent.
One of the standout features of the program, Discovery Day, allowed startups to shape the trajectory of their journey. By collaborating with key industry partners, Emirati founders had the chance to fine-tune the program to meet their specific needs, ensuring that every session and initiative was strategically aligned with their goals. Further, aligning with the UAE's vision on sustainability for 2030, startups received an exceptional platform at the DIFC Future Sustainability Forum, to explore the intersection of sustainability and innovation.
Throughout the program, participating startups were mentored by the brightest minds in banking, technology and innovation, building meaningful relationships with industry leaders, getting candid advice, and gaining hands-on experience from some of the most successful figures in the sector.
One standout participant, Maryam Al Ansari, received the opportunity to participate in the Dell Technologies Forum – AI Edition 2025, to showcase her innovations during a fireside chat and engage in meaningful conversations with top AI experts. The exposure to such a high-level audience created new prospects for collaboration, partnerships, and growth within the rapidly evolving AI space.
The third cohort endured a transformative experience during their international trip. Receiving real-world networking opportunities with Emirates NBD's Egypt team, venture capitalists, and prominent startups, the trip allowed participants to tap into a vibrant ecosystem, learn from Egypt's growing FinTech landscape and build connections. This exposure gave them a broader understanding of regional markets and potential expansion opportunities, giving them the confidence to scale their businesses internationally.
The program's finale was a defining moment for all participants, where startups presented their progress, achievements and business plans to a distinguished panel of Emirates NBD and partner board members. Engaging with top decision-makers in the region, the feedback and guidance they received during this session were pivotal, not just for business development, but for long-term strategic direction.
Eman Abdulrazzaq, Group Chief Operating Officer at Emirates NBD said: 'At Emirates NBD, we are pleased to conclude our third cohort of NDTI. This program is a transformative experience for high-potential startups, providing them with a critical avenue for potential funding discussions and partnerships. Given FinTech is one of the UAE's prime sectors of investment, we are confident that the solutions discovered today will foster UAE economic growth and contribute to our national strategic objectives.'
Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Innovation Hub, said: 'We recognise that empowering the next generation of FinTech leaders is pivotal to sustaining the UAE's status as the region's leading global financial hub. Our partnership with
Emirates NBD's NDTI program underscores our dedication to cultivating homegrown talent and driving innovation, aligning seamlessly with the UAE's ambitious vision to foster a competitive, diversified, and digitally advanced economy.'
The program has already had two successful editions of creating transformative opportunities for the UAE's next generation of FinTech innovators. This initiative not only empowers the next generation of digital talent but also demonstrates DIFC's commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in the financial sector. View the complete NDTI report here.
-Ends-
About Emirates NBD
Emirates NBD (DFM: Emirates NBD) is a leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye) region with a presence in 13 countries, serving over 9 million active customers. As at 31st December 2024, total assets were AED 997 billion, (equivalent to approx. USD 271 billion). The Group has operations in the UAE, Egypt, India, Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, Russia and Bahrain and representative offices in China and Indonesia with a total of 848 branches and 4,601 ATMs / SDMs. Emirates NBD is the leading financial services brand in the UAE with a Brand value of USD 3.87 billion.
Emirates NBD Group serves its customers (individuals, businesses, governments, and institutions) and helps them realise their financial objectives through a range of banking products and services including retail banking, corporate and institutional banking, Islamic banking, investment banking, private banking, asset management, global markets and treasury, and brokerage operations. The Group is a key participant in the global digital banking industry with 97% of all financial transactions and requests conducted outside of its branches. The Group also operates Liv, the lifestyle digital bank by Emirates NBD, with close to half a million users, it continues to be the fastest-growing bank in the region.
Emirates NBD contributes to the construction of a sustainable future as an active participant and supporter of the UAE's main development and sustainability initiatives, including financial wellness and the inclusion of people of determination. Emirates NBD is committed to supporting the UAE's Year of Sustainability as Principal Banking Partner of COP28 and an early supporter to the Dubai Can sustainability initiative, a city-wide initiative aimed to reduce use of single-use plastic bottled water.
For further information on Emirates NBD, please contact:
Ibrahim Sowaidan
Senior Vice President
Head - Group Corporate Affairs
Emirates NBD
e-mail: ibrahims@emiratesnbd.com
Burson
Dubai, UAE
Email: emiratesnbd@bm.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Campaign ME
3 hours ago
- Campaign ME
Ease first, price second: What UAE shoppers really value in hypermarkets
Aisle layouts, loyalty schemes, and influencer reviews may not immediately seem connected – but in the UAE's hypermarkets, they all shape how shoppers browse, decide, and spend. A recent study conducted by SixthFactor Consulting across three high-traffic Dubai hypermarkets offers one of the most detailed snapshots of in-store behaviour in the UAE in recent years. The methodology included 600 quantitative interviews, in-store observations, and qualitative deep-dive interviews with primary shoppers aged 25 to 50. According to Himanshu Vashishtha, CEO of SixthFactor Consulting, the findings reflect a retail landscape that's becoming more complex and more consumer-driven. 'You've got a mix of cultures, routines and expectations all under one roof. What stands out is how fast those expectations are changing.' Navigation before price for UAE shoppers Shoppers across nationalities ranked ease of navigation (64%) above competitive pricing (61%) with signage clarity (56%) following closely when choosing where to shop. 'People want a stress-free experience,' said Vashishtha. 'They want to get in, find what they need, and feel good doing it.' That sentiment was echoed by an Expat Arab male respondent, who said: 'I need to be able to find what I want. A good offer isn't enough if the layout is confusing.' For both marketers and store planners, this suggests that in-store UX matters just as much – if not more – than promotional pricing. Signage, layout and product positioning could be the difference between a successful conversion and a missed opportunity. Discovery starts on social for young shoppers Among shoppers aged 18-34, social media and influencer content were more influential than in-store displays or word-of-mouth when trying new products. More than 70 per cent of younger consumers said they regularly relied on social channels to guide purchasing decisions. 'If I see a blogger try something, I usually add it to my cart next time,' said a South Asian woman in her 30s. This finding could have significant implications for FMCG brands and retailers, suggesting that social-first campaigns – especially when aligned with in-store availability – could directly impact trial and basket size. Loyalty isn't just about price While discounts remain important, brand trust and consistency now play a stronger role in supermarket loyalty, particularly for Emirati and Expat Arab shoppers. More than half said they stick with a retailer based on product quality, especially for categories like meat and produce. 'I'll pay more if I trust the meat. It's not about saving a few dirhams,' noted an Emirati woman in her 40s. This points to an opportunity for retailers to build long-term brand preference through quality control, rather than over-indexing on price-driven promotions. Offers fail to convert for shoppers Despite the frequency of price promotions, fewer than 40 per cent of shoppers said in-store offers were clear enough to influence their purchase. Offer signage (35%), mobile app promotions (32%), and in-store announcements (28%) ranked among the lowest in effectiveness. 'I couldn't even tell what the offer was and how much the discount was, so I just walked away,' said an Expat Arab male shopper. With major brands investing in in-store campaigns, these findings highlight the importance of clarity and visual hierarchy in communicating value. Apps exist, but aren't working Though most supermarkets have digital apps, fewer than a third of shoppers were satisfied with the experience – and in some cases, weren't even aware the apps existed. 'I use Talabat because at least I know it works. I didn't even know this store had an app,' said a South Asian male respondent. This gap between digital availability and shopper awareness or satisfaction shows that app development alone isn't enough – utility, visibility and user experience remain critical. Loyalty programmes need personalisation Only 35 per cent of shoppers felt their loyalty programme was tailored to their needs, and fewer than half found the points or rewards valuable. 'It's just a card. I don't even know what I can get with it,' said a South Asian man. For retailers, this reinforces the need for greater personalisation and transparency in loyalty schemes – from onboarding to redemption. What it means for marketers For marketers and retail strategists, the study points to an important shift: the factors influencing shopper behaviour in the UAE are increasingly experiential and expectation-driven. 'Retail in the UAE isn't just about price or product anymore,' said Vashishtha. 'It's about trust, ease and being in tune with the people walking through your doors.' The battle for basket share is no longer just fought on the shelf — it's playing out across experience, emotion, and ecosystem.
Sharjah 24
4 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
Mohammed bin Rashid visits New Economy Academy
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, was also in attendance, along with Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs. Family Financial Literacy Programme – Dubai: How to Build Financial Stability for Your Family His Highness Sheikh Mohammed also attended part of the 'Family Financial Literacy Programme – Dubai: How to Build Financial Stability for Your Family,' organised by the Community Development Authority in Dubai in collaboration with the New Economy Academy. 'Our goal is to see every Emirati household enjoying family cohesion, financial stability, and greater awareness of the future and its tools,' he said. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed listened to a presentation by Dr. Laila Faridoon, CEO of the New Economy Academy, about its key programmes, which are inspired by the institution's agenda to support citizens and enhance their capabilities and literacy across economic and financial domains. Courses offered by the academy aim to equip citizens to cope with the rapid developments taking place within the context of the economy, entrepreneurship, and financial resource management. Programmes offered by the academy include: Financial Awareness, Entrepreneurship, Capital Markets, Real Estate Pathway, and Homebuilding Pathway. During his visit, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was also briefed on the objectives of the 'Family Financial Literacy Programme – Dubai: How to Build Financial Stability for Your Family,' which falls under the umbrella of the Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Programme, launched by Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The programme aims to support Emirati families in Dubai, offering them new insights to boost family stability and cohesion, reinforce societal values, and enhance quality of life. Since its launch, the 'Family Financial Literacy Programme – Dubai' programme, organised by the Community Development Authority in collaboration with the New Economy Academy, has successfully graduated members of 175 households across three cohorts. Three additional cohorts are scheduled to take up the programme in the near future. Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, stated that the Family Financial Literacy Programme reflects the leadership's directives to prioritise the empowerment of Emirati families and to implement policies and plans to reinforce their cohesion and stability as a community. She emphasised that economic empowerment and enhanced financial awareness are amongst the most critical pillars in achieving these objectives. She affirmed that the Community Development Authority in Dubai will continue to collaborate with its partners, especially the New Economy Academy, to roll out more programmes aimed at supporting families through every situation and stage of life. Dubai Weddings The training programme is aimed at participants in the 'Dubai Weddings' initiative, launched by the Community Development Authority in January 2024 under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum. The initiative aims to provide support for Emirati citizens in Dubai who are preparing for marriage and to ease their financial burdens in a way that promotes strong marital relationships and enhances family stability. The programme covers the costs of the main wedding ceremony and offers wedding halls and neighbourhood majlis venues free of charge. The training programme includes a series of lectures and workshops supervised by a group of experts and specialists from the Community Development Authority in Dubai, the New Economy Academy, the General Pension and Social Security Authority, and Al Etihad Credit Bureau. The programme aims to enable couples preparing for marriage, as well as newlyweds, to practice sound financial planning and manage financial resources effectively to ensure long-term financial stability. It also promotes awareness of the importance of achieving savings, managing household budgets, and avoiding debt that could negatively impact family stability. Furthermore, it helps couples devise effective budgets, manage expenses sustainably, and allocate funds for key life goals. The programme is delivered through integrated tracks highlighting elements of financial, psychological, and social awareness and the importance of all these aspects in fostering cohesive families and stable communities. Through its training tracks, the programme equips participants with an initial roadmap for their financial future, enabling them to make informed decisions that help them achieve their financial goals with confidence and clarity. The training programme provides advanced strategies for debt management and encourages saving for key life objectives such as home ownership, raising children, and retirement. It also equips couples with constructive communication skills to address financial disagreements. The programme further includes training in smart investment strategies, wealth-building techniques, and understanding various retirement savings options. Participants also learn how to handle financial challenges such as job loss or medical emergencies and maintain financial balance during difficult times.
Al Etihad
6 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Mohammed bin Rashid visits New Economy Academy
30 June 2025 16:56 DUBAI (ALETIHAD)His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, visited the New Economy Academy, where His Highness was briefed on the variety of academic programmes offered by the institution aimed at enhancing the capability of Emirati citizens to cope with the rapid changes in the economic, financial and entrepreneurial Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, was also in attendance, along with His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid also attended part of the 'Family Financial Literacy Programme – Dubai: How to Build Financial Stability for Your Family,' organised by the Community Development Authority in Dubai in collaboration with the New Economy Academy. 'Our goal is to see every Emirati household enjoying family cohesion, financial stability, and greater awareness of the future and its tools,' His Highness said. Ongoing Programmes His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid listened to a presentation by Dr. Laila Faridoon, CEO of the New Economy Academy, about its key programmes, which are inspired by the institution's agenda to support citizens and enhance their capabilities and literacy across economic and financial domains. Courses offered by the academy aim to equip citizens to cope with the rapid developments taking place within the context of the economy, entrepreneurship, and financial resource management. Programmes offered by the academy include: Financial Awareness, Entrepreneurship, Capital Markets, Real Estate Pathway, and Homebuilding his visit, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was also briefed on the objectives of the 'Family Financial Literacy Programme – Dubai: How to Build Financial Stability for Your Family,' which falls under the umbrella of the Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Programme, launched by Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The programme aims to support Emirati families in Dubai, offering them new insights to boost family stability and cohesion, reinforce societal values, and enhance quality of its launch, the 'Family Financial Literacy Programme – Dubai', organised by the Community Development Authority in collaboration with the New Economy Academy, has successfully graduated members of 175 households across three cohorts. Three additional cohorts are scheduled to take up the programme in the near Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, stated that the Family Financial Literacy Programme reflects the leadership's directives to prioritise the empowerment of Emirati families and to implement policies and plans to reinforce their cohesion and stability as a community. She emphasised that economic empowerment and enhanced financial awareness are amongst the most critical pillars in achieving these objectives. Comprehensive Support Her Excellency affirmed that the Community Development Authority in Dubai will continue to collaborate with its partners, especially the New Economy Academy, to roll out more programmes aimed at supporting families through every situation and stage of training programme is aimed at participants in the 'Dubai Weddings' initiative, launched by the Community Development Authority in January 2024 under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al initiative aims to provide support for Emirati citizens in Dubai who are preparing for marriage and to ease their financial burdens in a way that promotes strong marital relationships and enhances family programme covers the costs of the main wedding ceremony and offers wedding halls and neighbourhood majlis venues free of training programme includes a series of lectures and workshops supervised by a group of experts and specialists from the Community Development Authority in Dubai, the New Economy Academy, the General Pension and Social Security Authority, and Al Etihad Credit programme aims to enable couples preparing for marriage, as well as newlyweds, to practice sound financial planning and manage financial resources effectively to ensure long-term financial stability. It also promotes awareness of the importance of achieving savings, managing household budgets, and avoiding debt that could negatively impact family it helps couples devise effective budgets, manage expenses sustainably, and allocate funds for key life goals. Integrated Tracks The programme is delivered through integrated tracks highlighting elements of financial, psychological, and social awareness and the importance of all these aspects in fostering cohesive families and stable communities. Through its training tracks, the programme equips participants with an initial roadmap for their financial future, enabling them to make informed decisions that help them achieve their financial goals with confidence and training programme provides advanced strategies for debt management and encourages saving for key life objectives such as home ownership, raising children, and also equips couples with constructive communication skills to address financial programme further includes training in smart investment strategies, wealth-building techniques, and understanding various retirement savings also learn how to handle financial challenges such as job loss or medical emergencies and maintain financial balance during difficult times.
