Nationalization efforts pay off at DUBAL

Inspired to fulfill the vision of H H Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance, and Chairman of DUBAL) to stimulate the social and economic development of the UAE through increased participation of Emirati citizens in the job market, Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (“DUBAL”) continues to implement a comprehensive Nationalization Drive (and supporting strategy) that is collectively designed to improve the employability and career prospects of young UAE Nationals. As result of several nationalization procedures, a group of 45 UAE Nationals have signed up for the new intakes of DUBAL’s in-house Pre-employment Courses (“PECs”) and began working at the company on 11 September 2011. The group includes trainees for DUBAL’s PEC Smelter, Technical, Power, Desalination and Craft Programmes. 

The impressive number of new trainees is testament to the joint efforts throughout the year of DUBAL’s Recruitment and National Programmes & Development departments, including active involvement in open days and career fairs around the UAE. These initiatives are directed entirely by DUBAL’s Nationalization Strategy, which consciously targets individuals with the talent and potential to fulfil the company’s operational needs. 

A formal ceremony was held on 27 September, to welcome the new trainees officially. Several members of senior management attended the ceremony, including Ibrahim Nassir (Executive Vice President: HR, OE & Corporate Services), Marwan Al Sawaleh (General Manager: HR), Mohammad Ali Al Owais (Manager: Organisation Development) and Mohammad Amin Fikree (Manager: Training Operations & Projects); plus Marwan A A Mohammad (Head of Recruitment) representatives from the various training department and other team members from National Programmes & Development department. 

Addressing the audience, Mohammad Al Sabri (Acting Head of National Programmes & Development) highlighted key aspects of the training programmes and explained in detail the core areas of concern. He stressed upon the trainees focusing on improving communication, knowledge and operational excellence. He advised the trainees to utilise the various opportunities available to them for their career growth; and encouraged them to work hard and put the maximum effort during their training so as to attain the target levels within the specified time. The trainees were also informed of DUBAL’s corporate policies, rules and regulations – especially with regards to safety. Mohammad also expressed his gratitude to all senior management and training staff for participating in the event, as it not only boosted the morale of the trainees but also demonstrated their full support for DUBAL’s Nationalization Drive. 

In turn, the chief guest, Ibrahim Nassir, motivated the trainees to augment their knowledge by taking as much as possible from these courses. He highlighted DUBAL’s efforts to develop UAE Nationals and assured them of his unceasing support in this regard.  “DUBAL is committed to training and developing its employees; as well as to providing continuous support throughout their tenure at our company,” he said. “Our diverse National Development Programmes are very distinctive, and are listed among the differentiating factors that make DUBAL an employer of choice in the region.”   

During the ceremony, Marwan Al Sawaleh also distributed certificates to PEC Trainees of previous PEC intakes, for best performance in different categories.