ETCC Meeting Led By Sheikh Mansour Approves AED 6.4 Billion For Nafis Programme In 2024

The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC), under the chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, convened its inaugural meeting for the year 2024. The session, which also saw the presence of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, marked a significant stride towards bolstering the Emirati workforce within the private sector. A pivotal decision made during this gathering was the approval of a substantial AED6.4 billion budget allocated for the Nafis programme for the upcoming year.

The council set ambitious Emiratisation targets, aiming to integrate 36,000 Emirati citizens into the private sector workforce within the year. This initiative underscores a broader commitment to enhancing local talent competitiveness and fostering sustainable economic growth.

During the meeting, the Board of Directors reflected on the accomplishments of both the Council and the Nafis programme throughout 2023. A notable achievement was the significant increase in Emirati citizens employed in the private sector, with figures reaching approximately 92,000 by year-end. The Nafis programme has been instrumental in this achievement, with over 62,000 citizens joining and remaining employed in the private sector since its inception.

The collaborative efforts between private sector companies were lauded for their role in this success. Additionally, discussions covered the financial and economic impacts of the Nafis programme and introduced a national platform dedicated to cybersecurity. This platform is designed to facilitate data exchange among government agencies, supporting decision-making processes and key indicator predictions.

His Highness Sheikh Mansour praised the Council's efforts and highlighted the necessity of creating more employment opportunities for citizens in the private sector. Ghanam Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Council, echoed this sentiment, expressing satisfaction with past results and a commitment to achieving further success.

The past year saw several initiatives launched under the Council's guidance, including the Nafis Leaders Programme aimed at private sector workers and vocational training programmes for students. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to equip Emirati talent with essential skills across various sectors.

Strengthening Industry and Education

Collaborations with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology resulted in the launch of the "Manufacturer" program, designed to prepare Emirati talent for roles within the industry sector. A teacher training programme was also initiated to develop a skilled workforce capable of contributing to the nation's educational goals.

In an effort to bolster employment opportunities within creative industries, a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Ministry of Culture. This partnership aims to employ 500 citizens and women annually in creative sectors.

Looking ahead, His Highness approved the Nafis International Programme in 2023, set to provide training opportunities for select Emirati citizens at global companies and international organizations. This initiative represents a forward-looking approach to workforce development and talent competitiveness on an international scale.

In summary, through strategic investments and targeted initiatives like Nafis, ETCC is steadfast in its mission to enhance Emirati participation in the private sector. These efforts not only contribute to individual career growth but also support broader economic diversification and sustainability objectives.

With inputs from WAM