ADUKG’s 7th Annual Emiratisation Forum opens with focus on the central role Emirati talent plays in the UAE’s economic diversification

Abu Dhabi University Knowledge Group’s (ADUKG) 7^th Annual Emiratisation Forum launched today, with a packed two-day programme of expert speakers, Emiratisation case studies, and roundtable discussions. The Forum, held at Al Raha Beach Hotel, Abu Dhabi, in strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council, is running today and tomorrow, and will discuss the latest Emiratisation strategies and policy focuses, as well as hearing about some of the successful approaches already being used by leading organisations across the UAE.

Opening the Forum, H.E. Omar Bamadhaf Al Katheeri, Chairman of Sundus Recruitment Services & Management Consultancy, discussed the role of the Emirati as the central player in economic growth and the diversification of the economy, and focused on some of the challenges that still remain in aligning Emirati talents with the private sector. These include making sure that academic programmes are properly preparing students to meet the requirements of the marketplace, as well as the need to provide the right coaching and support to Emiratis to achieve what they need to in their careers.

H.E. Faisal Al Nuaimi, General Manager, Ajman Tourism Development Department, underlined that UAE Nationals are “the main pillars of UAE economic development”, and suggested that the private sector still needs to ensure it fully understands the needs of Emiratis in the job market. This, he said, will be a major focus for the future, with the private sector accounting for 63% of the total workforce, and 250,000 Emiratis expected to join organisations by 2020. His Excellency also looked at some of the core needs of Emirati employees, which include better empowering and trusting them to make decisions, as well as ensuring a real focus on talent & development to equip them with the skills and support they require.

Other presentations included a look at the ‘Multiple Lenses of Emiratisation’ by Wissam Hachem, VP Learning & Development, Etihad Airways, and a consideration of ‘a Technology-Enabled Approach to Emiratisation’ by Gary Hazel, Head of Learning & Development, The Injazat Institute.

“ADUKG’s Emiratisation Forum has become the crucial event for every organisation that takes Emiratisation seriously. Over the next two days we are going to hear from some of the people and businesses leading the drive towards more effective Emiratisation. We will also be generating real discussion about some of the challenges that still remain, and will be seeking to inspire practical and effective solutions that can help overcome these barriers,” said Dr. Ahmad Badr, Chief Executive Officer of ADUKG.

“Emiratisation is at the heart of Al Fahim Group’s Value System and Vision. Under the leadership of the Chairman, Mr. Ahmed Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, Al Fahim Group aims to ensure a sustainable UAE National cadre who will contribute to the success of the group and the UAE as a whole. As a result, we have launched the Tatweer program, a 12-month curriculum to provide our UAE National employees with departmental and functional knowledge to enable them to develop the appropriate business skills and competencies they require to excel. As corporate citizens, Al Fahim Group’s aim is to prepare, retain, guide, engage and ascertain the sustainability of our Emirati employees’ career development, be it they decide to stay in the group, or even if they decide to pursue their career elsewhere,” said Mr. Moath Hussein, Chief Support Services Officer (CSSO) of Al Fahim Group,

The opening day of the Forum has welcomed professionals from across the UAE’s government departments and private companies. During the course of the two days, they will engage with speakers from organisations such as Etisalat, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, DP World and the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding.

The Forum is supported by Emiratisation Partner & Sponsor Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council; Platinum Sponsor Etihad Airways; Gold Sponsor Al Fahim Group; and Silver Sponsor Injazat.