Ajman Bank

Ajman University's Partnership with Ajman Bank

Ajman University has forged a strategic and multi-faceted partnership with Ajman Bank, one of the UAE's leading Islamic financial institutions. This collaboration reflects a shared vision to empower education, enhance applied learning, and contribute to the sustainable development of the nation. The partnership is guided by the leadership vision of H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman, and H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, Chairman of the Executive Council, Chairman of Ajman University's Board of Trustees, and Chairman of Ajman Bank's Board of Directors.

The partnership bridges the academic and banking sectors, providing students with unparalleled opportunities for practical experience, financial support, and professional development, while advancing the objectives of Ajman Vision 2030 to build an innovative, knowledge-based economy.

A Shared Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability is a core pillar of the Ajman University-Ajman Bank partnership, reflecting both institutions' dedication to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ajman University has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to embedding sustainability across all facets of its operations. Ajman Bank, with its strong focus on ESG principles, sustainable finance, and corporate social responsibility, aligns seamlessly with this vision. The partnership actively supports the UAE's Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative and the Year of Sustainability legacy, ensuring that students, faculty, and the wider community benefit from initiatives that promote environmental awareness, financial literacy, and sustainable economic growth.

Key Collaborative Initiatives

1. Establishment of the Ajman Bank Financial Markets Lab

In a landmark development under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Ajman University and Ajman Bank signed a cooperation agreement in November 2025 to establish the Ajman Bank Financial Markets Lab. The agreement was signed by Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, and Mustafa Al Khalfawi, CEO of Ajman Bank.

The project, supported by Ajman Bank with a value of AED 5 million, reflects a strong commitment to enhancing applied education and supporting specialized academic infrastructure. The lab provides students with direct access to market data and trading tools, as well as offering free community programs in financial literacy to raise economic awareness. By promoting responsible financial practices and sustainable investment principles, the lab contributes to building a more financially literate and environmentally conscious society.

Key Features of the Lab:

Area: 160 m²
Trading Stations: 36 stations
Capacity: Accommodates up to 40 students simultaneously
Technology: Features a live market ticker, illuminated digital panels, and licenses for the global "Bloomberg" system, specialized in data analysis and financial decision-making

The lab aims to provide an interactive training environment that enables students to simulate real-world working conditions in the financial sector and enhance their skills in analysis and decision-making. It will be equipped with the latest technologies and systems used by global financial institutions, contributing to the development of practical education and offering a comprehensive training experience.

Leadership Perspectives:

Dr. Karim Seghir praised the initiative, noting that it represents a qualitative leap in applied education at the university and aligns with its transition into a non-profit academic institution. He also highlighted the special significance of the partnership, as the bank's CEO is an alumnus of the university, emphasizing that his return today as a supportive partner "embodies the continuity of the relationship between the university and its graduates".

Mustafa Al Khalfawi stated that the initiative supports Ajman's vision of building an integrated educational system that links knowledge with practical application, adding that "investing in people is the key to sustainable progress".

2. Ajman Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund

In June 2024, Ajman University and Ajman Bank announced the launch of the "Ajman Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund" to support UAE nationals in completing their education at Ajman University. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was witnessed by Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ajman University, and Vice Chairman of Ajman Bank.

This initiative directly contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by ensuring that talented students have access to higher education regardless of their financial circumstances. By investing in human capital, the partnership strengthens the UAE's knowledge economy and supports the development of future leaders equipped to drive sustainable development.

Scholarship Details:

Eligibility: UAE National Students who maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5
Purpose: Provides long-term funding for merit- and need-based scholarships
Impact: Empowers and supports talented UAE National students in their pursuit of higher education at a top-ranked university

Leadership Perspectives:

Mustafa Al Khalfawi commented, "We are honored to partner with Ajman University in empowering talented UAE National students to reach their full potential. By contributing to the AU Endowment Fund, we are investing in the future of our community and helping to realize the vision of our leaders for continued growth and prosperity of the UAE".

Dr. Karim Seghir stated, "We extend our sincere gratitude to Ajman Bank for their generous contribution that led to the creation of the Ajman Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund. This support will make a significant difference in the educational journey of many UAE National students, enabling them to pursue their educational goals without financial burden, and contribute to the development of our society".

3. Jury Participation in the Green Entrepreneurship Program

Ajman Bank has demonstrated its commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting sustainability through its active participation in Ajman University's Green Entrepreneurship Program. Mr. Zohaib Ali Zahid, Head of Enterprise Project Management Office & ESG at Ajman Bank, was invited to serve as a distinguished member of the jury for the Green Entrepreneurship Program 2026: School Edition Pitch Day.

The Pitch Day provided a platform for eight exceptional student teams to present their environmentally and socially conscious business ideas before a panel of industry experts. Mr. Zahid's expertise and leadership in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability brought invaluable insight to the evaluation process. His participation reflects Ajman Bank's dedication to empowering young people and supporting initiatives that align with the UAE's sustainability vision, including Net Zero 2050 and climate action. This initiative contributes to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

4. Honored at the First Partner Appreciation Dinner

In December 2025, Ajman University hosted its first Partner Appreciation Dinner under the theme "Together, We Can Empower Tomorrow". Ajman Bank was among a select group of distinguished partners honored with a recognition trophy for its significant contributions to advancing the professional preparation of AU students. This acknowledgment underscores Ajman Bank's pivotal role in creating opportunities for students through internships, training, and other forms of engagement.

5. Pioneering Education Financing (2017)

The partnership between Ajman University and Ajman Bank has a strong foundation, dating back to March 2017, when the two entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the sidelines of the Ajman International Education and Training Exhibition "AETEX 2017". The agreement was designed to provide a variety of Sharia-compliant education financing facilities to students of Ajman University to finance their university education expenses, assisting students and their parents in affording the costs of academic life. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Mr. Hisham Hammoud, Chief Business Officer and Executive Vice President at Ajman Bank, and Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University.

Driving ESG & Sustainable Finance Education

The partnership between Ajman University and Ajman Bank is uniquely positioned to advance education in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles and sustainable finance. Through the Financial Markets Lab, students gain exposure to global financial systems while developing an understanding of how sustainable investment practices can drive positive environmental and social outcomes.

Ajman Bank's leadership in ESG and sustainable finance, combined with Ajman University's academic excellence and sustainability credentials creates a powerful platform for developing the next generation of financial professionals who are not only technically proficient but also deeply committed to responsible and sustainable business practices.

A Shared Commitment to Education, Empowerment & Sustainability

Through its enduring partnership with Ajman Bank, Ajman University continues to demonstrate its commitment to academic excellence, student empowerment, and sustainable development. From pioneering education financing in 2017 to the establishment of the state-of-the-art Financial Markets Lab, the impactful Endowed Scholarship Fund, and active participation in sustainability-focused programs, this collaboration has consistently delivered tangible benefits to students and the wider community.

The partnership reinforces Ajman University's position as a leading institution dedicated to bridging the gap between academia and industry, preparing graduates who are not only academically qualified but also professionally ready to lead and innovate in the financial sector and beyond—all while upholding the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility.