Mbank Partners with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi to Offer Academic and Professional Programs to University Students
17 October, 2024Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank), the first digital bank in the United Arab Emirates, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD), to offer university students academic and professional training and development programs. This strategic partnership falls in line with the strategy of Abu Dhabi government that aims to develop the scope of cooperation with the universities and leading educational institutions to develop needed academic degrees, professional skills and competencies of the UAE government employees, and to improve their performance.
The MOU was signed at the Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi campus in the presence of Sylvie Foss, Head of the Career Centre at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (on behalf of Prof. Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi), and Mariam Al Marzooqi, Head of Human Resources of Al Maryah Community Bank.
The strategic partnership between Mbank and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi seeks to establish a collaboration whereby Mbank will offer undergraduates and graduates educational (academic and executive development) programs, a minimum of 4 annual internships and placement for students across various Mbank business departments, seminars or conferences, joint research, and consultancy projects that have a maximum fit to the requirements of Abu Dhabi’s economy and that benefit UAE at large. Moreover, Mbank will be organizing ‘Career Exploration and Employer Talk Sessions’ twice a year that will be led by Mbank industry experts, aiming to enhance the professional understanding and skills of SUAD students outside formal academic programs.
Reciprocally, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi will offer Mbank employee candidates the opportunity to apply for a selection of prestigious academic programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and Executive Education programs, in accordance with the university’s admission requirements. In addition to academic programs, Mbank employees will have access to exclusive workshops, seminars, and forums organized by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, further enriching their professional development and learning experiences.
Professor Nathalie Martial Braz, Vice Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, commented: “Today marks a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering educational excellence and professional development in the UAE. At Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, we are dedicated to providing transformative opportunities for our students. Our partnership with Al Maryah Community Bank enhances our efforts to broaden internships and work-based projects, giving
students hands-on experience in authentic environments. This collaboration not only equips them with essential skills for their future careers but also makes a significant contribution to Abu Dhabi’s economy and workforce.”
Commenting on the partnership, Mariam Al Marzooqi, Head of Human Resources at Mbank said: “We are proud to partner with one of the preferred esteemed providers of educational programs in the UAE, as this memorandum of understanding reinforces Mbank’s commitment to empower the youth of our community; facilitating the transfer of business skills and professional knowledge, and preparing the future generation for their professional careers”.
She added: “Our knowledge and experience in this ever-growing field positions us very well to develop the next cadre of effective and successful leaders. We value our partnership with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and we are looking forward to a long-standing relationship”.