Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank), a leading digital bank in the United Arab Emirates, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Abu Dhabi University (ADU) to provide a variety of academic, training, and professional development programs for undergraduate and graduate students. This strategic partnership aligns with the Abu Dhabi government’s vision to foster collaboration with top-tier universities and educational institutions, enhancing the skills and competencies needed to improve the performance of UAE government employees.
The agreement between Mbank and Abu Dhabi University paves the way for a meaningful collaboration, granting ADU students access to specialized programs that align with the UAE's economic priorities. Through this partnership, undergraduate and graduate students will benefit from internships, summer programs, placement assistance, seminars, and conferences. Additionally, the partnership will create opportunities for joint research and consultancy projects, equipping students with the skills necessary to thrive in a competitive job market.
In addition to student-focused initiatives, the collaboration will provide Mbank employees with access to ADU’s academic programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and Executive Leadership offerings, subject to admission criteria. Employees will also have the chance to participate in workshops, seminars, and forums organized by the university, fostering continuous learning and professional growth.
Dr. Hamad Odhabi, Vice Chancellor for AI and Operational Excellence at Abu Dhabi University, said: "This partnership with Mbank aligns with our commitment to equipping students with future-ready skills that meet industry demands. By combining academic excellence with real-world financial sector insights, we are preparing our students to thrive in an evolving digital economy. We look forward to the opportunities this collaboration will create for our students and faculty, fostering innovation and professional growth".
Dr. Hamad Odhabi, Vice Chancellor for AI and Operational Excellence, Abu Dhabi University, said: "We are excited to partner with Mbank, a leader in digital banking, to deliver transformative academic and professional development programs. This collaboration reflects our commitment to equipping students with future-ready skills that meet industry demands. At ADU, our students study Finance and FinTech at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels, including our newly launched MSc in Financial Technology, which has already begun welcoming students. By combining ADU’s academic excellence with Mbank’s real-world expertise, we are preparing students to excel in a rapidly evolving digital economy. Such partnerships provide students with unparalleled opportunities to thrive both academically and professionally, fostering innovation, career growth, and sustainable progress in line with the UAE’s vision of a knowledge-driven future".
Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Mohammed Wassim Khayata, Chief Executive Officer at Mbank, said: "We are delighted to join forces with Abu Dhabi University, a premier educational institution in the UAE. Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan declaring this year as Year of Community with the slogan ‘Hand in Hand’, this MoU demonstrates Mbank’s unwavering commitment to empowering the youth of our community by offering them transformative educational and career opportunities that contribute to their personal and professional growth. Our shared vision is to serve the needs of the UAE and to help shape a future that promotes lifelong learning and career advancement".
He added: "With our expertise in the rapidly growing digital banking and finance sectors, we are well-positioned to nurture the next generation of leaders. We are excited about our partnership with Abu Dhabi University and look forward to a long-term collaboration that will create lasting value for both our organizations and the wider community".
