UAE Private Sector Urged to Develop Local Talent for Emiratisation Goals

Private-sector companies in the UAE are being urged to adopt long-term strategies to attract and retain top local talent, emphasizing the need to go beyond mere quota fulfillment for Emiratisation targets.

Christopher Cornwell, CEO of Dubai-based Mark Williams Recruitment Agency, stressed the importance of creating clear career paths and mentorship programs to integrate Emiratis effectively into sectors dominated by expatriate staff.

The UAE government has been pushing for greater Emiratisation in the private sector through initiatives like the Nafis program, aiming for 10% of skilled jobs in private companies to be held by Emiratis by 2026. Companies failing to meet interim targets face fines, highlighting the urgency for strategic Emiratisation approaches.

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Cornwell highlighted Emirati success in various sectors, including HR, marketing, technology, finance, and operations, and noted a growing presence in technical fields like data science and engineering. He urged companies to identify job families where Emirati talent can thrive to foster organizational growth.

However, challenges persist, such as high turnover rates and the preference for public-sector jobs due to higher pay. Companies like Dubai Refreshment and Jumeirah English Speaking School are navigating these challenges, with HR coordinators emphasizing the need for comprehensive Emiratisation processes and increased Emirati presence in education to preserve local values.

Despite hurdles, there's a growing pool of qualified Emiratis entering the private sector, supported by government initiatives in education and training. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has noted a milestone with over 100,000 Emiratis employed in the private sector, signaling progress in diversifying career opportunities.

Jobseekers like Abdullah Aljunaibi and Amna Almheiri express eagerness to contribute to the private sector's growth, citing career development and learning opportunities as key priorities in their professional journeys.