Dubai, UAE – 28 April 2026
Dubai, UAE – The Emirati Human Resources Development Council (EHRDC), in partnership with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), has launched a new initiative aimed at accelerating the entry of Emirati talent into high-growth financial sectors, including wealth management and financial technology.
The Emirati Talent Empowerment Programme in Wealth Management and Financial Technology, developed in collaboration with the Emirates Institute of Finance and Emirates NBD, is designed to equip UAE nationals with the technical skills, industry exposure, and professional pathways needed to secure roles in advanced financial services.
The initiative underscores DIFC’s expanding role as a talent development hub within the region’s financial ecosystem. Leveraging its network of global institutions and innovation platforms, DIFC will support programme design, training delivery, and job placements across private banking, wealth management, and FinTech.
The programme also contributes to the broader Dubai Ambition initiative, introduced by EHRDC during the Dubai Emiratisation Forum. The initiative aims to engage 10,000 students, train another 10,000 Emirati graduates, and facilitate the employment of 5,000 UAE nationals in the private sector by 2026 particularly in future-focused industries.
His Excellency Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of EHRDC, described the programme as a “practical step” towards strengthening national participation in specialised financial sectors.
“By aligning training with real labour market needs, we are building clear career pathways that enable a smooth transition from education to employment,” he said. “This initiative supports the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) by developing highly skilled Emirati talent capable of competing in global financial industries.”
His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in finance.
“Through targeted initiatives and strong partnerships, we are equipping Emirati talent with the skills and exposure needed to lead in sectors such as wealth management, private banking and FinTech, supporting Dubai’s ambition to rank among the world’s top four financial centres,” he said.
The programme will be delivered through two specialised tracks. The Wealth Strategist Programme focuses on preparing participants for careers in private banking and wealth management, while the National FinTech Programme, led through DIFC’s Innovation Hub, offers hands-on exposure to emerging financial technologies and innovation-driven business models.
In its first cohort, around 15 Emirati job seekers will undergo a two-month training programme at the Emirates Institute of Finance, combining technical coursework, professional certifications, and practical industry engagement to enhance employability.
A wide range of leading global and regional institutions are participating in the initiative, including J.P. Morgan, HSBC, UBS, Standard Chartered, Banco Santander, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, alongside FinTech firms such as Tabby and Lean Technologies.
The collaboration reflects a unified push across public and private sectors to advance Emiratisation goals, while strengthening Dubai’s position as a global financial and innovation hub under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
