The Central Bank of the UAE announced the graduation of 1,200 UAE nationals from the third cohort of the Ethraa Emiratisation programme for the financial sector. The programme is designed to prepare Emirati talent for roles across banking, financial services and insurance, and the central bank said it has trained and qualified 4,750 UAE nationals since its launch in 2022. This year’s intake follows 1,056 graduates in 2024 and 1,103 in 2025. The programme covers banking services, investment, risk management and financial technology, with specialised tracks including Financial Risk Management, Future Tech Leaders and EXETRA. During the ceremony, the Emirates Institute of Finance and the central bank also signed partnerships aimed at strengthening the talent pipeline, including technical cooperation with Takamul on digital solutions for professional programmes, a plan with the Department of Government Enablement to train 2,000 UAE nationals in Al Ain over two years, a three-year partnership with the Emirates Council for Balanced Development to support employment in villages and remote areas, and an agreement with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism to launch two specialised programmes for fresh graduates and experienced professionals. The central bank said 1,391 participants are currently enrolled in Ethraa and are expected to graduate next year.
Central Bank of the UAE2026-06-10
Central Bank of the UAE graduates 1200 Ethraa participants and expands Emiratisation partnerships
The Central Bank of the UAE said 1,200 UAE nationals have graduated from the third Ethraa cohort, taking the programme’s total since 2022 to 4,750. It also announced new partnerships to support Emiratisation, including training 2,000 nationals in Al Ain over two years and backing employment in remote areas over three years. A further 1,391 participants are expected to graduate next year.