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KHALEEJ TIMES WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2023
EMIRATISATION LOCAL TALENT MEETS NATIONAL PROSPERITY
Emiratisation
Set To Drive Growth
Private sector adopts new rules, sets targets, and faces consequences in pursuit of a skilled national workforce
IMPACTED BY THE UPDATED EMIRATISATION RULES:
♦ Anam Khan
W
Information and Communications Financial and Insurance Activities Real Estate Professional and Technical Activities Administrative and Support Services Arts and Entertainment Mining and Quarrying Transformative Industries Education Healthcare and Social Work Construction Wholesale and Retail Transportation and Warehousing Hospitality and Residency Services
hile the Emiratisation pro-
the UAE’s private sector for over a decade, the recent introduction of the Emiratisation Resolution marks a pivotal moment, signalling the government’s heightened commitment to enforce this initiative. requires private sector employers registered with the Ministry of Human Resourcensure that a minimum of two per cent of their skilled workforce in the UAE consists employee as a ‘skilled worker’ hinges on their role and whether it necessitates holdgree level or equivalent. Notably, UAE nationals who were al-
National Higher Education Sponsorship
before the issuance of the Emiratisation -
higher education to UAE Nationals, displaying a commitment to enhancing the bank’s performance. NMC, the largest integrated private healthcare platform in the UAE, is also committed to supporting the Emiratisation drive of the UAE government. Since its in-
Emiratisation has been more than just a government directive for Al Ain Farms, working across departments. The company has an Emiratisation programme called ‘Athar’, providing training to talented UAE national students on unique specialisations such as veterinary, quality, health and safety, research and development, and employs them too. Meanwhile, Commercial Bank of
consciously promoted diversity in its workplace and encouraged UAE Nationals to develop careers in the healthcare industry. Another strong player from banking industry, supporting Emiratisation and nurtor, is Invest Bank. The bank collaborates with the Emirates Institutes of Finance
UAE Nationals at all levels to create a talent pipeline for the future, says its senior
training programme that prepares candi-
dates for roles within. This strategic partnership enhances the UAE’s talent pool and contributes to the broader growth of
that MoHRE intends to retroactively apply
imperative for businesses to swiftly adapt to the evolving landscape of Emiratisation policies. duced hiring quotas for Emiratis, marking mented. Private companies were given
the added consequence of having their ability to obtain new work permits suspended
required to ensure that three per cent of
This development underscores the UAE government’s unwavering commitment to Emiratisation and emphasises the urgency for private sector entities to align with the new regulations. It also -
Human Resources and Emiratisation introduced an update to these regulations. It extended the Emiratisation drive to
economic sectors, including real estate, education, construction, and healthcare. The Emirati employment rate is antici-
remain intact, but private enterprises are now required to gradually reach these targets by increasing their Emirati workforce by one per cent every six months. It’s important to note that these measures companies located within free zones are exempt. Nevertheless, they are encouraged to actively participate in the initiative. Private businesses are urged to steadily increase the number of Emirati employees by two per cent each year, with the ulti-
Emiratisation In The Private Sector Is Vital To Expanding UAE’s Economy: NMC
Nurturing The Local Talent For Industry Leadership sustainability. Emiratis are looking for opportunities to develop their career, to grow professionally and build a well-structured and
NMC Healthcare has introduced attractive scholarships, retention schemes, rewards and recognition programmes to attract and retain UAE Nationals ♦ Suneeti Ahuja-Kohli
N
MC, the largest integrated private healthcare platform in the UAE, is committed to support the Emiratisation drive of the UAE government. Since care group has consciously promoted diversity in its workplace and encouraged UAE Nationals to develop careers in the healthcare industry.
“We have plans to shore up this number over the coming months. To attract more UAE Nationals to choose NMC as their preferred place to work, we have introduced scholarship programmes for Emiratis. This will help expand the pool of UAE nationals ready the number of Emiratis in top-tier management,” said Zainab Abdul
a much better chance in retaining their local talents.” According to the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratis have joined UAE’s private sector since the beginning of Zainab Abdul Ameer
of Emirati employees in the pri-
and pharmacy were opened in
Evidently, there are some chal-
decades, the group has expanded the realm of its operations into medicines, FMCG products, hospitals, and clinics, and earned a loyal customer base comprising a pool of nationalities. The health-
while recruiting UAE Nationals. Ms Zainab listed a few: There is a perceived advantage in government sector in respect to compensation, work-life balance, and job stability. NMC is actively working to enhance its dress these areas. ated with the NMC group, includ-
patient
interactions
annually ties which include medical centres, long-term care facilities, day surgery centres, aesthetic and cosmetic centres, fertility clinics, and home health services. Talking about the role of the private sector in aiding the expansion of the UAE’s economy, Ms Zainab said: “The private sector has a key role to play in doubling the country’s gross domestic product. The Nationals need to be embedded in the private sector to achieve the planned level of growth and future
children hospital in Abu Dhabi, the GCC to list on the London Stock Exchange. Over the years, NMC has also garnered leading industry awards including Asia’s most promising award. It is now working to shore up participation of the UAE Nationals at its group and eventually emerge among
Emiratisation in the private sector promotes cultural understanding in the workplace and supports sustainable economic development
F ♦
or a company that was established by the father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Emiratisation has been more than just a government dilocal dairy, has UAE nationals working across departments. The company, in fact, has an Emiratisation programme called ‘Athar’, providing training to talented UAE national students on unique specialisations such as veterinary, quality, health and safety, research and development, and employs them too. we have remained committed to employing and nurturing local talent. Emiratis have held key leadership and management positions at Al Ain Farms, overseeing various aspects of the organisation’s operations. Their deep understanding of local culture and business dynamics has been crucial in making strategic decisions and guiding the company forward,” said Aysha Hareb Al Dhaheri, Director, HR and Administration at Al Ain Farms.
company has consistently met the Emirati quota set by the government. “We place high importance on recruiting and developing Emirati nationals as integral members of our workprogramme called ‘Athar’ that empowers UAE national students through practical experience and industry knowledge. It nurtures them as our future workforce and leaders in the FMCG industry,” noted Al Dhaheri. Since the launch of the Athar programme, Al Ain Farms has trained two Emiratis vets, of female vet. It has also trained and sensory scientist for product development and testing. Athar trains select UAE NationAin Farms. The company plans to continue with this programme and introduce more initiatives in Talking about the importance of Emiratisation in the private sector, Al Dhaheri said: “Emiratisation is important because it empowers the UAE national workforce, supports sustainable economic development, and aligns with government objectives. Embracing Emiratisation in the private sector promotes cultural understanding, enhances brand image, and fosters a diverse and skilled talent pool, contributing to the nation’s long-term success.”
Al Ain Farms has grown by leaps and bounds over four decades and expanded into presence in dairy, fresh juice, camel milk production, and poultry, producing fresh chicken and eggs, and is among the largest integrated companies locally. sustainable products, and new in the market. Our key business objective is to become the number one player in the dairy and poultry industry in the UAE,” added Al Dhaheri. The company employs over nationalities. “The Emiratis in ing roles across different levels of management, and they are engaged across functions. This demonstrates our commitment to workplace diversity and fostering cross-cultural integration.” Al Ain Farms has always taken an active role in public engageinitiatives such as senior citizens programmes, food donation campaigns, and groups in need “It is in our DNA to give back and serve the community well. This reflects in our Athar program through which we train talented are important for the success of the industry and Al Ain Farms as a company,” concluded Al Dhaheri.
