The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), the Number One Bank in the UAE, is sponsoring five Emirati women to join the final “2041 International Antarctica Expedition” which starts on 27^th  February and ends on 12^th  March 2012. 

The five employees are Alia Al Khafajy, Anna Ayoub, Khadijah Al Mutawwa, Oshba Mubarak and Yasmin Al Juwadri. They will be led by world famous polar explorer and environmental leader Robert Swan. 

“2041 International Antarctica Expedition” aims to highlight the effects of global warming and to ensure the continued protection of Antarctica from mining and exploitation beyond year 2041, when the current international agreement ends. 

“NBAD is pleased to participate with a team of 5 UAE women in this expedition to empower and encourage Emirati women who are eager to participate in global civic activities as the nation’s ambassadors,” says Ehab Anis Hassan, the Group Chief Human Resources Officer of NBAD. 

“Engaging UAE women in challenging experiences; giving them the opportunity to learn and develop their personal and leadership skills; and offering them a platform to have a positive impact on society is a key step to developing female leaders and is part of our commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to the sustainable growth of the UAE,” Mr. Hassan said.

“I believe the Emirati women joining the 2041 International Antarctica Expedition will advance international cooperation and understanding, promote UAE’s culture, and highlight and serve as role models for environmental protection.” He added.

NBAD explorers were selected through a competitive application process. The 2041 International Antarctic Expedition brings together scores of adventure-seekers from around the world in a sea voyage to the ‘Frozen Continent’.

Throughout the expedition, participants will experience the wildlife of the frozen continent, live and breathe a sustainable lifestyle, and learn about the importance of preserving natural resources and the role of renewable energy in balancing the ecosystem. In addition to environmental knowledge and sustainable practices, the expedition is designed to develop personal and leadership skills.  

To inspire and inform NBAD staff about the voyage to Antarctica and also to educate and promote sustainable behaviour, NBAD invited H.E Dr. Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi, Environmental Advisor to the Ajman Government, CEO of Al Ihsan Charity Centre and Chairman of Green Base Environmental Services,’ to educate NBAD explorers. Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi was one of the first UAE nationals to participate in the “2041 International Antarctica Expedition”. 

 “Females represent 37% of NBAD's workforce and 51% of our branch managers in the UAE. Supporting and investing in women to become leaders and role models will help the Bank achieve its aspirations for growth and profitability in the long term,” says Belinda Scott, Senior Manager - Corporate Sustainability at NBAD.

NBAD is committed to becoming a sustainable bank and fully aligns its strategy with the Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision to support the Emirates plan for a sustainable future. As a founding member of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group, and a member of its General Secretariat, the Bank publishes an annual sustainability report - the first UAE bank in the UAE to do so.  

NBAD Explorers

Alia Al Khafajy joined the National bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) in November 2009 as an AFAQ Management Trainee. After successfully graduating from the AFAQ programme she joined Private Banking in Northern Emirates as an Associate Banker in August 2010. Alia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Design Management from American University of Sharjah. In 2010, Alia Al Khafajy was recognized as one of the high performers in the AFAQ programme and awarded “AFAQ Role Model”.

Anna Ayoub joined the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) as a Branch Manager in January 2008. Last year, she was appointed as the Manager Quality Assurance.

Ms. Anna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Ajman University. She has 13 years of banking experience from working with international and national banks.

Khadijah Al Mutawwa joined the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) in July 2009 as an AFAQ Management Trainee. After graduating from the AFAQ programme in May 2010, she joined the Audit and Compliance Division as an Anti Money Laundering Officer. Khadijah graduated with a Bachelor of Information Management (double major IT & Business) from Ras Al Khaimah Women’s College. She is currently working toward an MBA from UAE University.

Oshba Mubarak joined the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) as a Branch Manager in February 2010. She has managed several NBAD branches and is currently managing Sheikh Zayed branch in Dubai.

Oshba graduated with Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, is studying for an MBA from Canadian University of Dubai and is expected to graduate in June 2012.

She has 11 years of banking experience and was recently awarded ‘Best Branch Manager’ in the 1^st batch of NBAD’s Al Manara programme.  

Yasmin Al Juwadri joined the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) as an AFAQ Management Trainee in November 2010. After graduating from the AFAQ programme she joined the Compliance Department as a Compliance Officer.

Yasmin graduated from Dubai Women’s College with a Higher Diploma in Human Resources Management. Currently doing her Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management she is expected to graduate in June 2012.

In 2009, Yasmin led a group of 19 students to an international   conference in Italy. She was also runner up in a UAE wide national day video competition.