Accenture and CBD Launch Data and AI Training Programme to Elevate Employee Skills and Customer Experience

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, 20 March 2025 – Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has joined forces with the Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) to train the bank’s employees in the fields of data and AI. As the first bank in the UAE to launch an enterprise-wide data literacy programmme, CBD is setting a new standard by enabling its employees to achieve certifications in both Data and AI.

With the financial services industry navigating an era of unprecedented digital transformation, the ‘CBD AI and Data for the Future’ programme will equip the bank’s workforce with the crucial skills needed to stay ahead of the curve.

This collaboration is designed to empower CBD’s employees by harnessing the full potential of innovative technologies, thereby enabling them to meet and exceed the evolving expectations of their customers. Through this initiative, Udacity, part of Accenture, brings their combined expertise to the forefront, offering a comprehensive and future-ready digital upskilling programme that underscores the importance of data and AI in driving the bank's digital evolution.

This programme will leverage the power of data management, analytics, and AI to ensure enhancing customer experience and operational resilience as part of CBD's strategic transformation goals. Participants will also undergo thorough hands-on training to strengthen job readiness to maximise engagement and learning outcomes. Udacity is also incorporating premium services such as expert-led, interactive sessions focused on mastering complex concepts, tech talks offering insights on emerging trends and applications in data and AI and personalised Q&A sessions, courtesy of its 1,400+ mentors.

Max Di Gregorio, Managing Director at Accenture in the Middle East, said: “We are happy to offer this innovative programme that helps improve learning outcomes. As banking is quickly moving to digital, businesses that are building their digital core can improve their operations, increase revenue quickly, and improve the services they provide to their customers. This creates real value on a fast and large scale. CBD's investment in making its employees digitally savvy gives it a big advantage.”

Ali Imran, Chief Operating Officer at CBD, said: “Through this first-of-its-kind initiative, CBD is enabling workplace modernisation, fostering a culture of innovation, and setting a GCC-wide benchmark in data and AI upskilling. This programme demonstrates our commitment to delivering value-driven banking that empowers both our customers and the broader UAE community, ultimately providing the Bank with a sharper competitive edge by ensuring our employees are future-ready.”

This latest partnership underscores CBD's active role in driving economic progress and aligns with the UAE's vision for AI leadership.