Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) is leading the charge in AI integration within the banking sector by partnering with Microsoft for a groundbreaking Promptathon event. This event marks a pivotal moment in CBD’s ongoing digital transformation as it rolls out Microsoft Copilot to over 800 employees, furthering the UAE’s ambition to become a global leader in AI innovation.


Harnessing the Power of AI for Efficiency
The CBD Promptathon is a strategic initiative designed to maximize the potential of AI prompt engineering. In this process, participants, including CBD’s leadership team, collaborate on developing solutions for real-world business challenges using Microsoft Copilot. The focus on prompt engineering aims to refine AI prompts to generate accurate, useful, and creative responses, helping CBD streamline internal processes and enhance operational efficiency.
Aligning with Dubai’s AI Vision
This initiative supports the UAE’s national goals, including Dubai’s “One Million Prompters” initiative, which seeks to train one million people in AI prompt engineering. As Dr. Bernd van Linder, CEO of CBD, stated: “The combination of AI, Open Finance, and Quantum Computing will fundamentally change banking, and it is crucial that we equip our employees with the necessary skills to navigate these advancements.”
Strengthening AI Adoption Across the Organization
CBD’s Promptathon also builds on previous initiatives, such as the Superprompts developed last year and the appointment of Prompt Ambassadors within the organization. These ambassadors serve as champions for AI adoption, ensuring knowledge transfer and encouraging the widespread use of Copilot across CBD’s operations. With the latest Promptathon, CBD aims to expand its AI capabilities, enabling employees to use Copilot across various functions, thus accelerating the bank’s digital transformation.
Microsoft’s Role in the Transformation
Naim Yazbeck, General Manager of Microsoft UAE, praised CBD’s leadership in AI adoption, stating that the Promptathon showcases the value of Microsoft Copilot in enhancing productivity and fostering innovation in the financial sector. The collaboration also positions CBD at the forefront of AI-driven transformation, contributing to Dubai’s Universal Blueprint for AI.
As part of its broader strategy to embed AI across its operations, CBD has also formed a strategic partnership with PwC Middle East, ensuring accelerated AI adoption. The bank’s continued success in digital innovation includes the launch of award-winning platforms, such as the Green Growth Account, which features digital sustainability tracking.
CBD’s deployment of Microsoft Copilot is a major step toward creating a digital-first workspace within the bank. With AI-driven solutions integrated into everyday business functions, CBD is not only enhancing its internal operations but also contributing to Dubai’s vision for a seamless AI-powered economy.
For more information on CBD’s AI transformation and ongoing digital initiatives, visit the bank’s official website.