Al Futtaim urges Emiratis to make tracks in new career

ABU DHABI // One of the UAE’s largest vehicle companies is continuing its push to put more Emiratis under the bonnet.

Al Futtaim Auto and Machinery – part of the Al Futtaim Group, which has exclusive distribution rights in the UAE for Toyota and Lexus – has launched a training programme for Emiratis to support the Government’s Emiratisation goals.

The programme is designed to “open doors of opportunity” to Emiratis for careers in sales and technical roles.

“We are committed to empowering our exceptional UAE national talents and developing their skills through launching specialised training programmes,” said Abdulrahman Saqr, human resources director of Al Futtaim Automotive. “This will enable them to grow professionally within the organisation, while allowing them to play active roles in the development of our beloved nation.”

The six-month training programme includes the participation of eight individuals, exposing them to training that will develop their sales and technical skills.

It is part of the company’s strategy to increase the number of Emiratis it employs, while also becoming a leading choice for those hunting for jobs.

“We consider the recruitment and career development of nationals to be a cornerstone of our human resources strategy in all markets in which we operate,” said Paul Floyd, senior managing director at Al Futtaim Auto and Machinery.

“In our home market particularly, the value of high-quality Emirati associates has been proven repeatedly.”

Saeed Al Marzooqi, chief executive Top Speed Performance – a high-end auto parts and modification shop with locations in Dubai and Sharjah – said he got his start in the industry after taking part in an Al Futtaim programme in 1992.

“They had one of the first training programmes in mechanics,” he said.

“It has helped people enter the field.

“There weren’t too many [Emiratis] at the time, just a couple of guys working, but now you can see them everywhere.”

Mr Al Marzooqi said there was room for more Emiratis in the vehicle industry, and not just for men.

He said women have also showed interest.

“They aren’t working in the field, but they are interested,” he said. “If there are programmes for them, they will enter.”

He said once the choice was made to make cars and mechanics more than just a hobby, it was a good field to work in with the opportunity to make a good income.