Sharjah Deputy Ruler Reviews Nafis Program to Boost Emirati Jobs

Sharjah, UAE: His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Vice Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council (SEC), warmly welcomed Ghannam Butti Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC), at the Sharjah Ruler’s Office on Tuesday.

The meeting focused on the significant role of the ETCC and its key programme, Nafis, in supporting the employment, training, and professional qualification of Emirati talent. These initiatives aim to increase the number of UAE citizens working in the private sector and to enhance the skills of the local workforce.

Praise for ETCC and Nafis Programme

During the meeting, His Highness expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts of the ETCC and the Nafis programme. He highlighted the council’s continuous work in developing the skills of Emirati youth and enabling them to contribute more effectively to the private sector.

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His Highness specifically commended the various initiatives, projects, and special programmes that the ETCC has launched to enhance the presence of Emirati citizens in private companies. These initiatives are designed not only to attract talent but also to retain skilled professionals by offering comprehensive training and development opportunities.

Overview of Nafis Programme

The Deputy Ruler was presented with a detailed overview of the Nafis programme, which has a goal of attracting and retaining 170,000 Emirati citizens in the private sector. The programme works through several specialised initiatives, awareness campaigns, and support systems to ensure that Emiratis are well-prepared for private sector employment.

Officials provided His Highness with key statistics and achievements of the programme over the past four years, demonstrating its success. Among the highlights were:

• Growth in the number of Emiratis employed in private sector roles.

• The increasing number of beneficiaries of the Nafis programme.

• The rise in the number of private sector establishments that are participating in the programme and hiring Emirati talent.

His Highness was impressed with the data, showing how Nafis has positively impacted employment and helped strengthen the skills of UAE citizens.

Review of National Employment Figures

During the meeting, His Highness also received updates on national private sector employment figures since the start of the current year. The discussion included the number of job seekers registered in the programme, the beneficiaries who have successfully found employment, and the growth of Emirati participation in various private sector roles.

The briefing included a review of:

• Financial support programmes designed to assist job seekers.

• Training and qualification schemes that prepare Emiratis for competitive roles.

• Specialised initiatives and enablers under the Nafis programme.

• Awareness campaigns that inform citizens about the opportunities and support available.

His Highness showed keen interest in how these measures ensure a continuous supply of skilled Emirati professionals for the private sector.

Detailed Analysis of Private Sector Employment in Sharjah

The Deputy Ruler also learned about the ETCC’s efforts and initiatives specifically within Sharjah. Officials presented a detailed analysis of private sector employment data, covering:

• Employment figures across different age groups.

• Participation in various economic sectors.

• Employment trends based on educational levels of job seekers.

His Highness was briefed on the number of job seekers registered on the Nafis platform and the various programmes available to them. These programmes include:

1. Healthcare Cadres Programme – Designed to train Emiratis in healthcare roles and meet the increasing demand in hospitals and clinics.

2. Talent Programme – Focused on identifying high-potential Emirati talent and providing them with career guidance and specialised training.

3. Career Counselling Programme – Aimed at helping young Emiratis choose the right career paths in alignment with private sector needs.

Through these programmes, Nafis ensures that UAE citizens have access to opportunities that match their skills and career goals.

Importance of the Meeting

This meeting underlines Sharjah’s commitment to developing human capital and enhancing the participation of Emiratis in the private sector. By reviewing the progress of the Nafis programme, His Highness reinforced the importance of training, career development, and employment opportunities for citizens.

The discussion also reflected the government’s proactive approach in addressing challenges related to employment, such as the gap between available skills and private sector requirements. By focusing on skill development, awareness, and specialised support, the ETCC ensures that Emirati talent can thrive in competitive job markets.

Commitment to Supporting Emirati Talent

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah emphasized the need for continuous support for programmes like Nafis, which not only create employment opportunities but also equip Emiratis with the necessary skills and confidence to succeed in the private sector.

He praised the ETCC for its visionary strategies, data-driven approach, and targeted initiatives, which have already shown tangible results in enhancing Emirati participation in various economic sectors.

The meeting between His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi and Ghannam Butti Al Mazrouei highlighted Sharjah’s strong commitment to developing local talent, supporting Emirati employment, and strengthening private sector engagement.

Through the efforts of the ETCC and the Nafis programme, thousands of Emirati citizens have been trained, qualified, and employed in meaningful roles, contributing to the growth of the economy and the development of a skilled national workforce.

The discussion also emphasized the long-term vision of the Emirati government to ensure that all citizens have access to career opportunities that suit their abilities, skills, and ambitions, ultimately fostering a strong and sustainable private sector presence for UAE nationals.