June 19, 2025
Dubai, UAE – Emirates NBD has become the first bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to commit to the WELL at Scale certification, reinforcing its leadership in sustainability, employee well-being, and responsible banking.
Partnering with the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), Emirates NBD is aligning its workspaces with global standards for health and wellness. The WELL at Scale program is designed to help large organizations implement holistic wellness strategies across their properties, enabling them to measure, improve, and showcase performance in areas linked to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) impact and human health.
“Our people power our progress, and their well-being is essential to our success,” said Eman Abdulrazzaq, Group COO at Emirates NBD. “This step marks a milestone in our journey toward sustainable and purpose-driven banking.”
Leading by Example in Green Building and Wellness
Emirates NBD is already recognized as a regional leader in sustainable real estate, with the highest number of LEED Platinum certified commercial and retail projects across MENA. The WELL certification further strengthens this reputation, supporting a company-wide wellness strategy that prioritizes employee health, comfort, and productivity.
“With WELL at Scale, Emirates NBD is not only committing to healthier workspaces, but also raising the bar for the entire financial sector,” said Tekha Selim, EVP and Head of MENA at IWBI. “They are showing what it means to lead with purpose.”
Beyond the UAE: Vision 2030 and Regional Growth
As part of its strategic expansion into Saudi Arabia, Emirates NBD aims to extend its WELL certifications to new branches and buildings across the Kingdom. This move complements Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI), both of which emphasize sustainable development.
The bank’s broader sustainability efforts are reflected in its signing of the UN Principles for Responsible Banking in 2024, aligning its operations with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement.
A Global Banking Powerhouse with a Sustainable Mindset
With operations across 13 countries and over 9 million active customers, Emirates NBD continues to lead the MENAT region in digital banking transformation. Over 97% of its financial transactions are now conducted through digital channels, underscoring its position as a future-focused, customer-centric institution.
From its support of COP28 to being a founding partner of the Dubai Can initiative (to reduce plastic waste), Emirates NBD is embedding sustainability in every layer of its operations—from corporate governance to building design and community engagement.
About Emirates NBD
Headquartered in Dubai, Emirates NBD is a powerhouse in retail, corporate, and digital banking, known for its innovation, customer focus, and sustainability leadership. The Group’s commitment to building a greener, healthier, and more inclusive future is shaping the future of banking in the UAE and beyond.
