Accenture has partnered with the Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) to enhance the skills of the bank’s employees in the areas of data and artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative marks a significant step as CBD becomes the first bank in the UAE to implement an enterprise-wide data literacy program, empowering its workforce to obtain certifications in both Data and AI.

The collaboration aims to equip CBD’s employees with essential skills needed to excel in a rapidly changing financial services landscape driven by digital transformation. The ‘CBD AI and Data for the Future’ program is designed to enable staff to harness innovative technologies, ultimately enhancing customer experience and operational resilience in line with CBD’s strategic transformation goals.

Udacity, a part of Accenture, will provide a comprehensive digital upskilling program as part of this initiative. The program will include hands-on training to improve job readiness, as well as interactive sessions led by experts focusing on complex concepts, tech talks on emerging trends in data and AI, and personalized Q&A sessions with over 1,400 mentors. This thorough training approach aims to maximize engagement and learning outcomes for all participants.

Max Di Gregorio, Managing Director at Accenture in the Middle East, expressed enthusiasm about the program, stating it will significantly improve learning outcomes. He noted that as banking transitions to digital, companies building a robust digital core can enhance operations, quickly increase revenues, and improve customer services, creating substantial value.

Ali Imran, Chief Operating Officer at CBD, emphasized that this initiative fosters workplace modernization and innovation, setting a benchmark for data and AI upskilling across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). He highlighted that the program reflects CBD’s commitment to value-driven banking, which empowers both customers and the broader UAE community, ultimately giving the bank a competitive edge by preparing its employees for the future.

This partnership showcases CBD’s proactive role in promoting economic progress and aligns with the UAE’s vision for leadership in AI.