iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
Applicants are asked to attend Open Days in its Jebel Ali 6 and Sonapur 11 accommodations from 8am to 1pm
KT APPDOWNLOAD
UAE jobs: Should companies hire Emiratis for top management positions?
When it comes to nationalisation, inclusive decision-making ensures that a company not only thrives locally but resonates with the national identity
Question: With nationalisation quotas being set across the GCC, what opportunities will this bring to the private sector?
Answer: When it comes to the composition of a company's workforce, there's a spectrum of opinion. I've listened to various heated debates — one side championed by a local director adamant that only Emiratis should occupy every top-tier role, fuelling the nation’s ambitions from within. On the flip side, there's the pragmatism of expat leaders who, facing the music of nationalisation policies, would rather pay the fines.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
As an HR geek, I often see nationalisation looked at through a rather narrow lens. While drafting the diversity and inclusion programme with the CIPD, we constantly mulled over its true essence. It’s not a puzzle, really. It is about having a workforce that represents the communities we serve.
If a company sets up shop regionally, it’s a given they’re eyeing a slice of the local market. Now, let’s say if their customer base is largely made up of Saudi nationals, and decision-makers don't reflect this demographic, it's a missed opportunity. When it comes to nationalisation, inclusive decision-making ensures that the company not only thrives locally but resonates with the national identity, crafting a corporate narrative that's wholly representative and resonant — otherwise, the narrative is incomplete.
McKinsey research shows that diversity increases profitability. Envisage a tech company geared up to roll out the hottest new app for Gen Z — that vibrant cohort who are digital natives, practically born with smartphones in hand. Now, here's the catch: the development team is a group of industry leaders who were around when floppy disks were all the rage. It's like asking a classic rock band to compose the next big K-Pop hit. They might have the chops for melody and rhythm, but can they truly capture the essence of a genre that’s not their own? That's the kind of gap we're talking about — making inclusive decisions about the communities you serve isn’t just a nice-to-have, nor is it about ticking off quotas — it’s an actual business imperative!
The 'We the UAE 2031' refers to both 'national talents and capabilities' and 'global talent’ to translate the vision of President Sheikh Mohamed into a tangible reality. The goal isn't to have just local talents or global stars but to create a league where both play, bringing their strengths to the pitch. It's about creating a game plan where Emirati insight and international expertise play together.
So, when the private sector in the GCC considers nationalisation, it's less about whether it's a help or hindrance. It's about synergising the local heartbeat with global pulse that brings out the best in every player, recognising that each has a part in driving towards the goal — a victory in a competitive marketplace.
The goal isn’t just to play the game; it’s to change how the game is played — innovating not just for a season but for generations, building a legacy where diversity is the strength, not the obstacle.
Roujin Ghamsari is an accomplished HR practitioner and fellow of the CIPD, a professional body for HR and people development. Named among the 'Most Influential HR Practitioners 2023', she excels at collaborating with C-Suite leadership to craft and implement robust people plans, enabling organisations to deliver their strategic objectives.
ALSO READ:
More news from Jobs
Hiring UAE nationals on paper but not giving them any real tasks in the company is considered fraud and a serious violation of the law
Not all interns took up jobs they wanted to pursue in the future, others went for something that would help them learn other skills, like content creation and public speaking
The company which employed 116,500 people as of June 29, said the majority of the job cuts would be completed by the end of 2024
'Employees who feel valued through fair compensation, job fit, and career opportunities are more inclined to feel engaged in their workplace'
Imagine a firm acting like a strict parent, setting all the rules and watching the clock
Although the certification and the knowledge that come with it may be valuable, it is a form of deception that many candidates are falling prey to
Did you know? Nearly 44 per cent of employees' skills today will be relics of the past in a few years