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Emiratisation in private sector is top priority

Ironing out the problems faced by Emiratis working in the private sector, was the main topic of discussion during Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs speech at the Government Summit in Dubai on Tuesday.

Shaikh Mansour stressed the need for regular interaction with employees, stating that he is well aware that issues are prominent among those employed in the sector, with many working longer hours, despite the fact that salaries are often three times less than white collar workers.

He said the matter will be discussed with the Labour Minister: “I am, to some extent, convinced with the private sector...as many as 20,000 jobs were created...and we will take (this figure up) to 30,000...”.

Shaikh Mansour cast light on the “Absher” initiative, which the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has ordered, which focuses on private sector employment.

“Many Emiratis prefer taking up jobs in government departments, which Emiratisation stands for more than 90 per cent, therefore job opportunities should be created”, he said.

“Work is not a shame...”, he said, adding that, staying idle and at home is rejected.

Shaikh Mansour spoke about the resolution of the establishment of the Fund for addressing the problems facing the defaulters in December 2011, where 1,600 cases submitted by the banks were fixed, and 1,500 problem cases were addressed, noting that there are now 3,600 cases at hand.

He warned banks and their transactions, saying that many banking institutions take advantage of Emiratis’ unawareness of loan issues. However, he, sent a message to the UAE citizens describing loans as “trouble, which they should not (get) involved in” .

Addressing the problem, he said there is a trend to replace the biggest portion, and pinpoint and prohibit banks from exploitation by issuing a thorough monetary, and follow up mechanism of granting loans.

Education

If I was to say we are satisfied with education, I would not be sincere, because ambition is high. He said every school must select a board of directors, which comprises of students’ parents, to meet every week and discuss relevant issues. He said parents are partners in the campuses, and it is important for them to be included in order to polarise the ideas.

He described the national curriculums as imperative, and touched on a discussion he had with a delegation from the Ministry of Education. “...I told the delegation that (our) history (goes back) hundreds of years...our children must know this history...”.

He said Arabic language and Islamic education are important subjects, and must be continuously renewed and he questioned why other countries with Muslim communities have better curriculums.

Leading on from this, he said “our halls are open to listen to others’ views, but we consider the opinion of the majority”.

He said he had acquired the work experience from his late father Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

During his speech, he conveyed the thanks and appreciations extended by the President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to the participants in the Government Summit and assured that the sagacious leadership of the UAE puts growth, development and meeting the needs of the Emirati people at the top of its list of priorities.

He also thanked His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for his farsighted vision towards government excellence and quality services.

Challenges

Responding to a question on the challenges that the government is facing now, he said: “The achievements are so many, and it’s important that there (is) coordination between the local and federal bodies”.

He said the follow-up effort made by Shaikh Mohammed does not make one sit, but prompt him to move ahead to face any hardship.

malzarooni@khaleejtimes.com