Al Hameli: the private sector provides 90% of jobs in the UAE

Minister of Human Resources & Emiratization, His Excellency Nasser bin Thani Al Hameli, revealed that over 90 per cent of employment opportunities in the UAE are in the private sector, which continues to be the best option for employment for Emiratis.

Minister of Human Resources & Emiratization, His Excellency Nasser bin Thani Al Hameli, revealed that over 90 per cent of employment opportunities in the UAE are in the private sector, which continues to be the best option for employment for Emiratis.

HE explained that nurturing and developing the country’s youth’s skills, and empowering them to lead a knowledge-based economy, is a national priority set by the country’s wise leadership, as part of the UAE 2021 Vision.

He said: “His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, Ruler of Dubai, and his brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; have both stressed the importance of empowering youth with science and knowledge.

“Their Highnesses have faith in the country’s youth to lead a promising future, and they provide them with necessary means, which offers them encouragement and incentives, especially in regards of taking advantage of the abundant of opportunities in the private sector. This would help them build their professional expertise in a short period, after which they qualify for senior roles.”

His Excellency’s remarks came during the “Seizing Employment Opportunities” session, a part of Emirates Youth Global Forum (EYGF). The event was held in the UK, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, and was organized by the Federal Youth Foundation. Aimed at enabling Emirati youth globally, the event was attended by as many as 20 UAE ministers and officials.

Al Hameli lauded the forum, adding that His Highness’s message to event participants, has left a mark in the country’s youth.

His Excellency said that emerging digital technologies and 4^th industrial revolution will create new jobs that require advanced skills and employment patterns, adding that it will increase demand on such skills, especially in light of the global competitive economy.

“The UAE has anticipated the future of employment, and upcoming changes will have direct impact on the job market, which is highly competitive and global. A national strategy for employment has been launched during the annual government meeting in the UAE, following directives from His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Chairman of Education and Human Resources Council, to put in place a roadmap for the job market’s future and manage Emiratization by 2031, in line with government’s vision for the future,” said Al Hameli.

He explained that the National Employment Strategy focuses on several axis including the Emiratization of strategic sectors, in addition to providing continuous vocational training for local human resources, support entrepreneurship, freelancers and self-employment, as well as adopting a knowledge-based economy that is capable of attracting national talents.

Al Hameli added that the Ministry of Human Resource & Emiratization has already began to execute this policy by launching and implementing a number of strategic programs and initiatives in collaboration with its partners including federal and local government entities, as well as the private sector.

During his remarks, HE called upon youth to engage in dialogue regarding the importance of investing the opportunity they had been given to study abroad in top institution, to better themselves and acquire the knowledge that would help them in playing an active role in supporting the country’s national project.

He also called upon youth to select jobs during early stages of their professional careers that allow them maximize their learning, allow them to develop themselves and their profiles.

Al Hameli advised students to be ready to change the way they think from a student mentality to a professional one. He also said that they should focus on acquiring experience and knowledge, in addition to building networks.

His Excellency also witnessed an MoU signing between the Ministry and British CEBD company, which specializes in human development. The agreement is aimed at enhancing cooperation in the execution of the Emirate National Development program, which empowers Emirati youth to hold positions in the private sector.

Signed by Fatima Al Houti, Undersecretary of Human Resources Development, and Peter Chez, CEO of CEBD; the MoU’s goal is to organize and execute training programs and workshops that enable national human resources to land jobs and encourages freelancing. In addition, the two parties will exchange information, conduct research, and avail from relevant electronic networks in relation to future jobs.

During EYGF, MoHRE showcased its various programs and initiatives that were launched in collaboration with its partners, such as the National Mentorship and Guidance program that encompasses Tawteen 360 Forum, which aims to raise youth’s awareness about the advantages of working in the private sector. Other programs include ‘Wajehni’ initiative that offers students internships and summer jobs.

MoHRE’s team also highlighted the Ministry’s Remote Working initiative, an innovative solution that enables Emiratis, and women in particular, to have a work/life balance. The program saves those residing in remote areas, long commutes, due to the fact that most big companies that are headquartered in main cities in the country.

In addition, the team gave participants an overview of the Quantitative Emiratization initiative, which is aimed at creating employment opportunities for UAE nationals within strategic sectors.