Dubai Media Council hosts workshop introducing the ‘Nafis’ programme

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office

The Dubai Media Council (DMC), in collaboration with the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC), recently held an introductory workshop on the ‘Nafis’ programme. The event took place at DMC’s office and brought together representatives from various media companies and institutions that have pledged their support to the ‘Emirati Media Talent Pledge’ initiative.

This initiative, launched under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, aims to develop young Emirati media professionals and prepare them for careers in the private sector. The pledge has the backing of major media organizations from both the region and across the world. It is specifically designed to support media students, graduates, and those interested in media training or working in the private media industry.

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The workshop focused on fulfilling the vision of Dubai’s leadership to build a globally recognized media industry by empowering local talent, increasing job opportunities, and enhancing the competitiveness of the industry.

Key Highlights from the Workshop

Her Excellency Nehal Badri, Secretary General of the Dubai Media Council, praised the efforts of ETCC in supporting the pledge and creating new career opportunities for Emirati talent in the media sector. She also expressed her gratitude to all the media companies that have committed to this initiative.

“This workshop helped our partners understand the ‘Nafis’ programme and how it plays a crucial role in supporting the ‘Emirati Media Talent Pledge’. Our collaboration with ‘Nafis’ and top media companies highlights DMC’s commitment to developing Emirati media professionals,” Badri said.

She further added, “Investing in young media talent is vital for the future of our national media. DMC continues to work closely with partners to ensure young professionals gain the necessary knowledge and hands-on experience to succeed in the industry. By equipping them with the right skills, we are helping to advance the local media sector in line with the UAE leadership’s vision and strengthening its global presence.”

The session provided an in-depth understanding of the objectives of the ‘Nafis’ programme, which aims to strengthen the skills of Emirati professionals, increase their employment in the private sector, and improve workforce competitiveness. The programme also works towards making private sector jobs more appealing to Emiratis and ensuring job stability through various training initiatives.

Additionally, the session detailed the support provided by ETCC and the ‘Nafis’ programme, which includes internationally recognized training programmes, financial assistance, and specialized training courses to help Emirati talent grow. The workshop also discussed the benefits available to private sector companies that hire Emiratis and the incentives provided under the programme.

Saif Al Suwaidi, Project Manager at the Dubai Media Council, emphasized that the workshop is part of DMC’s long-term strategy to nurture Emirati talent and strengthen its role in the media industry.

“The ‘Emirati Media Talent Pledge’ is all about developing promising Emirati media professionals by offering them real-world training to sharpen their skills and expand their career opportunities. The ‘Nafis’ programme plays a key role in helping Emiratis gain the expertise needed to secure positions in top private media companies,” Al Suwaidi said.

He further mentioned that this collaboration with ‘Nafis’ is just the beginning. More workshops and training sessions will be held in the future, organized by DMC in partnership with media companies and academic institutions.

How Emiratis Can Get Involved

Emiratis who wish to participate in DMC’s training and mentorship programmes can apply by sending their CVs to talent@dubaimediacouncil.ae.

The ‘Emirati Media Talent Pledge’ was introduced by DMC to build strong partnerships with leading media organizations, encouraging young Emiratis to pursue careers in media. Through this initiative, participating media companies provide mentorship, training, and job opportunities to talented Emiratis, including university students, through specialized programs that prepare them for the job market.

This workshop marks another important step in Dubai’s journey to become a hub for media excellence while ensuring that Emirati professionals are at the forefront of the industry’s growth.