Private sector ‘is not investing in training of Emirati workforce’

'Many private organisations just pay them the salary and do not involve them in professional growth,' says Shareef Al Romaithi, who runs an Emiratisation consultancy and research company. Mona Al Marzooqi/ The National

ABU DHABI // An Emiratisation specialist believes that the private sector is not getting the best out of its Emirati employees.

“Many private organisations just pay them the salary and do not involve them in professional growth,” said Shareef Al Romaithi, 31, who runs Idrak, an Emiratisation consultancy and research company.

“As a result, young talent does not get sufficient training. In some cases, they only hire Emiratis at junior level and as a result there is no improvement and career progression. Eventually they resign and go to another company and the cycle goes on.”

He said the private sector did not invest in the training of young nationals to improve their skills.

“I strongly believe that the private sector and Government have to work together to tackle this challenge and to promote Emiratisation,” said Mr Al Romaithi, who is a pilot by profession.

“The government sector can sponsor national talent training if private companies cannot do so.”

He also highlighted the need for culture training since people from a number of nationalities worked in the UAE.

“National culture awareness training is very crucial in countries such as the UAE where more than 200 nationalities work and live together,” he said.

Mr Al Romaithi said that with such diversity in one team, there will be challenges in terms of communication.

“These cultural gaps and misunderstanding have the potential to become a major safety challenge.

“And this is where national culture training comes in,” he added.