UAE jobs: Private sector firms excelling in Emiratisation goals to be awarded

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Board of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, has launched the first cycle of Nafis Award for the year 2022-2023.

The award aims to recognise private sector establishments that have excelled in hiring UAE nationals and fostered positive competition within the field of Emiratisation. The award also seeks to recognise outstanding Emiratis in the private sector.

Nafis Award was introduced a year after the launch of Nafis programme, which was founded as part of the Projects of the 50, to be a driving force for developing the national economy.

Sheikh Mansour stressed the importance of the role played by Nafis during the first year since its launch in highlighting the benefits of working in the private sector while encouraging UAE nationals to seek professional opportunities within private establishments.

This has contributed to strengthening their presence as an influential workforce, advancing this vital sector, and enhancing its role in progressing the nation's economic development.

Sheikh Mansour affirmed that the leadership of the UAE considers its youth as the real wealth of the nation and hence, aims to realise their dreams and aspirations in addition to providing a decent life that suits them.

"The UAE government is keen on achieving the set goals of Emiratisation in the private sector and implementing the leadership's directives by honouring establishments that have achieved Emiratisation targets, as well as distinguished Emirati talent in the private sector," Sheikh Mansour noted.

Three award categories

In collaboration with Sheikh Khalifa Government Excellence Programme, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council has ensured that the award categories, criteria, and evaluation mechanisms align with government directives and international best practices. The award will include three main categories: The first category targets private companies, the second targets individuals, and the third targets the strategic partners of the Council.

The first category includes private companies registered on Nafis platform that have achieved Emiratisation targets in accordance with the following sub-categories: large-sized companies of 1,000 employees and more, medium-sized companies of 500-999 employees and small-sized companies of less than 499 employees.

The results of the award will be announced during the first quarter of 2023.