CBD and Microsoft Collaborate on AI-Powered Solution 'Promptathon'

The Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD), a leading financial institution in the UAE, has joined forces with the Microsoft Innovation Hub to host a groundbreaking Microsoft Copilot Promptathon. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader ambition to lead in Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation and adoption. The event signifies the launch of CBD’s large-scale deployment of Microsoft Copilot, benefiting over 800 employees.

Supporting Dubai’s ‘One Million Prompters’ Initiative

Organized by Microsoft in collaboration with CBD’s Data & AI team, the Promptathon aligns with Dubai’s ‘One Million Prompters’ initiative, which aims to train one million individuals in AI prompt engineering. By embracing this vision, CBD reinforces its commitment to making Dubai a global AI powerhouse while driving technological advancements in the financial sector.

“The current pace and measure of technological advancement is such that our industry will fundamentally change within a short period,” said Dr. Bernd van Linder, CEO of CBD. “The combination of AI, Open Finance, and soon Quantum Computing, will transform banking more profoundly than at any other time since the introduction of the ATM. Given this evolution, employees must maximize the learning and development opportunities we offer to remain up to speed with the latest technological advances.”

Hands-On AI Collaboration with Leadership

During the event, participants worked cross-functionally with CBD’s executive leadership, including CEO Dr. Bernd van Linder. Teams tackled real-world business challenges through advanced prompt engineering—an approach that refines AI-generated instructions for optimal accuracy, creativity, and efficiency.

Empowering Employees for AI-Driven Transformation

This initiative enables CBD employees to enhance their Copilot expertise across various applications. The solutions crafted during the event will be presented to CBD’s CEO and Microsoft UAE’s General Manager, Naim Yazbeck, showcasing AI’s transformative potential in banking operations.

Commenting on the initiative, Yazbeck said: “CBD's commitment to AI adoption through the Promptathon reflects the potential and value Microsoft Copilot can bring to the banking and financial sector. This aligns with our own vision of empowering organisations to achieve higher levels of productivity and innovation through AI-driven solutions. By focusing on prompt engineering and empowering the team, CBD is setting new standards for AI integration in financial services.”

Building a Culture of AI Adoption

As an early adopter of Microsoft Copilot, CBD previously hosted an internal Promptathon, leading to the creation of ‘Superprompts’ and the designation of ‘Prompt Ambassadors.’ These individuals have played a pivotal role in educating colleagues and fostering AI integration within the organization. The latest edition, CBD’s largest yet, aims to further expand this initiative, increasing Copilot adoption at scale.

A Key Milestone in CBD’s Digital Evolution

With over 800 employees embracing Copilot, CBD marks a significant step in its digital transformation journey. This expansion aligns with Dubai’s 'Universal Blueprint for AI' framework and strengthens CBD’s role in advancing AI-driven solutions across industries. By integrating Microsoft Copilot with Microsoft 365 applications, CBD is creating a more efficient, AI-powered workplace.

Driving Innovation Beyond the Promptathon

The Promptathon is part of CBD’s broader digital transformation success story, which includes award-winning digital banking platforms, the Green Growth Account for sustainability tracking, and strategic fintech collaborations. Further strengthening its AI capabilities, CBD has also entered into a strategic partnership with PwC Middle East to accelerate AI adoption across its operations.

By pioneering AI-driven initiatives like the Promptathon, CBD is positioning itself at the forefront of financial innovation, setting new standards for digital banking in the UAE.