Emiratis seeking employment outside the public sector are a critical engine of growth
Emiratis seeking employment outside the public sector are a critical engine of growth
Emiratis seeking employment outside the public sector are a critical engine of growth
Emiratis seeking employment outside the public sector are a critical engine of growth

Opinion

Building the nation in the private sector

Emiratis seeking employment outside of the public sector are a critical engine of growth

National Editorial

February 18, 2017

  • English
  • Arabic

The push to place more Emiratis into the national workforce, known as Emiratisation, reflects a simple reality facing this country: with resources being poured into infrastructure and other sectors of the economy, populating the workforce with nationals is a prudent investment in future prosperity. The challenge now facing the labour market is attracting Emiratis into the private sector and away from government jobs.

The scope of that challenge was on display at the Sharjah National Career Fair. As The National reported, demand for government jobs in Sharjah is far outweighing supply. It is not difficult to see why people – given the choice – would opt for a career in the public sector over the private sector.

Job security, salaries, employment perks and leave entitlement in the civil service far exceed those in private companies. But in order for the economy to remain nimble and grow independently of hydrocarbon resources, the private sector must increase the proportion of Emiratis it employs. Such a shift in the labour market requires an infusion of people willing to make the leap into the private sector both to enrich their own careers and to advance the national interest.

What steps can be taken to facilitate this? In many countries, public-sector employment is viewed as a trade-off: staff accept slightly lower salaries and fewer perks than they might expect in the private sector, in return for job security, enhanced pensions and the satisfaction derived from serving their country.

It would be unrealistic to expect UAE public-sector employers to start cutting salaries. However, it is not unrealistic to ask private companies how they might make themselves more attractive to Emirati employees.

There is undeniable satisfaction to be had in facing a challenge and coming out on top. The same can be said about choosing a job in the private sector in the knowledge that hard work and commitment will ensure career and salary advancement. There is more to serving one’s country than working in a government job. In our labour market, choosing the private sector comes with the added pride of growing the economy through action and commitment. Such a bold decision is one of the greatest demonstrations of national pride, the effects of which will be seen in the generations to come.

While you're here

Expert input

If you had all the money in the world, what’s the one sneaker you would buy or create?

“There are a few shoes that have ‘grail’ status for me. But the one I have always wanted is the Nike x Patta x Parra Air Max 1 - Cherrywood. To get a pair in my size brand new is would cost me between Dh8,000 and Dh 10,000.” Jack Brett

“If I had all the money, I would approach Nike and ask them to do my own Air Force 1, that’s one of my dreams.” Yaseen Benchouche

“There’s nothing out there yet that I’d pay an insane amount for, but I’d love to create my own shoe with Tinker Hatfield and Jordan.” Joshua Cox

“I think I’d buy a defunct footwear brand; I’d like the challenge of reinterpreting a brand’s history and changing options.” Kris Balerite

 “I’d stir up a creative collaboration with designers Martin Margiela of the mixed patchwork sneakers, and Yohji Yamamoto.” Hussain Moloobhoy

“If I had all the money in the world, I’d live somewhere where I’d never have to wear shoes again.” Raj Malhotra

While you're here

Various Artists 
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
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Stormy seas

Weather warnings show that Storm Eunice is soon to make landfall. The videographer and I are scrambling to return to the other side of the Channel before it does. As we race to the port of Calais, I see miles of wire fencing topped with barbed wire all around it, a silent ‘Keep Out’ sign for those who, unlike us, aren’t lucky enough to have the right to move freely and safely across borders.

We set sail on a giant ferry whose length dwarfs the dinghies migrants use by nearly a 100 times. Despite the windy rain lashing at the portholes, we arrive safely in Dover; grateful but acutely aware of the miserable conditions the people we’ve left behind are in and of the privilege of choice. 

RESULT

Arsenal 0 Chelsea 3
Chelsea: Willian (40'), Batshuayi (42', 49')

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