Latest news with #AlAwadhi
Biz Bahrain
03-06-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
BENEFIT launches fourth edition of FinTech Internship Program ‘MASAR'
BENEFIT, the Kingdom's innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has officially announced the launch of the fourth edition of its annual FinTech Internship Program 'Masar'. This strategic program is designed to cultivate the potential of Bahraini youth by equipping them with hands-on experience, and skills development in the FinTech sector. Aimed at empowering 40 aspiring Bahraini trainees, Masar serves as a gateway into the FinTech ecosystem, offering participants the opportunity to gain real-world exposure, sharpen their innovative thinking, and actively contribute to advancing the Kingdom's digital economy. The fourth edition of Masar is open to all talented Bahraini university students, as well as members of the BENEFIT family, reflecting the program's commitment to inclusive national talent development. Aligned with the highest industry standards, it offers advanced training in emerging financial technologies alongside hands-on workshops, enabling participants to work on real-world projects under the guidance of experienced professionals at BENEFIT. Mr. Salah Al Awadhi, Chief Human Resources Officer, commented, 'We are pleased to launch the fourth edition of the Masar program, building on the strong foundation and success of its previous cycles. This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing national talent and equipping Bahraini youth with the specialised skills required to thrive in the FinTech sector—an increasingly vital pillar of the digital economy. We firmly believe that investing in human capital is fundamental to sustainable progress, and we are confident in the ability of Bahraini youth to play a leading role in shaping the Kingdom's digital future.' Mr. Al Awadhi affirmed that the latest edition of Masar is designed to advance the development of a highly skilled, innovation-driven generation equipped to meet the evolving needs of the FinTech sector. By emphasising experiential learning and critical problem-solving, the program empowers participants to apply their academic knowledge in practical settings. It serves as a vital platform for preparing future FinTech leaders who will contribute to Bahrain's Vision 2030 and the broader goal of fostering a resilient, knowledge-based economy.
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
National Bank of Umm Al Qaiwain records $50.68mln profits in Q1-25
Abu Dhabi – National Bank of Umm Al Qaiwain (NBQ) generated AED 185.78 million in net profit after tax during the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, up 6% from AED 175.73 million in Q1-24. Basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) hit AED 0.09 in Q1-25, according to the financial results. The operating income declined to AED 192.53 million in the first three months (3M) of 2025 from AED 248.38 million a year earlier. NBQ reported 26% year-on-year (YoY) higher total assets at AED 18.60 billion as of 31 March 2025, while the customer deposits increased by 37% YoY to AED 12.16 billion. Adnan Al Awadhi, CEO of NBQ, commented: 'NBQ demonstrated impressive resilience and growth despite a challenging economic environment. Strong financial results were achieved, including higher profitability, asset growth, and an increase in customer deposits.' 'Looking ahead, NBQ is focused on expanding its market share through strategic investments in digital innovation and by diversifying its product offerings,' Al Awadhi mentioned. He added: 'Bank's outlook for 2025 remains positive, with an ongoing focus on operational excellence, customer-centric solutions, and sustainability efforts to generate long-term value for stakeholders.' As of 31 December 2024, NBQ recorded higher net profits after tax at AED 506.03 million, compared to AED 502.60 million in 2023. Source: Mubasher
Gulf Insider
17-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
MP Questions Disability Aid Over Job Offer
A man in a wheelchair was offered a job as a truck driver, Parliament was told yesterday, as MPs took aim at the disability assessment system and urged the government to double the monthly allowance. MP Hisham Al Awadhi raised the issue during the session, saying the current BD100 allowance was too low to cover basic needs and that many cases of severe disability were being wrongly denied the higher BD200 rate. He also criticised the assessment process itself. 'People are receiving BD100 without any clarity on how they were evaluated or how long the assessment stands,' he said. 'In some neighbouring countries, the minimum is BD500.' VAT Al Awadhi pointed out that VAT still applies to equipment and supplies used by people with disabilities, increasing monthly costs for families already under pressure. 'There are house hold s spending hundreds of dinars each month, and the allowance doesn't even scratch the surface.' He went on to question the decision to scrap the disability identification card. 'What's the reason? If it's a money issue, I'll pay for every card myself.' Complaint The most striking example came from a recent complaint. Al Awadhi said a man using a wheelchair had been offered work as a trailer truck driver, an offer made by the Ministry of Labour based on a referral from the Social Development Ministry. In response, Social Development Minister, His Excellency Osama Al Alawi, said the government was pressing ahead with its strategy for disability support, which began with the 2006 law setting out rights and entitlements for this group. Monthly allowances He said monthly allowances had been raised in stages over the years, with five categories of severe disability now covered under the BD200 rate. By January 2025, some 14,780 people were receiving support, issued under rules aimed at ensuring fairness in distribution. The minister added that the government's work extended beyond financial aid. Construction is in progress on a new facility, the Comprehensive Disability Centre, which will contain nine buildings and offer services in care, education and rehabilitation. International standards The project is expected to follow international standards for such centres. The ministry also provides BD1.2 million in yearly funding to 12 licensed non-governmental centres around the country. Al Alawi said the ministry is open to ideas from MPs and would continue to work with the Council to improve support for people with disa. Also read: Flatmate Pushes Man Down Stairs In BD20 Row
Daily Tribune
16-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
MP questions disability support after wheelchair user offered driving job
A man in a wheelchair was offered a job as a truck driver, Parliament was told yesterday, as MPs took aim at the disability assessment system and urged the government to double the monthly allowance. MP Hisham Al Awadhi raised the issue during the session, saying the current BD100 allowance was too low to cover basic needs and that many cases of severe disability were being wrongly denied the higher BD200 rate. He also criticised the assessment process itself. 'People are receiving BD100 without any clarity on how they were evaluated or how long the assessment stands,' he said. 'In some neighbouring countries, the minimum is BD500.' VAT Al Awadhi pointed out that VAT still applies to equipment and supplies used by people with disabilities, increasing monthly costs for families already under pressure. ' There are house hold s spending hundreds of dinars each month, and the allowance doesn't even scratch the surface.' He went on to question the decision to scrap the disability identification card. 'What's the reason? If it's a money issue, I'll pay for every card myself.' Complaint The most striking example came from a recent complaint. Al Awadhi said a man using a wheelchair had been offered work as a trailer truck driver, an offer made by the Ministry of Labour based on a referral from the Social Development Ministry. In response, Social Development Minister, His Excellency Osama Al Alawi, said the government was pressing ahead with its strategy for disability support, which began with the 2006 law setting out rights and entitlements for this group. Monthly allowances He said monthly allowances had been raised in stages over the years, with five categories of severe disability now covered under the BD200 rate. By January 2025, some 14,780 people were receiving support, issued under rules aimed at ensuring fairness in distribution. The minister added that the government's work extended beyond financial aid. Construction is in progress on a new facility, the Comprehensive Disability Centre, which will contain nine buildings and offer services in care, education and rehabilitation. International standards The project is expected to follow international standards for such centres. The ministry also provides BD1.2 million in yearly funding to 12 licensed non-governmental centres around the country. Al Alawi said the ministry is open to ideas from MPs and would continue to work with the Council to improve support for people with disa.
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Appointment of Faiza Al Awadhi as CEO and Managing Director of the Ombudsman Unit, 'Sanadak'
Abu Dhabi: The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has announced the appointment of Faiza Al Awadhi as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of 'Sanadak', the first Ombudsman Unit in the Middle East and North Africa. Ms. Al Awadhi brings over 25 years of experience across the public and private sectors, with a core focus on consumer protection and service quality. She has held several senior leadership positions, including Head of the Market Conduct and Financial Consumer Protection Department, where she played a key role in advancing regulatory and supervisory frameworks. Her previous roles in the UAE's financial sector also include Head of Planning and Operational Support, Vice President of Service Quality Administration and Corporate Communications, in addition to leading branch operations. Ms. Al Awadhi has served on the Board of Directors of the Ombudsman Unit 'Sanadak' since its establishment. She has also chaired and been an active member of various local, regional, and international working groups and committees, including Chair of the Financial Consumer Protection Taskforce at the UAE Banks Federation, member of the Financial Inclusion Working Group at the Arab Monetary Fund, and member of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion. Additionally, she is a member of the International Financial Consumer Protection Organisation (FinCoNet) under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and currently chairs the National Working Group for Financial Consumer Protection and Financial Literacy, as part of the UAE's national efforts to enhance financial inclusion and education. She holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Business Law from Université Paris-Panthéon-Assas, Paris, along with multiple professional certifications in governance, compliance, leadership, and risk management. Her appointment reinforces Sanadak's commitment to strengthening its role in ensuring fairness and impartiality in the resolution of banking and insurance disputes in the UAE. It is also aligned with the CBUAE's strategy to promote consumer protection and financial inclusion in the country.
