Emirati employees who won recognition from President Sheikh Mohamed have urged more citizens to take up private sector jobs to accelerate their careers.
Three of the winners of the Nafis Awards for 2023-2024 – set up to celebrate outstanding national talent in the private sector – spoke to The National about their journey.
"It was a surreal moment to receive the award from one of the world's most influential leaders. It encourages us to move forward and aim higher for future endeavours," said Dana Al Ansari, who won the top Nafis Award in the banking sector.
She urged Emirati graduates and jobseekers to keep an open mind while exploring opportunities in the private sector.
“Take advantage of the Nafis platforms as they are there to help us.”
The UAE introduced the Nafis programme in 2021 to ensure that 10 per cent of all skilled jobs in private companies are taken up by citizens by the end of 2026.
In May, it was announced that the number of citizens working for private companies had exceeded 100,000 for the first time.
During the awards ceremony at Qasr al Bahr last week, Sheikh Mohamed emphasised the UAE leadership's commitment to encouraging Emirati talent to continue excelling in the private sector.
'Keep an open mind'
Ms Al Ansari said she was initially apprehensive about working in the private sector.
But her family's encouraging words, citing quick career growth, helped her change her mind.
Ms Al Ansari accepted the first job offer of a credit analyst at a bank but wasn't sure if it matched her financial background.
“I felt like I didn't have the opportunity to grow in that specific sector, as I wasn't sure what I wanted in the beginning."
The bank offered her “a lot of learning curves and training programmes” and allowed her to explore the workings of other departments.
Ms Al Ansari finally settled for the role of product manager at Commercial Bank International.
The multicultural work environment and the long working hours did prove a challenge, but one that she quickly adapted to.
She now makes an extra effort to help expats in her workplace feel like they “belong to the UAE”.
'Go above and beyond your call of duty'
Dr Adil Sajwani, who works as a family medicine consultant at Mediclinic Parkview Hospital in Dubai, was honoured for his outstanding contributions to the UAE private health sector.
He emphasised that you have to go “above and beyond your call of duty to excel in the private sector”.
Dr Sajwani said he was recognised for designing plans to improve patient services and streamline processes at Mediclinic Parkview Hospital.
“You need to learn … be a good listener and show flexibility at the workplace. And, with time and hard work, you will be able to prove yourself.”
The objective should be to “show your ability”, he said.
The transition to the private sector, about three-and-a-half years ago, did come with its challenges.
“I had to change my job twice before finally moving to Mediclinic,” he said.
While the pay in the private sector is lower, it far outweighs the opportunities for growth and innovation, he said.
Dr Sajwani advised Emirati jobseekers to be patient when moving from the public sector to private, especially since the workforce has fewer Emiratis.
The Nafis programme, he added, gives Emiratis an opportunity to prove themselves.
'Transform adversity into opportunity'
Dr Naser Alriyami, chief operating officer of projects at Burjeel Holdings, won for his contributions in the leadership category.
He said his decision to align “strategies with market needs with special focus on patient care and adopting advanced technologies” contributed towards his award.
After working in the radiology department of Abu Dhabi's speciality hospital Healthpoint for more than 10 years, Dr Alriyami moved to the rank of radiology manager before joining the private healthcare group three years ago.
With more than 25 years of work experience in government, semi-government and private entities, Dr Alriyami believes the private sector offers a “more dynamic, fast-paced and competitive environment” with greater flexibility to utilise his skills.
“I selected the private sector because it offers more unique opportunities for innovation and growth.
“It allows me to quickly implement new technologies and strategies. This flexibility allows me to make a real difference in healthcare delivery, which is something I'm passionate about.”
Dr Alriyami highlighted how the Nafis programme is a game changer “as it encourages private companies to prioritise Emirati talent and foster a more diverse and inclusive workforce” while giving Emiratis the opportunity to “enhance their capabilities”.
He advised private firms to “implement structured career development programmes, create inclusive work environments, and invest in leadership development specifically for Emirati employees”.
While urging Emirati jobseekers facing challenges in the private sector to “transform adversity into opportunities”.
“Embrace each obstacle as a chance to innovate and excel.”
