UAE Hosts 2nd Nafis Forum to Boost Emirati Talent Growth

Dubai recently witnessed the conclusion of the second edition of the annual Nafis Forum, hosted by the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City. The event provided a dynamic platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing to enhance Emiratisation and prepare national talent for the evolving labor market.

The forum drew participation from key government figures, including Dr. Sultan Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of ETCC, and Khalil Al Khoori, Under-Secretary at MoHRE, alongside private sector Emirati talent, HR managers, and policy experts.

Ghannam Al Mazrouei opened the event emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to empowering national talent. He highlighted that the Nafis programme reflects the leadership’s vision to build a competitive, sustainable economy by investing in people. He stated that the programme’s benefits extend beyond economic growth, supporting family stability and quality of life, while fostering a stronger national presence in future-focused industries.

A major highlight of the forum was the launch of the fourth edition of the Nafis Award 2025-2026, celebrating individuals and establishments excelling in Emiratisation. The award now includes a new category recognizing Emiratis in education, alongside eleven other sub-categories spanning key private sector industries. Participants can self-nominate through the official portal: nafisaward.etcc.gov.ae.

The forum also marked commitments for the National Healthcare Program, aimed at providing students with hands-on experience in healthcare facilities. These pledges are designed to strengthen the future workforce by bridging education and employment, while helping healthcare providers meet Emiratisation targets.

Panel discussions highlighted best practices and success stories from the private sector, illustrating the tangible impact of the Nafis programme on national talent development. Special sessions, such as the Private Sector Youth Empowerment Session, allowed young Emiratis to share innovative ideas and initiatives, ensuring sustainable and scalable solutions for future employment opportunities.

With initiatives like Nafis, the UAE continues to reinforce the role of national talent in building a robust economy, preparing a new generation of leaders, and enhancing the country’s competitiveness both regionally and globally.