First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has announced that Emiratis now make up 49.3% of its total workforce in 2025, marking a significant milestone in its Emiratisation journey and reinforcing its alignment with the UAE’s national employment and governance sustainability objectives. The achievement reflects years of structured investment in talent development, leadership pathways, and inclusive workplace strategies aimed at empowering UAE nationals across all levels of the organisation.

The near-majority representation of Emiratis within the bank underscores FAB’s long-term commitment to building a resilient national workforce capable of leading in a highly competitive global financial landscape. Beyond recruitment, the bank has focused on expanding leadership opportunities for Emirati professionals, ensuring greater participation in executive decision-making, risk management, digital transformation, and strategic planning roles.

Training and development remain central pillars of this progress. FAB has strengthened specialised learning programmes, mentorship initiatives, and succession planning frameworks designed to equip Emirati employees with advanced technical, financial, and leadership competencies. These initiatives aim to create a sustainable pipeline of future-ready banking leaders who can navigate evolving regulatory, technological, and market environments.

Diversity and inclusion strategies have also played a crucial role in this milestone. By fostering an equitable workplace culture that values representation and merit-based advancement, FAB supports broader governance and sustainability goals outlined by national authorities. The integration of Emiratisation within corporate governance frameworks reflects a model where economic growth and social responsibility operate in tandem.

The 49.3% milestone signals more than workforce statistics — it represents institutional transformation aligned with the UAE’s vision for a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy. As the country continues to prioritise national talent empowerment, financial institutions such as FAB serve as key enablers of sustainable employment growth.

Looking ahead, the bank is expected to further expand Emirati participation, particularly in high-impact sectors such as digital banking, artificial intelligence, risk analytics, and sustainable finance. By embedding Emiratisation into its strategic blueprint, FAB reinforces its role not only as a financial leader but also as a catalyst for national human capital development and long-term economic resilience.