Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council Partners With UAE Accountability Authority To Enhance Emirati Workforce In Auditing

The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council has entered into two significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the UAE Accountability Authority and the Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority. These agreements are designed to further the objectives of the Nafis programme, which focuses on developing, training, and employing Emirati talent within private sector audit firms at both federal and local levels.

Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, emphasised the importance of this initiative. He stated, "Signing these agreements aligns with our leadership’s vision of expanding qualitative and sustainable employment opportunities for Emiratis in the private sector. By providing access to jobs and training in a vital field like auditing, we are enabling Emirati talent to actively contribute to the nation’s development."

The MoUs outline a commitment from both authorities to bolster the competitiveness of Emirati professionals. This will be achieved by equipping them with necessary skills through tailored training initiatives. The aim is to prepare job-seeking Emiratis for seamless integration into private sector roles within registered audit firms.

Mohammed Al Zaabi, Head of Audit Affairs Office at the UAE Accountability Authority, highlighted the strategic importance of investing in human capital. He remarked, "We firmly believe that investing in human capital is the cornerstone of sustainable progress. Through our partnership with Nafis, we aim to empower Emirati professionals to enter the auditing and accounting sectors with world-class skills, enhancing their ability to support the national economy and achieve the UAE’s vision of institutional excellence."

The agreements also establish a framework for monitoring Emirati employment in audit firms and creating structured career paths. These pathways focus on nurturing leadership, technical, and specialised roles among Emiratis, thereby promoting excellence within these organisations.

Wael Abdel Qader Mahmoud, Director General of the Audit and Monitoring Sector at Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority, praised this innovative approach. He commented, "This MoU reflects a bold step toward integrating national talent into the private sector, especially in a field where Emirati presence has been limited. By creating new career pathways and establishing training centres, we aim to build a comprehensive ecosystem that equips Emirati youth with the skills to excel, contributes to Abu Dhabi’s sustainable economy, and elevates standards in accounting and auditing."

Nafis Programme's Impact

The Nafis programme has already made notable progress in offering training and professional development opportunities for Emiratis. By aligning with evolving private sector needs and forming strategic partnerships, Nafis has effectively driven efforts towards greater national participation in key industries.

These collaborations are expected to play a crucial role in shaping a skilled national workforce by encouraging both individuals and companies within the accounting sector to utilise Nafis programme benefits. This initiative supports broader goals for an inclusive economy by advancing Emiratisation efforts across critical industries.

With inputs from WAM