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Emaar launches 'Afaq' to build UAE National management cadre

DUBAI — Emaar Properties, has unveiled its new Emiratisation Programme known as "Afaq". The initiative will channel local talent into senior key positions within the multi billion dollar company to drive forward its ambitious corporate expansion plans.

"Afaq", meaning "horizon", will support Emaar's existing vision of growth and will set in place a far-sighted succession plan, whereby local talent is identified, nurtured and rewarded through training, mentorship and professional development to ensure the active promotion of UAE nationals while reaffirming Emaar's commitment to the UAE. "Afaq" seeks to encourage professional growth among UAE nationals and develop their career paths in a structured manner.

With continued corporate growth and inroads into new markets, Emaar will look towards the best of local UAE talent to steer and drive its expansion. With 12 new UAE nationals overseeing its growth throughout the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, India, Pakistan and Morocco, Emaar will continue to roll out its master planned communities throughout the region and beyond.

The "Afaq" programme is a three-fold process, which actively promotes the advancement of nationals at every stage of their professional development. Emaar already has in place a National Development Programme, which recruits the best young local talent and seeks to foster their careers from the outset. It also actively supports the progression of nationals already working at the world's largest property developer through training and mentorship. The third facet of "Afaq" is the recruitment of national professionals with a proven track record in industry. Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Emaar Chairman said: "Emaar's corporate expansion will be led by UAE national business leaders along with the best international talent available. With a management philosophy dedicated to fostering local talent, Emaar already has 15 per cent of UAE nationals among its workforce and we intend to build on this success in the future."

Together, Emaar's dynamic team will continue to shape some of the world's greatest cities as well as providing an international benchmark for global property developers.

Emaar's position as the world's No 1 property developer in terms of market capitalisation is based on a combination of unique master planned communities, which have delivered new lifestyle choices throughout the region along with the commitment and vision of those who make up its workforce.

Dr Nader Mohamed, Emaar Executive Director, International Operations added: "Emaar has a long commitment to developing local talent and building on the vast human capital we have in the UAE."

"Already we have an established National Development Programme which recruits new university graduates from leading international universities each year to work with us on some of Dubai's most exciting real estate developments. Each new graduate is given the opportunity to work in a designated department depending on their individual skills and qualifications and is carefully mentored to ensure that they reach their full potential. The introduction of "Afaq" can only see this programme grow." The company has joint ventures and projects across the region covering Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Morocco, India and Pakistan. Recently the award winning property developer announced plans to aggressively expand the retail sector with investments of over AED 15 billion to develop approximately 100 malls in the mega emerging markets of the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian subcontinent. In addition, Emaar has teamed up with Giorgio Armani S.p.A to build and manage 10 Armani hotels and resorts across the world; the first Armani hotel will feature in Emaar's flagship Burj Dubai tower - the tallest in the world when completed in 2008.