Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) region, has successfully concluded the third cohort of its National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI)® program. This initiative reinforces Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for FinTech and is supported by a network of esteemed industry partners, including DIFC Innovation Hub, Visa, Microsoft, and Dell Technologies.

The NDTI program offers Emirati FinTech founders exceptional opportunities to flourish within the industry. Participants in the third cohort had exclusive access to influential industry leaders and high-profile engagements, ranging from mentoring sessions to special events. For the first time, founders gained insights from His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), highlighting the program’s alignment with the UAE’s economic vision and its commitment to developing local FinTech talent.

One of the program’s standout features, Discovery Day, enabled startups to customize their experiences by collaborating with key industry partners. This ensured that every session was strategically aligned with the founders’ specific goals. In line with the UAE’s sustainability vision for 2030, startups also had a unique platform at the DIFC Future Sustainability Forum to explore the convergence of sustainability and innovation.

Throughout the program, participants benefited from mentorship by leading experts in banking, technology, and innovation. This support helped them build valuable relationships and gain practical insights from successful figures in the sector. A notable participant, Maryam Al Ansari, showcased her innovations at the Dell Technologies Forum – AI Edition 2025, engaging in discussions with top AI experts, which opened new avenues for collaboration and growth in the rapidly evolving field.

The cohort experienced a transformative international trip, where they connected with Emirates NBD’s Egypt team, venture capitalists, and prominent startups. This journey allowed participants to engage with Egypt’s burgeoning FinTech ecosystem, broadening their understanding of regional markets and potential expansion opportunities, boosting their confidence to scale their businesses internationally.

The program’s finale provided a platform for startups to present their progress and business plans to a panel of Emirates NBD and partner board members. Feedback from these decision-makers proved crucial for the startups’ business development and long-term strategic planning.

Eman Abdulrazzaq, Group Chief Operating Officer at Emirates NBD, stated that the conclusion of the third cohort marked a transformative experience for high-potential startups, offering them critical opportunities for funding discussions and partnerships. She emphasized the importance of FinTech as a prime sector for UAE investments and expressed confidence that the solutions developed would contribute to the country’s economic growth and strategic objectives.

Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Innovation Hub, remarked on the importance of empowering the next generation of FinTech leaders to uphold the UAE’s status as a leading global financial hub. He noted that their partnership with Emirates NBD’s NDTI program demonstrates a commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and driving innovation, in line with the UAE’s ambitious vision for a competitive and digitally advanced economy.

With two prior successful editions, the NDTI program continues to create transformative opportunities for the UAE’s future FinTech innovators. This initiative not only empowers emerging digital talent but also showcases DIFC’s dedication to fostering innovation and excellence within the financial sector.