UAE President Engages With Emirati Industrial Sector Leaders On Programme Progress

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed a delegation from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, alongside several Emiratis working in the industrial sector. The meeting also included representatives from industrial companies and partners of the 'Industrialists Programme,' an initiative focused on creating jobs in industry and advanced technology.

During the meeting at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, His Highness was briefed on the Ministry's efforts to prepare and empower Emiratis for roles in the industrial sector through the Industrialists Programme. This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis), and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).

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His Highness emphasised that strengthening the industrial sector with skilled national talent is a priority for the UAE, noting that it is a key pillar of the country’s economy. "We believe in the role of our youth in building the future of our country, and we are committed to empowering and preparing them for this responsibility. They are the driving force behind our nation’s progress and development," His Highness said.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, provided an update on the Industrialists Programme. By mid-2023, it had successfully created more than 1,400 specialised jobs and aims to reach 2,000 by the end of 2024. He highlighted that employment opportunities for Emiratis in the private sector have increased significantly due to initiatives like Nafis and leadership support.

Dr. Al Jaber noted that there are still many opportunities for citizens, with over half a million jobs available in the private industrial sector. "Our main objective is to equip national talent with the skills they need through a range of specialised training programmes, enabling them to secure sustainable and specialised roles in the industrial sector," he said.

Specialised Training Programmes

The programme has launched several specialised training programmes in vital manufacturing areas such as oil and gas, security and safety, food and beverages, as well as iron and paper industries. Dr. Al Jaber mentioned that factories can match their employment needs with Emirati skills through exhibitions organised by the Industrialists Programme.

His Highness encouraged youth to engage in all areas of national development. "I encourage you to leverage opportunities in the industrial sector, as it is a vital and promising field for the future," he said. He added that their trust in youth has been well-placed and wished them success in serving their country.

Leadership's Vision

The number of Emiratis employed in the private industrial sector tripled in 2023 compared to 2021 due to leadership’s vision and support. Efforts to promote Emiratisation through initiatives such as Nafis have been instrumental. The National ICV Programme also supports these objectives by increasing employment opportunities for Emiratis.

The meeting was attended by several dignitaries including H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan; along with other sheikhs, ministers, senior officials, citizens, and guests.

This collaborative effort aims to ensure that national talent is well-prepared for sustainable roles within various sectors of industry.

With inputs from WAM