NAMA joins forces with banking giants to train female investors

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Sharjah: NAMA Women Advancement concluded the second edition of the Advanced Financial Literacy in Investment Programme, enabling 32 women to strengthen their financial and investment capabilities and make more informed and independent financial decisions. The programme was delivered in collaboration with the Emirates Institute of Finance, with the participation of Sharjah Islamic Bank, National Bonds, Baitukum and Alef Group.

Delivered over three weeks, the programme combined interactive learning, practical applications and one-to-one mentoring sessions, providing participants with practical tools to assess their financial standing, define financial goals, compare investment options and make decisions that balance returns, risk, liquidity and long-term objectives.

Through interactive workshops, case studies and expert-led guidance, participants developed a deeper understanding of financial planning, investment decision-making and wealth-building principles, while applying key concepts to real-life financial scenarios.

Mariam Al Hammadi, Director General of NAMA Women Advancement, said: "The programme gave participants a broader and more practical understanding of investment by helping them recognise how day-to-day financial decisions relate to investment opportunities, digital investing platforms, Sharia-compliant financial products and long-term financial planning. This integrated approach enables women to assess financial decisions with greater confidence, compare the options available to them and choose the path that best aligns with their goals, circumstances and long-term aspirations."

She added: “The real value of programmes such as this lies in transforming financial knowledge into more informed, confident and independent decision-making. Financial literacy becomes meaningful when it equips individuals with the ability to ask questions, analyse information and compare alternatives before making decisions. At its advanced level, the programme takes participants beyond the foundations of financial literacy towards a deeper understanding of how investment decisions are developed and evaluated at every stage.”

Investment Tools and Islamic Finance Principles

The programme progressed from personal financial management to introducing participants to a range of investment instruments, including deposits and savings accounts, bonds and sukuk, equities, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and lower-risk real estate investment options.

Participants explored how returns are generated through different investment vehicles, the levels of risk and liquidity associated with each, and the importance of building diversified portfolios. The training also highlighted the long-term impact of fees and trading commissions on investment performance.

The programme also introduced participants to the principles of Islamic finance and the key distinctions between Islamic and conventional financial systems. Participants were familiarised with concepts such as murabaha, mudaraba and musharaka. They gained an understanding of how returns in Islamic finance are linked to trade, leasing arrangements, assets and genuine economic activity.

As part of the programme’s digital investment component, participants gained an understanding of the regulatory environment governing financial markets and investment platforms in the UAE. They were introduced to the process of obtaining an investor number, opening and securing investment accounts, and using trading simulation tools before entering live markets.

The programme also included practical training on using digital and mobile investment platforms, helping participants understand the fees associated with trading, withdrawals, and account management, as well as how these can affect investment outcomes.

The programme also explored Long-Term Financial Planning and retirement options, introducing participants to the concept of financial independence as the stage at which income generated through investments and assets is sufficient to cover living expenses, reducing reliance on employment as the sole source of income.

Following the completion of the training programme, participants attended one-to-one mentoring sessions to discuss their individual financial priorities and investment-related questions directly with experts.

Meanwhile NAMA Women Advancement (NAMA) convened public and private sector leaders, employees and representatives on 25 June for a workshop examining the role of male allyship in fostering inclusive workplace cultures and advancing shared responsibility within families and organisations.

Held in conjunction with Father’s Day and the “UAE’s Year of the Family 2026,” the workshop is designed as part of NAMA’s Irtiqa initiative, which supports organisations across the nation to strengthen their commitment towards shaping inclusive workplace practices, advance equal opportunity, and build environments that contribute to long-term organisational sustainability.

The session, to be held at the House of Wisdom in Sharjah, will explore how workplace inclusion is shaped not only by institutional policies, but also by organisational culture, leadership behaviours and everyday interactions. Discussions will examine the role men play as leaders, colleagues, fathers and caregivers, and how their engagement can contribute to balanced and supportive workplaces.

Those interested in attending the workshop can fill out a short registration form on the dedicated link.

The workshop reflects the UAE’s growing recognition and emphasis on the relationship between family wellbeing and workplace wellbeing, particularly as organisations seek to create environments that enable employees to balance professional responsibilities with family life.

Mariam Al Hammadi, Director General of NAMA Women Advancement, said: “The ‘UAE’s Year of the Family’ highlights the importance of creating environments that support individuals both at home and in the workplace. As organisations continue to evolve, there is increasing recognition that family support systems, employee wellbeing and organisational success are closely interconnected.”

She added: “Building inclusive workplaces requires the active participation of everyone. Men play an important role in shaping workplace culture, supporting equal opportunities and contributing to environments where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. Creating stronger workplaces and families begins with recognising that responsibility is shared.”