Emirates NBD Expands Digital Asset Lab with New 'Future Leaders Outreach Program'

Prominent banking group in the MENAT region, Emirates NBD, has expanded its Digital Asset Lab to foster talent in academia through its newly launched Future Leaders Outreach Program.

Unveiled at the DIFC Innovation Hub, the program aims to bridge the gap between industry and education by providing students with hands-on learning in digital asset innovation.

The Digital Asset Lab, originally launched in May 2023, includes founding members PwC and Fireblocks, along with R3 and Chainalysis. Through this program, Emirates NBD and its partners—the University of Sharjah and the Higher Colleges of Technology—will offer students masterclasses led by industry experts, covering real-world applications of digital assets. These sessions aim to immerse students in the evolving digital landscape, providing insights into various industry applications.

Saud Al Dhawyani, Group Chief Platform Officer at Emirates NBD, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s launch: “As a leading national bank, we are committed to nurturing talent that will contribute to building a robust digital economy. Expanding the Digital Asset Lab to include educational partners aligns with our commitment to innovation.”

Dr. Hatem Tamimi of the Higher Colleges of Technology highlighted the program’s alignment with HCT’s applied learning approach, offering students access to resources and a practical sandbox environment. Similarly, His Excellency Prof. Hamid M. K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, emphasized the benefits for students engaging with the digital asset sector, calling it a critical step in preparing future leaders of the UAE’s digital economy.

DIFC Innovation Hub CEO Mohammad Alblooshi also voiced support, aligning the initiative with DIFC’s mission to foster talent and innovation. He remarked that the collaboration creates a solid foundation for nurturing digital talent and advancing the UAE’s innovation agenda.

Through the Future Leaders Outreach Program, Emirates NBD is positioning itself as a key player in fostering a new generation of talent equipped to navigate the fast-growing digital asset landscape, supporting both the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the UAE’s vision for a digital future.