Dubai Islamic Bank’s 5th Cohort Empowers Future Leaders

Dubai, UAE – Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), the largest Islamic bank in the UAE and a prominent global leader in Islamic finance, celebrated a remarkable milestone this year. The successful graduation of its 5th Cohort from the High Potential Employee Development Program (HIPO) marks another achievement in DIB’s mission to cultivate a new generation of future leaders. As the banking industry evolves rapidly, DIB remains steadfast in its commitment to talent development and leadership excellence, ensuring that its workforce is prepared to meet both current and future challenges in the Islamic finance sector.

The HIPO Program

The High Potential Employee Development Program (HIPO), which started in 2015, has become one of DIB’s flagship talent development initiatives. With the graduation of the 5th Cohort, the program has successfully developed nearly 150 professionals, turning them into highly skilled leaders who are ready to contribute to the bank’s vision and the UAE’s economic objectives. DIB’s focus on developing internal talent is central to its strategy of ensuring sustained growth and building a pool of leaders who not only excel in their roles but also drive innovation in the Islamic finance sector.

The 5th Cohort graduates were celebrated in a ceremony attended by DIB’s Group CEO, Dr. Adnan Chilwan, and members of the senior leadership team. Recognizing the hard work and commitment of these emerging leaders, Dr. Chilwan spoke on the value the HIPO Program brings to the bank and its employees. This recognition is a testament to the bank’s unwavering focus on developing its workforce and fostering a culture of growth and leadership.

What Makes the HIPO Program Unique?

The HIPO Program is a comprehensive 18-month journey designed to develop leadership skills, drive strategic thinking, and prepare participants for high-impact roles. The curriculum includes an extensive suite of assessments, training modules, mentorship, and coaching. Each aspect is carefully curated to align with global best practices in leadership development. In fact, the program is developed in collaboration with globally recognized training institutions, ensuring that participants receive top-notch learning experiences.

The core objectives of the program are:

• Developing Leadership Skills: Participants undergo workshops and training sessions aimed at enhancing their leadership abilities, decision-making skills, and strategic mindset. The focus is on preparing them for real-world challenges within the banking sector.
• Strategic Business Acumen: The curriculum is designed to help participants understand the bank’s overall business strategy, financial operations, and the Islamic finance industry at large. This strategic business knowledge helps them align their work with DIB’s long-term goals.
• Coaching & Mentorship: A key aspect of the HIPO Program is the mentorship participants receive from experienced leaders within the bank. This one-on-one coaching helps the participants refine their leadership style and better navigate complex business environments.
• Hands-on Experience: The program emphasizes practical learning through real-world project management opportunities, allowing participants to implement what they’ve learned and demonstrate their leadership potential.

This multifaceted approach ensures that graduates are not only skilled in leadership techniques but are also equipped to take on roles that contribute significantly to DIB’s growth and strategic objectives.

DIB’s Vision

Dr. Adnan Chilwan, Group CEO of DIB, highlighted the strategic importance of the HIPO Program:

“The High Potential Employee Development Program is more than just a talent development initiative; it’s a cornerstone of our strategy to nurture the next wave of leaders for the Islamic banking and finance sector. By empowering individuals who have demonstrated exceptional potential, we’re building a leadership pipeline that will not only drive the growth of DIB but will also contribute to the broader financial objectives of the UAE. Our graduates reflect our commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth.”

Dr. Chilwan emphasized that the program is aligned with DIB’s goal of creating a culture where talent is nurtured, opportunities are created, and potential is realized. The bank’s inclusive talent development approach ensures that employees from diverse backgrounds are given equal opportunities to excel and contribute to the organization’s success.

Empowering the 5th Cohort

With the 5th Cohort’s graduation, DIB has announced that nominations for the next batch are already open, and the next program is set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024. This continuation underscores the bank’s commitment to ongoing talent development, ensuring that a steady flow of well-trained leaders are ready to step into strategic roles as DIB continues to expand its global footprint.

By investing in talent, DIB aims to remain a preferred choice for professionals seeking growth and advancement within the Islamic finance sector. With the UAE focusing on national workforce development through its Emiratisation agenda, the HIPO Program also aligns with the country’s larger goals of workforce inclusion and empowerment.

DIB: A Pioneer in Islamic Sustainability

Founded in 1975, DIB has been a trailblazer in the Islamic banking sector. As the first full-service Islamic bank globally, it has led the development and adoption of Shariah-compliant financial products and services. Today, DIB stands as the largest Islamic bank in the UAE by assets and one of the most influential globally, with a market capitalization close to $9 billion and assets approaching $90 billion.

Serving over 5 million customers worldwide, DIB’s offerings span retail, corporate, and institutional finance. The bank’s robust growth strategy includes an expanding network of around 500 branches and a workforce of more than 10,000 employees across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. DIB’s success in expanding its global reach is evident in its ventures in Pakistan, Indonesia, Kenya, and Turkey, where it has established strategic partnerships and wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Strategic Acquisitions

DIB’s international expansion started with the establishment of DIB Pakistan Limited, a subsidiary that introduced Priority & Platinum Banking, as well as a diverse portfolio of Alternate Distribution Channels. The launch of Panin Dubai Syariah Bank in Indonesia in 2017 marked DIB’s entry into the Far East, with the bank holding a nearly 25% stake. In Kenya, the Central Bank granted DIB a license in 2017, allowing the bank to establish DIB Kenya Ltd. More recently, in 2020, DIB completed the acquisition of Noor Bank, strengthening its position as a leader in global Islamic finance.

In 2023, DIB made another strategic move by acquiring a 20% stake in T.O.M. Group in Turkey, providing digital banking services in a rapidly growing market. These expansions and acquisitions are part of DIB’s larger vision to make Islamic finance mainstream worldwide.

Driving Sustainability

In addition to its financial growth, DIB is also a leader in sustainable Islamic financing. With sustainable sukuk issuances totaling $2.75 billion, DIB has actively contributed to green and sustainable capital markets. The bank’s dedication to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles aligns with its overarching goal of promoting ethical banking practices and contributing to a sustainable future.

DIB’s focus on ESG and sustainability is evident not only in its financial products but also in its commitment to developing talent that understands and values responsible business practices. The HIPO Program graduates are trained to be leaders who are not just financially astute but also socially conscious, ensuring that DIB continues to uphold its role as a responsible and ethical bank.

Tomorrow’s Islamic Finance Leaders

The HIPO Program’s 5th Cohort is a reflection of DIB’s enduring commitment to developing talent that can drive the Islamic finance industry forward. By empowering its employees with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary for leadership, DIB is shaping a workforce capable of not just meeting, but exceeding, the demands of the modern financial world. As the bank continues to grow, so does its dedication to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and leadership.

For more details on DIB’s employee development programs, career opportunities, and to learn how you can be part of this leading financial institution, visit www.dib.ae.