The UAE’s Emiratisation programme has achieved unprecedented success, setting a new high in integrating Emiratis into the private sector. This milestone comes under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. The government’s strategic initiatives have led to significant progress in enhancing the employment landscape for Emiratis.
In 2023, the number of private companies participating in the Emiratisation programme surged dramatically.
According to recent data, 6,491 private firms joined the initiative, reflecting a 92.5% increase from the previous year. This brings the total number of participating companies to 13,508. The programme, known as Nafis, has been instrumental in driving these numbers. Prior to its launch, only 29,000 Emiratis were employed in the private sector. By September 2023, this number had soared to 82,000.
Sheikh Mohammed’s focus on Emiratisation is part of a broader effort to bolster the UAE’s human capital and ensure that nationals play a significant role in the country’s economic growth. The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) has been pivotal in these efforts, implementing various initiatives to train, qualify, and employ citizens in diverse private sector roles.
The government’s commitment is further evidenced by the significant budget allocations for Emiratisation initiatives. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan recently approved a budget of AED 6.4 billion for 2024 to support these efforts. This funding is aimed at creating more and better employment opportunities for Emiratis in the private sector.
The impact of these initiatives extends beyond mere employment numbers. The UAE has also focused on creating qualitative improvements in the job market. For instance, the launch of the Nafis Leaders Programme aims to develop leadership skills among Emirati private-sector workers. Additionally, the Emiratisation Committee in the health sector is aligning human resource supply and demand to meet the sector’s needs more effectively.
These concerted efforts underscore the UAE’s commitment to fostering a robust, inclusive economy where Emiratis can thrive. As Sheikh Mohammed has reiterated, the focus on national priorities such as housing and Emiratisation will remain central to the UAE’s developmental agenda, ensuring sustainable growth and prosperity for all its citizens.
