Dubai: National Bank of Fujairah (NBF) on Tuesday announced the establishment of NBF Elham, a specialised business segment dedicated exclusively to supporting the unique banking requirements of Emirati female business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Elham means inspiration in Arabic, and the bank claims it is the first such initiative targeted at Emirati businesswomen.
Staffed by female Emirati corporate bankers and operating initially from the bank’s Al Quoz branch, NBF Elham will provide Emirati businesswomen easy access to the bank’s extensive knowledge and experience in multiple industries as well as its award-winning corporate banking services and growing suite of Islamic banking solutions.
NBF Elham was also established against the backdrop of a growing national awareness of the economic contributions made by Emirati women.
“It is through my discussions with our Emirati lady clients and female relationship managers from my team that have made me realise that while the entrepreneurial spirit is very much alive in the UAE, many Emirati women entrepreneurs are not aware of, or do not have ready access to, the working capital, financial tools and expert guidance that would otherwise be available to other business owners,” said Vikram Pradhan, NBF’s head of Corporate & Institutional Banking.
Through the exclusive unit, the bank hopes to offer a level the playing field for aspiring Emirati female business leaders and thereby pave the way for their greater participation and success in the local economy.
“The increasingly crucial role that Emirati businesswomen play in the future of the UAE requires little explanation, and as a customer segment, it is certainly deserving of greater attention from the local banking sector,” said Vince Cook, NBF’s chief executive officer.
