The state of localization in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
For organisations in the region, the development of skills, especially in nationals, is determined as a significant strategic priority. We saw a sharp rise in the localisation efforts in UAE and Saudi Arabia in the past few months. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Oasimi, President of American University of Sharjah (AUS) in a meeting with HE Eng. Omar Khalfan Huraimel Al Shamsi, Member of Sharjah Executive Council, Chairman of the Directorate of Human Resources in the Emirate of Sharjah, discussed ways to boost the university’s Emiratisation strategy.
The meeting reflects the UAE government’s efforts to attract top global talent while simultaneously enhancing opportunities for UAE citizens to bring fresh, local perspectives, and enabling more inclusive growth for organisations and society at large.
According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation(MoHRE), the first quarter of 2023 compared to 2022 figures shows outstanding results in Emiratisation as the number of Emiratis working in the private sector increased by more than 11%.
MoHRE further revealed that the number of companies that hired Emiratis increased by 13%.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) launched the first phase of ‘Tamkeen’ initiative to nurture UAE nationals and bolster their role in advancing the country’s food security by providing them with cutting-edge skills, expertise, and experiences. The initiative is set to increase the percentage of Emiratisation in technical jobs by engaging and training approximately 60 Emirati graduates in its first phase.
Jumeirah Group, a luxury hospitality company and member of Dubai Holding, has celebrated the first nineteen graduates from its “Kafaát” training program, dedicated to developing the next generation of Emirati talent for careers in the hospitality industry.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development recently announced the success of the second phase of the ‘Updated Nitagat’ Saudisation program. The program has been instrumental in rising the number of Saudi citizens working in the private sector to more than 2.23 MN.
There were also substantial efforts made by the countries in order to hire and retain nationals. A survey by PwC finds that while interest in private-sector employment in the UAE is beginning to increase among the younger generation, nationals often do not stay the course. Two-thirds of those currently working in private companies are considering a return to the public sector. This suggests that the private sector in the UAE must take further action to retain Emirati talent.
From Januarv to Mav 2023. the Ministrv of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) conducted 100 recruitment open davs across the
UAE, with over 340 private sector organisations offering Emiratis job prospects participating.
Lootah Biofuels showcases plans to boost Emiratisation up to 50% within two years. The announcement comes as a part of Lootah Biofuels’ expansion and development strategy. It is in line with the vision of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council ‘NAFIS’, which aims to promote Emirati participation in the private sector, enhance their competitiveness globally and equip young Emiratis with skills and competencies needed in the private sector.
Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC), recently collaborated with the American University in Dubai (AUD) to provide specialised technical insurance training for UAE national staff. The insurance training will enhance employees’ proficiency in technical areas such as underwriting and claims and equip them with the essential skills to excel in their respective areas in the insurance industry.
Nafis plan hopes to bring in 2,000 nationalities this year and 10,000 Emirati healthcare professionals by 2026. It works to assist citizens in obtaining the credentials needed for a profession in the healthcare industry. The scheme, which primarily targets high school graduates, will provide students with scholarships, monthly incentives, and employment chances after graduation, provided the requirements have been met.
Since the beginning of 2023, the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) has supported the training and employment of over 8,000 Bahrainis and 2,500 businesses. It has sponsored the training and employment of almost 4,000 Bahrainis since January 2023, according to a release. Tamkeen had assisted 2,500 firms of various kinds and industries as of the end of May this year, bringing the total number since the organisation’s inception to more than 74,000.