Beyond business

Name: Ibrahim Al Ansari
Age: 45
Nationality: Emirati
Job: CEO, Dubai First

You're in the news for your child safety CSR campaign – where do you take it next?

Little Steps for Safety is a programme initiated by Dubai First in co-operation with our partners RTA, Knowledge and Human Development Authority and the Dubai Police. It aims to educate children between the ages of six and 12 on the importance of having safe habits on the road. The objective is to reduce the rate of road accidents involving children across the UAE and improve traffic safety for tomorrow's drivers. Initial feedback has been positive and we will roll out the programme to other Emirates next.

But don't parents need to be trained too, for instance, not to drive with children in the front?

Yes, they do. For now, we are focusing on the children. In doing so, we hope they will carry the message and the material home to their parents and share what they have learned in the workshops and school.

What has been the response to Dubai First's business credit card? How many customers have signed up?

 Dubai First was launched only a year ago and during this period both our product line and our customer base has grown significantly. We launched the business credit card for small and medium enterprises (SME) earlier this year and so we cannot comment on the growth of our SME customers.

You started your career as an engineer with Dubai Municipality. What made you move to banking 10 years ago?

The challenge. I also wanted to move out of the industrial environment and enter the world of business and commerce. I love a challenge.

Do you buy everything on credit?

Yes, wherever they accept a credit card.

What instruments do you invest in?

In people and good relationships. These are the only true instruments to happiness.



I'm watching…

The Pink Panther. Because I love comedy. Is there anything better than a good hearty laugh?

I'm reading…

Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T Kiyosaki and Sharon L Lechter It highlights the importance of how to make money work for you instead of you working for your money. The book advocates the type of "financial literacy" that isn't taught in schools.