Al Habtoor Group Chairman reaffirms his commitment to the Government’s Emiratisation program

Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Chairman of Al Habtoor Group, met with the heads of the Al Habtoor Group units on Sunday March 17 to reaffirm the Group’s commitment to the Government’s Emiratisation programme, or Absher Initiative. 

The Absher initiative is a programme aimed at strengthening Emiratisation, particularly in the private sector. It is based on four main pillars: job creation, training and rehabilitating the Emirati workforce, encouraging nationals to join the private sector and launching strategic partnerships with the private sector and government agencies. 

Khalaf Al Habtoor pointed out that the Al Habtoor Group is leader across many sectors; with interests in the hotel industry, automotive, education, real estate and publishing. 

He added, “We want to recruit Emiratis. The UAE has grown at an exemplary rate and compares and competes with first world nations. The UAE was built by nationals, and we should remember that.” 

The Chairman said, “At the Al Habtoor Group we want to find the best people for the right job. We will provide them with a welcoming environment, nurture them, coach them, and we will help them grow and be empowered.” 

But he warned, “We want people who are willing to work hard and committed to a long-term career at the Group.  We are not a charity,” he said. “It is not about the money they earn, but about how responsible they are. At the Al Habtoor Group it is about aspirations and ambition.” 

Al Habtoor, who is a self-made, highly respected UAE businessman told the heads of units to take a positive approach to the initiative and to “think Emirati.” He listened to their concerns about potential obstacles with the programme and came up with solutions to tackle issues in the recruitment process.