Historic Milestone: 100,000 Emiratis in the Private Sector

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced a landmark achievement in the nation's history: for the first time ever, 100,000 Emiratis are now employed in the private sector. This significant milestone highlights the UAE's ongoing efforts to diversify its economy, empower its citizens, and create a balanced workforce that contributes to the nation's sustainable development.

#### A Visionary Leadership

Under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the UAE has made tremendous strides in economic and social development. The push towards increasing Emirati participation in the private sector is a key component of this vision. It reflects the broader goals outlined in the UAE Vision 2021, which aims to build a competitive, knowledge-based economy driven by skilled Emiratis.

#### The Nafis Program: A Catalyst for Change

A major driver behind this historic achievement is the Nafis program, launched by the UAE government. Nafis, meaning "compete" in Arabic, is designed to boost Emirati employment in the private sector through various initiatives and incentives. Over the past two and a half years, the program has successfully integrated 70,000 Emiratis into private companies, supported by a generous fund of AED 24 billion.

#### Strategic Initiatives and Policies

Several strategic initiatives and policies have been implemented to support this shift. These include:

- **Incentives for Private Sector Employers**: Companies are encouraged to hire Emiratis through financial incentives and support.

- **Training and Development Programs**: Specialized training programs are offered to enhance the skills and employability of Emirati job seekers.

- **Legislative Support**: New laws and regulations have been introduced to ensure fair opportunities and protect the rights of Emirati employees in the private sector.

#### Empowering Emiratis

The UAE government's focus on empowering its citizens is evident in the new policies adopted by the Cabinet. One notable policy gives preference to government job applicants who have at least three years of experience in the private sector. This move aims to create a more dynamic and experienced workforce, capable of driving innovation and growth in both the public and private sectors.

#### The Role of Collaboration

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has expressed his gratitude to the teams involved in this initiative, particularly the Nafis program and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. The efforts of these teams, under the guidance of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, have been instrumental in achieving this milestone. Their collaboration with private sector entities has created a harmonious ecosystem where Emiratis can thrive.

#### A Balanced and Resilient Economy

The UAE's strategy of balancing its workforce between the public and private sectors is crucial for building a resilient economy. By encouraging Emiratis to join the private sector, the country is not only diversifying its economic base but also ensuring that its citizens are well-equipped to contribute to various industries. This diversification is key to maintaining economic stability and fostering long-term growth.

#### Looking Ahead

The UAE has set an ambitious target to create an additional 100,000 private sector jobs for Emiratis over the next three years. This goal is aligned with the nation's broader economic objectives and reflects its commitment to continuous improvement and development. The future looks promising as the UAE continues to implement innovative policies and programs to support its workforce.

The achievement of having 100,000 Emiratis employed in the private sector for the first time in history marks a significant milestone in the UAE's journey towards economic diversification and sustainable development. It showcases the effectiveness of strategic initiatives like the Nafis program and the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. As the UAE continues to empower its citizens and enhance its workforce, it sets a powerful example of progress and innovation on the global stage.