National Bonds launched 'Ahed Council'

WAM: National Bonds has announced the launch of “Ahed Council,” an open-membership community advisory platform, coinciding with Emirati Women’s Day 2026, celebrated this year under the theme “We Emerge Stronger and Better.”

Unlike traditional advisory councils with limited membership, Ahed Council has been designed as an inclusive platform open to all women across the UAE.

It will host dedicated dialogue sessions tailored to different segments of society, with the aim of understanding the specific financial needs of each group and translating these insights into savings and investment solutions and initiatives that are more closely aligned with their specific circumstances.

The establishment of the Council represents a strategic step that reflects National Bonds’ commitment to developing savings and investment solutions that are more closely aligned with women’s aspirations across different stages of life and backgrounds. It is rooted in the company’s belief that women are key partners in the nation’s economic development journey.

Ahed Council will contribute to the development of products and services by providing practical insights into the financial priorities of different segments, anticipating emerging savings and investment trends, and supporting financial literacy and financial inclusion initiatives.

Through the Council, National Bonds aims to increase participation in the “Generation Shapers” initiative to 100% within three years, with progress reviewed periodically, reflecting the company’s commitment to translating the Council’s outcomes into tangible impact.

The Council’s inaugural gathering featured an engaging dialogue among participants on ways to strengthen the culture of saving and enhance financial awareness among women in the UAE.

The session also highlighted the “Generation Shapers” initiative as a practical model for transforming ideas and recommendations into impactful programs that serve women and families, while supporting the UAE’s aspirations for a more financially aware and future-ready society.

On this occasion, Rehab Lootah, Deputy Group CEO of National Bonds, said, “The launch of Ahed Council, coinciding with Emirati Women’s Day, is a natural extension of our commitment to placing women at the heart of shaping the future of financial wellbeing. We intentionally designed the Council to be open to all women across the UAE, representing diverse demographic backgrounds, because meaningful financial empowerment can only be achieved by listening to each segment of society and understanding its unique needs. Empowering women financially goes beyond strengthening a culture of saving; it contributes to building more stable families and a more prosperous and sustainable society.”

Lootah added, “We deeply value the contribution of every woman who shared her perspectives and experiences with us. These diverse viewpoints give us a deeper understanding of the financial priorities of women across the UAE and support our efforts to develop more impactful and sustainable initiatives that benefit women, families and the wider community.”

The initiative forms part of National Bonds’ contribution to the nationwide celebration of Emirati Women’s Day and reflects the company’s continued commitment to advancing the economic and financial empowerment of women across the UAE.

It also reinforces women’s role as active partners in building a more stable and prosperous future for families and society.