DUBAI // The Dubai Creative Clusters Authority will connect more then 4,500 businesses with 26,000 university students looking for part-time work.
As the region’s first government free zone regulator, DCCA will allow the next generation of creative talent to gain industry experience to complement their fields of study and increase their employment prospects post-graduation.
“Dubai Creative Clusters Authority seeks to foster the growth of vibrant creative sector ecosystems to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs, industry leaders and creative talent,” said Ahmed Bin Byat, Director General of DCCA.
The UAE is currently ranked second and third in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report for talent attraction and talent retention, respectively.
Notably, the new regulation is anticipated to bridge the knowledge-skills gap identified as a challenge in the Arab region by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.
A study conducted by Aon Hewitt in 2016 found 57 per cent of local organisations cite a lack of availability of talent with the necessary qualifications as being a key barrier to recruiting in the UAE.
“Through opening up opportunities that allow students to gain real-world industry experience, the Student Part-time Work Regulation will bridge the knowledge-skills gap,” added Mr Bin Byat.
The ‘Earn while you Learn’ programme will give students an opportunity to work in sectors such as technology, life sciences and energy, which are all represented within the nine clusters regulated by DCCA.
Furthermore, it will give SMEs, which account for approximately 60% of private sector employment in the world, the flexibility to build capacity for short term projects with a more cost-effective recruitment model.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh122,745
On sale: now
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
Captain Marvel
Director: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
Starring: Brie Larson, Samuel L Jackson, Jude Law, Ben Mendelsohn
4/5 stars
Brief scores
Toss India, chose to bat
India 281-7 in 50 ov (Pandya 83, Dhoni 79; Coulter-Nile 3-44)
Australia 137-9 in 21 ov (Maxwell 39, Warner 25; Chahal 3-30)
India won by 26 runs on Duckworth-Lewis Method
