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Emirates NBD, one of the leading banking groups in the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) region, has announced the launch of the fifth cohort of its National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI)® program. The milestone marks two years since the initiative’s inception, reflecting its success in empowering Emirati entrepreneurs and driving the growth of the UAE’s FinTech ecosystem.

The UAE FinTech market, valued at USD 46.67 billion, is projected to reach USD 81.55 billion by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 11.81%. This expansion, fueled by digital wallet adoption, progressive open-finance regulations, and strong public–private collaboration, positions the UAE as the region’s foremost FinTech hub.

Since its establishment, the NDTI has supported 17 start-ups, a number expected to exceed 21 with the introduction of the latest cohort. The program continues to align with the UAE’s national digital economy vision, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among Emirati founders.

Fifth cohort introduces four pioneering Emirati-led ventures

The fifth cohort features four innovative start-ups:

• FevaFit – a fitness technology platform leveraging psychology and behavioural science to improve consistency in exercise routines.

• Smooth Pay – a FinTech platform integrating payments, rewards and lifestyle benefits, offering cashback options and merchant engagement tools.

• HAAY – a ClimateTech company creating AI-powered, multi-mode water generators to provide clean and affordable water solutions.

• Transcend Tech – an AI solutions firm developing tailored enterprise technology with ambitions to become the UAE’s first Emirati AI unicorn.

Leadership perspectives

Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking at Emirates NBD, said:

“The NDTI program has evolved into a cornerstone of innovation within the UAE’s financial sector. Reaching our two-year anniversary with the launch of the fifth cohort is a testament to the program’s profound impact. We are building a robust ecosystem that empowers Emirati entrepreneurs to create globally resonant solutions and drive the UAE’s digital future.”

Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO of the DIFC Innovation Hub, added:

“Our collaboration with Emirates NBD has created a thriving environment where Emirati entrepreneurs can access mentorship, tools and global exposure to lead the next wave of FinTech innovation. The NDTI program plays a vital role in shaping a future-ready, digital-driven UAE economy.”

Global exposure and ecosystem collaboration

The NDTI program provides participants with extensive international exposure. Past cohorts have undertaken cross-border trips to Saudi Arabia, Istanbul, Egypt and London, gaining critical market insights and networking opportunities.

Participants have also engaged with high-level leaders, including during the AI Campus opening attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and meetings with H.E. Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, and Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority.

The program’s bespoke structure includes key learning experiences such as the Decision Maker Series, Brand Masterclass, and immersion sessions with partners like Visa, Microsoft, Dell Technologies, and the DIFC Innovation Hub.

Next steps and roadmap

The fifth cohort will follow a comprehensive roadmap featuring a Discovery Day, Partner Immersions, and Emirates NBD Engagements, culminating in an international trip to the Singapore FinTech Festival and a Board Meeting to assess progress and outline future strategies.

Through these initiatives, Emirates NBD continues to nurture local innovation, accelerate homegrown FinTech ventures, and contribute to the UAE’s leadership in the global digital economy.

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