The private sector in the UAE “must develop local talent” to support Emiratization efforts

Private sector businesses have been urged to develop long-term strategies to attract and retain the best local talent and to refrain from aiming to “meet a quota” in order to achieve stringent Emiratisation targets.

A leading recruiter said it was crucial for employers to create clear career paths for nationals to successfully integrate them into a sector predominantly occupied by foreign workers.

In recent years, the UAE has undertaken intensive efforts to encourage more citizens to engage with the private sector, which continues to be the driving force behind the country’s economic development.

The Nafis program was introduced in September 2021, and its mission is to ensure that by the end of 2026, citizens take up 10%. all jobs requiring high qualifications in private companies.

Businesses employing at least 50 workers have been required to hire Emirati nationals for 5% of their skilled positions. Businesses that fail to meet this requirement will face fines from July 1.

“To truly commit to Emiratisation, we encourage private employers to approach Emiratisation strategically, beyond deadlines and regulations,” said Christopher Cornwell, chief executive and managing partner of Dubai-based Mark Williams Recruitment Agency, a specialist in Emiratisation.

“Ideally, the focus should be on strategies to develop and retain talent, not just hire to fill a quota.

“Enabling clear career paths, mentoring programmes and fostering a culture that reflects Emirati values ​​is key to better facilitating the successful implementation of Emiratisation programmes.”

Planning for the future

Cornwell encouraged companies to allow Emirati nationals working in management positions to mentor fellow nationals who join in entry-level positions.

He said Emiratis, who usually chose to work in the public sector, had proven they could succeed when given a chance in private companies.

“In our experience, Emirati employees thrive and succeed in all positions at corporate headquarters, such as HR, marketing, technology, finance and operations,” he said.

“Over the past few years, we have started to see a rise in UAE talent in technical areas such as data analytics, machine learning, investment, engineering and sustainability.

“It is important for the private sector to be aware of the professional groups in which talented UAE nationals have achieved success and are able to lead their organisations towards growth.”

Overcoming challenges

Alia Al Nuaimi, human resources coordinator at Dubai Refreshment, the company that bottles and distributes Pepsi drinks, said larger companies may struggle to meet Emiratisation targets.

“Being an Emiratisation specialist who is responsible for all Emiratisation processes from the beginning to the end of the service is not easy. Achieving the goal is more difficult and there are several aspects that prevent us from achieving it,” said Ms Al Nuaimi.

She explained that high staff turnover could pose a problem in meeting the Emiratization targets, which will be increased by 1 percent every six months until the end of 2026.

Dalia Benhida, human resources and Emiratisation manager at the private Jumeirah English Speaking School in Dubai, said it was important for more Emiratis to work in education to help instill local values.

“As a direct result of numerous government initiatives, more and more skilled Emiratis are entering the private sector. These include access to higher quality educational programmes, training and internship initiatives, and language training,” she said.

“The participation of Emiratis in the educational process and their presence in the implementation of the curriculum allows children to engage directly with and immerse themselves in the local culture.”

Public sector roles tend to be better paid than those in the private sector, prompting the government to offer incentives to encourage more Emiratis to switch jobs.

Under rules announced by government leaders in November 2022, UAE citizens working in the private sector are eligible to receive a monthly salary supplement of Dh7,000 ($1,905).

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the prime minister and ruler of Dubai, said in May that the number of Emiratis working in the private sector had exceeded 100,000 for the first time.

Job seekers in the Emirates found out National were keen to explore the opportunities available in both sectors, with career development as a priority.

Career development is key

Abdullah Aljunaibi, a graduate of Zayed University, would like to try his hand at the private sector, but admits that starting a professional career can be difficult.

He said he was among 60 people who applied for a certain position and went through a series of interviews and tests, but none of the candidates were hired.

“I really don’t mind working in the public or private sector, but I have some experience in the private sector, especially during job interviews,” he said.

“I have had interviews and then been called to do an assessment, but there have been cases where I have been called to do the same assessment twice.”

Another candidate from the United Arab Emirates, who asked to remain anonymous, said he felt isolated in the private company he worked for because most of his colleagues were of the same nationality and spoke neither Arabic nor English.

He said that when he started working in the private sector, he was discouraged by the lack of Emirati nationals in leadership and managerial positions.

However, he is still keen to find the right role in the industry, having pursued a master’s degree in cybersecurity to increase his employability.

Amna Almheiri worked for an insurance company for four years and would like to return to work in a private company.

“I would still prefer to work in the private sector, especially in a large multinational company, rather than in the public sector.

“At this stage I still feel I have a lot to learn and I know I could learn more in the private sector.

“I see Emirati nationals who work in large private companies becoming really skilled before joining the public sector.”

Emiratization ride – in photos

Abdulla Galadari, a lawyer from the United Arab Emirates and a senior partner at Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants in Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National

Updated: June 30, 2024, 11:34 AM