An initiative that aims to increase the number of Emiratis working in the private sector has expanded its reach to Al Ain, with the goal of creating 2,000 jobs for citizens.
The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, or Nafis, was launched in the emirate by Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region, on Saturday and is part of the UAE's broader Emiratisation strategy.
The Nafis programme was introduced in September 2021 with a mission to ensure 10 per cent of all skilled jobs in private companies are taken up by UAE citizens by the end of 2026.
The first phase of the programme in Al Ain will provide 1,700 job opportunities in the financial and banking sectors.
It is being carried out in collaboration with the UAE Central Bank. Several banks have signed on to create opportunities for Emiratis, including Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and HSBC.
In recent years, the government has introduced measures to boost Emiratisation efforts, including mandating a minimum percentage of employees in private companies and offering financial incentives to businesses that hire citizens.
Companies must increase their Emirati workforce by 1 per cent every six months under the nationwide Emiratisation scheme. Employers in the UAE with at least 50 members of staff were required to meet a 4 per cent target by the end of 2023.
As of August, about 81,000 Emiratis had joined private companies since Nafis was launched, with the total number of Emiratis working in the private sector standing at 113,000.
President Sheikh Mohamed receives Nafis award winners – in pictures
-
President Sheikh Mohamed with Nafis Award winners during a reception at Qasr Al Watan. Also pictured are Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation; Yusuff Ali, managing director of Emke Group; Ghannam Al Mazrouei, secretary general of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council; Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and other dignitaries. All photos: Presidential Court -
President Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid speak with award winners. -
The President greets Jassim Al Zaabi, Abu Dhabi Executive Council Member and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Finance -
Sheikh Mohamed shakes hands with Salem Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture and Youth -
The President welcomes Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Future Technology -
The President and Vice President speak before receiving the Nafis Award winners
