Nafis Forum Concludes With Focus On Empowering Emirati Talent And Future Workforce Development

The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) recently wrapped up the second edition of the annual Nafis Forum at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City. This event served as a dynamic platform to encourage collaboration, innovation, and the sharing of best practices in Emiratisation. The forum aims to empower emerging national talent and leaders, equipping them to meet future labour market demands and contribute to the nation's economic ecosystem.

Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the ETCC, inaugurated the forum with a speech emphasising the council's dedication to enhancing national talent competitiveness in the private sector. He stated, "The second annual Nafis Forum offers a platform to renew our commitment to developing national talent in line with the vision of our wise leadership. Over the past four years, this programme has consistently proven that our true wealth lies in our people, and that empowering national talent is fundamental to our nation’s development. The impressive results achieved today confirm the programme’s successful trajectory. Its impact extends beyond economic benefits as it significantly enhances family stability and quality of life."

The fourth edition of the Nafis Award 2025-2026 was introduced during this gathering. This award recognises individuals and establishments for exceptional Emiratisation achievements, encouraging Emirati talent to partake in UAE's growth journey. It aligns with leadership's vision to empower the national workforce within private sectors, promoting excellence and competitiveness.

The award is divided into two main categories: Establishments and Individuals. The Establishments category targets entities subject to Emiratisation goals set by MoHRE and CBUAE. Meanwhile, the Individuals category is open to all Emiratis working in private sector establishments under MoHRE and CBUAE, including educational institutions, public benefit associations, and free zones.

During the forum, commitments for the National Healthcare Program were announced. These pledges aim to bolster partnerships between ETCC and healthcare facilities nationwide. The initiative seeks to provide students with practical experience through training and employment opportunities during or after their studies, preparing them for careers in healthcare while helping facilities meet their Emiratisation targets.

The forum also featured specialised panel discussions on best practices in private sector Emiratisation. These sessions highlighted successful experiences enhancing national talent within private institutions. Success stories from individual winners of the third edition of the Nafis Award were shared alongside keynote addresses from MoHRE and CBUAE on progress towards achieving Emiratisation goals.

Panel Discussions on Social Impact

A panel discussion explored how Nafis is making a social impact by supporting Emirati families and encouraging citizens to explore new work fields. The discussion addressed government programmes' roles in promoting national talent presence in labour markets while fostering professional confidence and ensuring sustainable employment opportunities across various sectors.

Closed brainstorming sessions were also part of this event, including a Private Sector Youth Empowerment Session. This lab allowed Youth Councils to exchange expertise and review innovative initiatives by young people, identifying success factors for sustainability and scalability. It highlights Nafis Youth Council's role as a bridge for young Emiratis in private sectors.

The forum was attended by notable figures such as Dr. Sultan Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; Khalil Al Khoori from MoHRE; Faras Al Ramahi from GPSSA; along with other leaders from relevant government entities. Strategy managers from government sectors, human resources managers, and national talents working privately also participated.

In his address at the event's opening session, Ghannam Al Mazrouei added: "We will continue to collaborate with government and private sector partners to deepen this impact. Our initiatives go beyond mere support; they actively empower individuals through expanded partnerships and by strengthening their presence in future-focused industries."

This year's award framework reflects ETCC's commitment to monitoring Nafis programme's comprehensive impact across various fields. Categories align strategically with key industries having higher concentrations of Emirati employees ensuring thorough evaluation of its effectiveness supporting national talent competitiveness.

With inputs from WAM