EGA Recruits 113 Emirati Women In 2024 To Enhance Workforce Diversity And Emiratisation Goals

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has announced the recruitment of 113 Emirati women in 2024, surpassing half of the total 220 Emiratis hired by the company in the same year. EGA is focused on increasing female representation, aiming for women to occupy 25% of supervisory roles by year-end and 15% of all positions by 2026. Currently, women hold 23.3% of supervisory roles and 9.6% of all roles at EGA.

EGA's Emiratisation rate stood at 44.3% at the close of 2024, one of the highest among major companies with significant industrial positions. The company plans to boost this rate to 50% by the end of 2027, which involves hiring up to 600 UAE Nationals during this period. This initiative aligns with EGA's commitment to national talent development and economic growth.

In 2024, EGA welcomed 144 new recruits into its National Training programmes, including 65 women. These programmes are designed to prepare high school graduates for technical and administrative roles within EGA's industrial and administrative sectors. Additionally, most university graduates joining EGA's Graduate Training programme were women, highlighting a strong focus on nurturing female talent.

The Graduate Training programme spans 18 or 24 months, preparing trainees for supervisory roles in corporate functions or industrial operations. For those in operations, training includes hands-on experience in front-line operational roles they will eventually oversee, such as tending reduction cells.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium, stated: "More than 71 percent of our 2024 UAE National recruits joined roles in EGA’s operations, driving forward our vision for excellence and our contribution to achieve the goals of UAE's industrial strategy Operation 300bn. Our unwavering commitment to Emiratisation enables us to capitalise on exceptional UAE National talent to maximise our growth and the economic development of our nation."

EGA participated in numerous national career events throughout the year, including major fairs and its own recruitment initiatives. Collaborations with entities like the Dubai Government Human Resources Department and Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology were part of these efforts. Such engagements underscore EGA's dedication to attracting local talent.

Future Aspirations

Currently employing over 1,300 UAE Nationals, more than half are under the age of 35. This youthful workforce reflects EGA’s strategic focus on developing young Emirati talent for future leadership roles within the company. The company's ambitious goals demonstrate its leadership in fostering national talent development and innovation.

EGA's efforts in recruiting a diverse workforce align with its broader vision for excellence and contribution towards achieving UAE’s industrial strategy goals. By focusing on both gender diversity and nationalisation targets, EGA is setting a benchmark for other companies in similar sectors.

With inputs from WAM