Private Companies In UAE Have Key Role In Emiratisation Initiative
MoHRE: Robust Emirati Workforce Needed
Private companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have a unique opportunity to understand and align with the country’s Emiratisation plans. This could involve initiatives such as increasing the number of Emirati employees, providing training and development opportunities for Emiratis, or partnering with local educational institutions to support the development of local talent.
By recognising their pivotal role in the nation’s economic landscape, these companies can actively contribute to and benefit from the UAE’s ambitious growth trajectory.
According to Ahmad Yousuf Al Nasser, Assistant Undersecretary of National Human Resources Development and Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Policy and Strategy of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), Emiratisation offers numerous advantages for these companies.
These include access to a skilled local workforce, fostering innovation, and promoting a deeper understanding of local culture in the market, thereby making them feel optimistic and excited about the potential benefits.
“This vision is central to Emiratisation, which entails empowering and integrating a skilled Emirati workforce into various sectors, fostering innovation, and promoting a deeper understanding of local culture in the market,” said Al Nasser while delivering the keynote address titled ‘Exploring Government’s Role In Emiratisation Initiatives’ at the ‘Making Emiratisation A Success 2024’ guidebook launch event, held at the iconic Museum of the Future in Dubai City on May 13, 2024.
Watch the video here:
The ‘Making Emiratisation A Success 2024’ guidebook (English/Arabic) can be downloaded via this link: https://tascoutsourcing.com/campaigns/emiratization-guidebook/
The landmark event was hosted by Dubai-based TASC Outsourcing, a leading staffing and HR solutions specialist, in collaboration with MoHRE. The well-attended event was the largest public-private initiative on Emiratisation in collaboration with MoHRE.
The significance of a robust Emirati workforce cannot be overstated. It is about more than just meeting Emiratisation quotas. Private companies play a crucial role in this process, and the tangible benefits it brings to businesses are immense.
A skilled Emirati workforce contributes to the overall growth of the UAE’s economy, enhances innovation, and fosters a deeper understanding of local culture in the market, all of which are crucial for business success, said Al Nasser.
GDP Growth
He also reiterated the success of Emiratisation in recent years, with the UAE witnessing remarkable economic growth and GDP growth rates soaring across various sectors. This success story should make the audience feel confident and reassured about the potential of the Emiratisation initiative.
In 2023 alone, the country recorded an estimated 3.4% GDP growth, following a remarkable 7.9% in 2022. This consistent growth is a testament to the stability and potential of the UAE’s economy.
At the heart of this growth lies the labour market, which experienced a significant expansion, particularly in the private sector. The total workforce posted a remarkable 10.53% increase compared to the previous year. This expansion not only underscores the success of Emiratisation but also indicates the growing opportunities for private companies in the UAE, urging them to align with Emiratisation plans.
Notably significant is the substantial growth in skilled labour, driven by a 7.86% increase in private-sector establishments. Youth participation in the labour market also saw a significant rise, with youths constituting over 50% of total employment in the UAE’s private sector, according to data from MoHRE’s UAE Labour Market Observatory, Al Nasser noted.
The UAE Labour Market Observatory offers regular updates and insights into a wide range of competitiveness indicators within the UAE’s labour market. It is a vital resource for entities, investors, employers, and anyone keen on understanding the labour market’s dynamics and the factors influencing its trajectory.
Al Nasser said he was pleased to report that “in 2023, there was a noteworthy increase of around 170% Emiratis joining the private sector” [in the UAE], and since the “launch of the Nafis programme in September 2021, bringing the total number of Emiratis joining the private sector to more than 96,000”.
He added: “This is due to the collective efforts of the [UAE] government, the private sector, and most importantly, the talented Emirati individuals joining the sector.”
Global Firsts
Al Nasser revealed that the UAE ranks first globally in several key metrics. Key among these are the Legatum Institute’s Global Prosperity Index 2023, NCI’s Global Talent Competitiveness Index report, and the IMD World Competitiveness Report 2023.
Al Nasser said this commendable success can be attributed to the UAE’s robust legislative framework, which enacted over 73 legislations in 2023 to support economic and social ecosystems.
The legislative reforms aimed at streamlining and enhancing operations in the UAE labour market are particularly significant. These include unified employment rules and the introduction of an unemployment insurance scheme.
During his address, Al Nasser touched upon the ‘We the UAE 2031’ programme and emphasised the Arabian Gulf nation’s ambition to become a global financial hub by developing a diversified, knowledge-based economy.
Key Initiatives
Emiratisation has always been a cornerstone of the UAE’s policies, setting the stage for remarkable results in 2023. Notably, there has been a significant increase in Emiratis joining the private sector since the launch of specific initiatives. Implementing new regulations requiring private companies to increase Emiratisation rates has driven this progress, said Al Nasser.
The MoHRE has launched various initiatives to support private-sector Emiratisation efforts, including the Nafis programme, a one-stop platform for Emirati recruitment. The National Salary Support Scheme has also been introduced to alleviate financial burdens on private companies, further incentivising emigration efforts.
Despite these strides, challenges persist in meeting Emiratisation targets. However, Al Nasser stated that the UAE government remains committed to supporting private-sector endeavours through strategic initiatives and partnerships.
Bridging The Gap
“The launch of the comprehensive guidebook ‘Making Emiratisation A Success 2024’ underscores this commitment and emphasises the importance of collaboration between the [UAE] government and the private sector in achieving Emiratisation goals,” said Al Nasser.
In conclusion, Al Nasser observed that Emiratisation is not merely a UAE government initiative but a national obligation and a shared responsibility. By leveraging resources and fostering collaboration, the UAE aims to realise its ambitious vision of building a diversified, knowledge-based economy driven by a skilled Emirati workforce.
What Is ‘We The UAE 2031’ Vision?
The ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision was launched during the UAE’s Government Annual Meetings in November 2022. It marks a collective commitment from UAE government entities, institutions, and the private sector to advance the development process in alignment with the ten-year framework outlined in the plan.
The comprehensive national plan charts the course of the UAE’s development over the next decade. Focusing on social, economic, investment, and developmental aspects, this visionary plan aims to solidify the UAE’s position as a global partner and a compelling economic powerhouse.
At its core, the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision represents a roadmap for sustained growth and prosperity, building upon the UAE’s successful economic model and opening new doors of opportunity for global partners.
4 Pillars
With an emphasis on forward-thinking strategies, the plan is structured around four pillars encompassing various sectors: Forward Society, Forward Economy, Forward Diplomacy, and Forward Ecosystem.
Under the banner of Forward Society, the vision aims to bolster societal prosperity by enhancing Emiratis’ capabilities to contribute effectively across all sectors. Recognising human capital as the primary development driver, the Forward Economy pillar underscores the UAE’s commitment to investing in its people over the next decade.
Forward Diplomacy seeks to strengthen the UAE’s pivotal role and influence on the global stage in international relations, rooted in a profound respect for human values.
The Forward Ecosystem pillar underscores the importance of enhancing government performance and infrastructure through cutting-edge technological advancements, including digital infrastructure development.
Vital national indicators that underscore the plan’s monumental aspirations are central to the vision of ‘We the UAE 2031’. These include doubling the country’s GDP to AED3 trillion, generating AED800 billion in non-oil exports, and significantly increasing the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP.
Featured image: Ahmad Yousuf Al Nasser delivering the keynote address at the ‘Making Emiratisation A Success 2024’ guidebook launch event held at the Museum of the Future on May 13, 2024. Credit: Arnold Pinto
