Emiratisation is a key priority for the UAE, designed to enhance the skills of nationals and diversify the public and private sector workforces, and legal provisions are now in place to regulate the employment and training of Emirati talent, further developing their life and job skills.
Federal government programme Nafis was launched in 2021 by the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council to support the growth of national talent through mandatory targets for private sector companies with over 50 employees. These targets require a one per cent increase in the number of Emirati employees in skilled positions every six months, with the goal of achieving a two per cent Emiratisation rate by the end of 2023 and an ambitious 10 per cent rate by the end of 2026.
Strategic initiatives put in place by Nafis to drive Emiratisation include streamlining the hiring process and providing ongoing support for career development and progression for Emiratis within private companies.
The Emiratisation journey for private sector companies now begins as they strive to attract the top Emirati talent and position themselves as favourable places for citizens to seek employment.
Connecting with Emirati jobseekers
The 22nd edition of the careers fair and empowerment event Ru’ya, Careers Redefined, took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 19-21 September 2023 with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), the leading Islamic financial institution, as a platinum sponsor, plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between ambitious Emirati job seekers and companies dedicated to meeting the nation's workforce requirements.
Among the 100-plus exhibitors for Ru’ya 2023, there were shining examples of how Emiratisation can go beyond mandatory targets and become an inspiration for transformative strategies. The Emirates Group's ground-breaking 'Rehlaty’ stands as a visionary approach to drive Emiratisation and cultivate a dynamic, homegrown talent pool.
Encompassing four strategic phases to attract, develop, retain, and measure Emirati talent, the scheme offers comprehensive scholarship programs spanning various disciplines, from cadet pilots and engineering to IT and finance. It also collaborates closely with key government bodies, such as the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE) and Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) and leading global partners including Airbus, GE, Rolls Royce and INSEAD.
Meaning 'My Trip' in English, Rehlaty truly embodies the nation's commitment to empowering Emirati professionals and shaping a bright, sustainable future for the UAE. For Emirates Group, nurturing the nation’s talent transcends recruitment, extending to comprehensive career development through a wide range of schemes, from the prestigious Rehlaty Awards to the recently announced UAE National Talent Acceleration Programme, encompassing diverse streams like internships, international scholarships, and specialised graduate pathways.
Shaping the next generation of employment
GMG, the global well-being company grown in the UAE, is also committed to supporting the UAE's national agenda and fostering the growth of Emirati talent. Mohammad A. Baker, Deputy Chairman and CEO of GMG, said: “In line with the UAE government's efforts to attract Emirati talent to the private sector, GMG is committed to fostering and empowering Emirati individuals throughout our various business divisions. Ru'ya represents an excellent platform for a UAE-based enterprise like ours to engage with talented young Emiratis, shaping the next generation of the workforce. We invite them to join our ever-expanding team of 10,000 employees, spanning 12 countries, and play a pivotal role in redefining the future of retail.”
Recognising its people as its greatest asset, GMG’s goal is not just to employ nationals, but nurture them and give them the skills required to excel. Some of its new initiatives focus on community building, combining the efforts of the HR team with the leadership to mentor candidates in their career choices, regularly holding one-on-one sessions with them to better understand their goals and ambitions. Ru’ya offers an ideal platform to put this into practice. Leadership mentors will be present to hold one-on-one sessions with candidates to discuss their challenges, areas of interest and skills, aimed at guiding and inspiring young talent and presenting them with opportunities to grow.
Dedicated in the region
SLB also has a rich history in the UAE and is committed to hiring local talent, enabling it to provide a diverse range of exciting opportunities for Emiratis. It remains dedicated to investing in the region and actively participates in numerous events throughout the year, with Ru’ya, Careers UAE Redefined standing out as one of its most pivotal engagements. Such events allow SLB to connect with new talent, showcase opportunities and highlight its steadfast approach to promoting a lifelong learning culture.
The leading global technology company provides continuous growth opportunities through a combination of virtual learning and hands-on experience, as well as mentoring programs to inspire employees and accelerate career development. This fosters an agile workforce and helps to nurture the organisation’s future leaders. SLB also has strong relations with several universities in the region, collaborating to develop rewarding opportunities for young Emiratis, and it delivers advanced training from its Middle East and Asia Learning Centre in Abu Dhabi, aimed at positively inspiring the next generation of innovators.
Shaping a prosperous nation
Concerted efforts such as these by private sector companies and the UAE government have seen the number of UAE Nationals employed privately rise from under 30,000 to almost 80,000.
All exhibitors appearing at Ru’ya this year – including our Platinum sponsor Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, DP World, Nakheel, RTA, Schlumberger, and many more – sought to boost this total, demonstrate how they are dedicated to achieving their Emiratisation objectives and connect with gifted UAE nationals, eager to advance their careers, drive innovation and help shape a prosperous nation.
Source: RU'YA Careers
