2013 Dedicated to Boost Emiratisation in the Private Sector

Nurturing Young UAE Citizens to Assume Positions of Responsibility

 

By Sathya Menon

 

The UAE private sector is gearing to face a new challenge: grooming a new generation of UAE nationals to take on positions of responsibility within the organizational ranks. The government has also launched a multi-tiered campaign to boost the employment of UAE nationals within the private sector, encouraging home-grown young talent to leverage on their skills and dynamism to enrich the national economy.

 Major oil, energy, finance, insurance, retail companies are drawing up short and long-term HR strategies that will help them to attract local talent and ensure their gainful employment. The idea is not just to recruit UAE nationals but also to ensure that they are effectively trained and that their career ambitions match the organization’s goals.

 At the heart of the UAE government’s emiratization efforts is a new charter outlining a nationally recognised code of conduct and values for Emiratis as approved by the Cabinet. It will be used in educational and cultural context to raise "a national generation who are aware of their responsibilities and duties toward the nation, family and community,” according to the state news agency Wam.

 The educational system in the region is also being reformed with a renewed focus on innovation and entrepreneurial spirit expected to draw more UAE nationals into the workforce. At present there are about 330,000 nationals within the UAE's job market, but that figure is projected to rise dramatically. 

The UAE private sector spins more than 5 million jobs and can play a crucial role in helping UAE nationals carve out top-notch careers for themselves. Currently, emiratis make up only 0.5 per cent of employees in the private sector, a study has revealed. With higher salaries, greater social security and terminal benefits, the public sector represent a far more lucrative option.

 The UAE government has dedicated 2013 as the year to boost emiratisation in the private sector. Plans are afoot to amend labour laws so that compensation packages for UAE nationals in the private sector match their counterparts engaged in the public sector.

By 2020 more than 450,000 nationals are expected to be part of the labour force, and by 2050 , the figure is expected to touch 600,000, according to a recent  report examining the talent supply of the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

 Yet unemployment among emiratis in the UAE have ranged from 13 per cent to 20 per cent annually according to data from the National Human Resource Development & Employment Authority as well as the National Bureau of Statistics.

 Female nationals face a higher unemployment rate than their male counterparts. This is surprising when more than 2,000 and 3,000 women graduates from UAE University, compared with less than 500 men. The private sector will do well to offer employment incentives to this largely educated and talented female workforce.

 Handy Hints

Renewed focus in 2013 on emiratisation in the private sector.

Multi-layered campaign launched to encourage UAE nationals to enrich public life and national economy.

Excellent opportunities await educated UAE women to enter the workforce.

 (ENDS)

Mr. Sathya Menon is Director Academics, Blue Ocean Academy, UAE.