Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 27 August 2025
In a world shaped by uncertainty, the ability to respond to life’s unexpected challenges has become more critical than ever, particularly when it comes to protecting family stability and well-being. To mark Emirati Women’s Day on August 28, celebrated this year under the theme “Hand in Hand,” National Bonds, the UAE’s leading Sharia-compliant savings and investment company, has announced the launch of the “Ahed Program”—an emergency fund savings plan designed exclusively for Emirati women.
The initiative is aimed at helping women build a financial safety net that empowers them and their families to manage unplanned expenses, ranging from urgent healthcare needs and sudden repairs to other unforeseen financial obligations. In its first year, the program seeks to empower 10,000 Emirati women by offering practical tools and flexible savings plans reflecting National Bonds’ commitment to supporting women and reinforcing their role in family and community stability. It also aims to equip participants with the knowledge and financial skills needed to manage their resources wisely, ensuring long-term confidence and resilience in the face of challenges.
The five-day training brought together high-performing 11th grade students from the American School of Creative Science in Nad Al Sheba, offering them an invaluable opportunity to engage in real-world work scenarios. This hands-on experience equipped students with key skills in financial management, investment, creative thinking, innovation, and customer service, empowering them to explore diverse career pathways.
Over the first two days, students were introduced to National Bonds’ comprehensive portfolio of savings and financial products. The product team provided in-depth insights into how these offerings are tailored to meet the needs of savers and investors across various demographics. Students also participated in a simulated investment exercise, where they learned the fundamentals of personal investment and were guided on best practices to make informed financial decisions.
The subsequent days saw students immersed in interactive and practical experiences. At National Bonds’ contact centre, they honed effective communication skills by learning how to engage with customers, educate them about savings opportunities, and inspire them to achieve financial security. A field visit to one of the company’s branches allowed students to conduct a mini survey, gaining first-hand insights into the goals and aspirations of savers and investors
Rehab Lootah, Group Deputy CEO of National Bonds, remarked: "We are thrilled to conclude this immersive practical training, which reflects National Bonds’ commitment to empowering future generations. Through the ‘Young Investor’ program, we aim to provide innovative learning experiences that go beyond traditional methods, equipping students with diverse skills and fostering a savings and investment mindset from an early age. The enthusiasm and creativity the students displayed during their final presentations are a testament to the program’s impact and its ability to reshape young minds for a financially secure future."
The training also included exposure to operational facets of the business, such as IT systems, operations management, and marketing strategies. Students explored how media campaigns are utilized to raise awareness about the importance of saving among different community segments, further enriching their understanding of the financial landscape.
National Bonds also offers an exclusive rewards program designed to incentivize saving. The program features an annual rewards pool worth AED 36 million, including quarterly draws totaling AED 8 million awarded to eight lucky UAE national and resident savers, 16 luxury cars, and a host of other exciting prizes.
More than just a financial plan, “Ahed Program” represents a deep social and economic investment in the role of Emirati women as central pillars of the nation’s development. The initiative aligns with national efforts to promote family security and echoes the legacy of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Nation,” whose unwavering support has positioned the UAE as a global model for women’s empowerment.
Rehab Lootah, Deputy Group CEO of National Bonds, stated: “Emirati women place their families’ wellbeing above all, striving to ensure their comfort and security first. With this in mind, we designed ‘Ahed Program’ to be more than just a savings account—it is an emergency fund that grants women reassurance and confidence, making them more prepared for any situation life may bring, while knowing their future is in their hands. This initiative is not merely about money—it is about peace of mind, protecting those we love, and building a more secure and stable future.”
Lootah added: “We invite all Emirati women to take part in this opportunity and build stronger foundations for themselves and their families. By doing so, they also contribute to embedding a national culture of saving that supports economic stability and social cohesion.”
“Ahed Program” offers a comprehensive set of benefits tailored to the needs of Emirati women. It includes flexible savings plans for different income levels, educational workshops on financial planning and money management, and seamless registration and monitoring via National Bonds mobile app. Participants are also eligible to enter the company’s annual rewards program, which offers AED 36 million in rewards—including more than 12,000 rewards dedicated to Emirati women each year, over 24,000 annual rewards for consistent savers, and monthly cash rewards of AED 1,000 for ten winners.
In line with its educational purpose, the program introduces participants to key financial principles such as the emergency preparedness formula, which recommends maintaining a financial reserve equal to six times monthly expenses. This formula offers women a clear, effective path to building a safety net capable of covering essential needs for half a year, ensuring security and peace of mind in the face of unexpected life events.
It is worth noting that National Bonds previously launched the successful “Tejouri Al Emarateyat” account, also designed for Emirati women, which significantly contributed to long-term financial empowerment. “Ahed Program” builds on this foundation, marking another step forward in National Bonds’ mission to provide inclusive and impactful financial solutions.
