Emirates NBD marks two years of its National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI)® by unveiling its fifth cohort, boosting Emirati startups and solidifying the UAE’s position as a regional FinTech hub amid broader sustainable and digital ambitions.
Emirates NBD, a prominent banking group in the MENAT region, recently celebrated a two-year milestone for its innovative National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI)® program by launching its fifth cohort. Since it started, the NDTI initiative has played a crucial role in nurturing Emirati fintech entrepreneurs and helping boost the UAE’s lively FinTech scene, which is currently valued at around USD 46.67 billion and expected to grow to approximately USD 81.55 billion by 2030. That’s quite impressive—a compound annual growth rate of about 11.81%. This growth has been supported by significant investments from both public and private sectors, increasing use of digital wallets, and forward-looking open-finance regulations that firmly establish the UAE as the Middle East’s leading FinTech hub.
The NDTI has been key in fostering innovation, having supported 17 start-ups so far, and with the newest cohort, that number is expected to rise to over 21. The program isn’t just about incubating promising start-ups; it’s also about building a healthy ecosystem that empowers Emirati entrepreneurs to develop innovative products with the potential for global impact. Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking at Emirates NBD, called the program “a cornerstone of innovation within the UAE’s financial sector.” He stressed that the bank’s ongoing commitment to developing local talent is a vital part of the UAE’s broader vision of a digital economy.
For this fifth cohort, four forward-thinking start-ups have been introduced, tackling diverse sectors. For example, FevaFit uses psychology and behavioral science to help people stay consistent with their fitness routines; Smooth Pay combines payment solutions with rewards and lifestyle perks; HAAY, a ClimateTech venture, is creating AI-powered, multi-mode water generators to produce clean, affordable water; and Transcend Tech is working on custom AI enterprise solutions with the goal of becoming the UAE’s first AI unicorn. These ventures show how the program is broadening its scope—beyond just fintech—venturing into climate tech and artificial intelligence, aligning with regional priorities on sustainability and digital transformation.
As part of its ongoing support, the NDTI offers masterclasses, mentorship from industry experts, and networking opportunities with leading companies like Visa, Microsoft, and Dell Technologies. Participants also gain special access to leaders within Emirates NBD and the DIFC Innovation Hub. Mohammad Alblooshi, the CEO of the Innovation Hub, mentioned how important collaboration is in providing exposure, mentorship, and global networks that are crucial for success. The program has also included cross-border experiential learning; previous cohorts traveled to markets in Saudi Arabia, Istanbul, Egypt, and London to gather international insights—an experience that many find invaluable.
Looking ahead, the upcoming fifth cohort will get a chance to participate in an international trip to the Singapore FinTech Festival—one of the biggest global platforms for financial innovation. This ensures the participants are well-positioned to connect with international markets. The program has a well-structured roadmap, including Discovery Day, partner immersions, engagements with Emirates NBD, and board meetings, all aimed at creating tailored growth strategies for each startup.
Since its launch, the NDTI has been recognized as a key player in shaping the UAE’s digital future. It’s even caught the attention of high-profile figures like H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and H.E. Essa Kazim. This showcases how closely aligned the initiative is with national priorities. Emirates NBD’s support extends beyond fintech, encompassing social and environmental efforts—such as backing the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and serving as the Principal Banking Partner of COP28.
Overall, Emirates NBD’s forward-looking approach in nurturing Emirati digital talent with the NDTI reflects the UAE’s bigger strategic goals—diversifying the economy, encouraging innovation, and building a sustainable, digital-first future. Many industry experts see this as a vital engine fueling not just the growth of individual startups but elevating the UAE’s standing as a regional and global leader in FinTech, all while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and tech advancement.
As the UAE’s FinTech market continues its rapid expansion, initiatives like the NDTI are expected to remain central in driving new ventures and contributing to this ongoing transformation. It’s clear that the country aims to stay at the forefront of digital innovation in the MENAT region and beyond.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/emirates-nbd-marks-two-year-milestone-of-national-digital-talent-incubator-program-i5gzdhcx – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.emiratesnbd.com/en/innovation/national-digital-talent-incubator-program – Emirates NBD’s National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI)® is a pioneering programme designed to empower Emirati founders and co-founders aiming to revolutionise the fintech landscape. The programme offers tailored masterclasses, expert mentoring, and networking opportunities with industry leaders and renowned SMEs. Participants gain lifetime access to a powerful network, ensuring their potential is fully realised. The NDTI programme is supported by a network of world-class industry partners, including Visa, Microsoft, and Dell Technologies, reflecting its growing recognition and support from industry players and government entities.
- https://www.emiratesnbd.com/en/media-center/emirates-nbd-announces-fourth-cohort-of-national-digital-talent-incubator – Emirates NBD announced the launch of the fourth cohort of its bespoke National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI)® programme. Supported by industry partners such as the DIFC Innovation Hub, Visa, Microsoft, and Dell Technologies, the programme aims to empower promising Emirati fintech leaders by providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to scale their ventures. The fourth cohort features startups addressing key sectors, including QuickPay, Carbon2Capital, Jadwelny, and Watermelon LTD, each focusing on innovative solutions within their respective industries.
- https://www.emiratesnbd.com/en/media-center/emirates-nbd-difc-announce-national-digital-talent-incubator – Emirates NBD, in collaboration with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), launched the National Digital Talent Incubator programme. Supported by leading industry partners including Visa, Microsoft, and Dell Technologies, the programme aims to boost UAE talent and the growth of entrepreneurship within the fintech and digital innovation space. The incubator runs two cohorts per annum, each consisting of three to six fintech startups with UAE national founders and members, providing them with insights from venture-building and innovation experts, mentorship, and access to a network of resources and ecosystems.
- https://www.emiratesnbd.com/en/media-center/emirates-nbds-national-digital-talent-incubator – Emirates NBD announced the successful completion of the third cohort of its National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI)® programme. Supported by industry partners including the DIFC Innovation Hub, Visa, Microsoft, and Dell Technologies, the programme provides Emirati fintech founders with opportunities to grow and thrive within the industry. The third cohort received exclusive access to top industry leaders, decision-makers, and high-profile engagements, including mentoring sessions and exclusive events. The programme also provided founders with the opportunity to gain insights from His Excellency, Essa Kazim, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
- https://www.emiratesnbd.com/en/media-center/emirates-nbd-supports-next-wave-of-digital-pioneers – Emirates NBD announced the successful completion of the second cohort of its National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI) programme. Supported by industry leaders including the DIFC Innovation Hub, Microsoft, Visa, and Dell Technologies, the programme showcases collaborative efforts to develop the next generation of UAE fintech leaders. The programme underscores Emirates NBD’s ongoing commitment to talent nurturing and creating opportunities to prosper in the UAE, aligning with the UAE’s strategic objectives to enable innovation and economic diversification.
- https://www.emiratesnbd.com/en/media-center/emirates-nbd-announces-third-cohort-of-national-digital-talent-incubator-program – Emirates NBD announced the third cohort of its National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI)® programme, a bespoke incubation programme for Emirati fintech leaders. Supported by industry partners including the DIFC Innovation Hub, Visa, Microsoft, and Dell Technologies, the programme aims to nurture visionary ideas and contribute to the UAE’s goals of economic diversification and digital transformation. The third cohort features a dynamic lineup of pioneering startups that reflect the diversity and innovation driving the UAE’s fintech ecosystem.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is current, dated 20 October 2025, and reports the launch of the fifth cohort of Emirates NBD’s NDTI program, marking its two-year anniversary. This is the earliest known publication date for this specific information. The content appears original, with no evidence of being republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. The narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from Ahmed Al Qassim and Mohammad Alblooshi are unique to this narrative, with no identical matches found in earlier material. This suggests potentially original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from Emirates NBD’s official media centre, a reputable organisation. This enhances the credibility of the information presented.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims about the UAE FinTech market’s valuation and projected growth are consistent with known industry data. The narrative aligns with Emirates NBD’s ongoing initiatives and the UAE’s strategic objectives for a digital economy. The language and tone are consistent with official corporate communications.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is current, original, and originates from a reputable source. The claims are plausible and consistent with known data, and the language and tone are appropriate for official corporate communication. No significant credibility risks were identified.
