Sweden's ambassador to the UAE, Fredrik Floren, said his country's pavilion at a jobs fair for UAE citizens showed its commitment to Emiratisation.
The nation's embassy used the Tawdheef X Zaheb event in Abu Dhabi to promote Swedish companies in the UAE as potential workplaces for Emiratis. Swedish companies represented at the event included Ikea, aerospace company Saab, agricultural manufacturing company Alfa Laval and industrial manufacturer Atlas Copco.
Mr Floren told The National that his country's presence at the fair reflected its long-standing commitment to the region. "There are more than 200 [Swedish] companies in the country who have been here since the 1960s," he said.
He has visited 45 Swedish companies in the UAE since taking on his current role late last year. He has seen first-hand the vital contribution Emiratis are making in the workplace, he added.
Opportunity knocks
The fair, which runs until November 21 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, represented an opportunity for companies to find the best Emirati talent, said Vinod Jayan, managing director of Al Futtaim-Ikea.
"We want to hire Emiratis because they know the culture the best and are the future of this country," he said. "It's a symbol of commitment to the country I operate in. All we can tell them [Emiratis] is, come with an open mind and a passion for learning in a collaborative environment, and be humble, which is very much part of Emirati culture."
The UAE's Emiratisation drive aims to increase the number of citizens working in the private sector. Under the drive, companies have until December 30 to take the total workforce representation to 6 per cent. First introduced in September 2022, the targets increase by 1 per cent increase every six months. The goal is for a 2 per cent annual increase to reach 10 per cent by the end of 2026. Smaller businesses with 20 to 49 employees must hire at least one Emirati in a skilled position by the end of this year and another by next year.
Helene Bittmann, managing director of Saab Middle East, spoke about the opportunities available to young UAE citizens. There is a need for talent in the engineering sector, as well as business development, finance and HR, she said.
"The Emiratis that I've been working with so far have shown a strong interest to learn more and are very open minded, they see the bigger picture and they are very ambitious."
Emirati experiences
Sameera Al Hosani, customer service manager in Ikea, who started out in a sales position 12 years ago, said there were not many Emiratis working in the private sector when she first joined the company.
“I really wanted to prove that I could work and perform anywhere as an Emirati," she said. “I was handed mornings shifts, but I wanted to break the routine so I took different shifts, including the closing shift. Anyone who works on themselves can develop and lead fulfilling roles with effort and perseverance."
Mariam Al Tameemi, an engineer at Alfa Laval, said she was immediately made to feel at home at the company. "Ever since I joined, I felt safe and the energy in the company was very co-operative, they welcomed me then as their first Emirati employee," she added.
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Specs
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The national orchestra
MATCH INFO
Day 2 at the Gabba
Australia 312-1
Warner 151 not out, Burns 97, Labuschagne 55 not out
Pakistan 240
Shafiq 76, Starc 4-52
A timeline of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language
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- November 2021: First 17 volumes launched
- November 2022: Additional 19 volumes released
- October 2023: Another 31 volumes released
- November 2024: All 127 volumes completed
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It Was Just an Accident
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2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, (Leon banned).
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
Company profile: buybackbazaar.com
Name: buybackbazaar.com
Started: January 2018
Founder(s): Pishu Ganglani and Ricky Husaini
Based: Dubai
Sector: FinTech, micro finance
Initial investment: $1 million
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Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
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What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
Tomorrow 2021
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Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
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Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
Price, base: Dh1,731,672
Engine: 6.5-litre V12
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
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PROVISIONAL FIXTURE LIST
Premier League
Wednesday, June 17 (Kick-offs uae times) Aston Villa v Sheffield United 9pm; Manchester City v Arsenal 11pm
Friday, June 19 Norwich v Southampton 9pm; Tottenham v Manchester United 11pm
Saturday, June 20 Watford v Leicester 3.30pm; Brighton v Arsenal 6pm; West Ham v Wolves 8.30pm; Bournemouth v Crystal Palace 10.45pm
Sunday, June 21 Newcastle v Sheffield United 2pm; Aston Villa v Chelsea 7.30pm; Everton v Liverpool 10pm
Monday, June 22 Manchester City v Burnley 11pm (Sky)
Tuesday, June 23 Southampton v Arsenal 9pm; Tottenham v West Ham 11.15pm
Wednesday, June 24 Manchester United v Sheffield United 9pm; Newcastle v Aston Villa 9pm; Norwich v Everton 9pm; Liverpool v Crystal Palace 11.15pm
Thursday, June 25 Burnley v Watford 9pm; Leicester v Brighton 9pm; Chelsea v Manchester City 11.15pm; Wolves v Bournemouth 11.15pm
Sunday June 28 Aston Villa vs Wolves 3pm; Watford vs Southampton 7.30pm
Monday June 29 Crystal Palace vs Burnley 11pm
Tuesday June 30 Brighton vs Manchester United 9pm; Sheffield United vs Tottenham 11.15pm
Wednesday July 1 Bournemouth vs Newcastle 9pm; Everton vs Leicester 9pm; West Ham vs Chelsea 11.15pm
Thursday July 2 Arsenal vs Norwich 9pm; Manchester City vs Liverpool 11.15pm
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Uefa Champions League Group F
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
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ULTRA PROCESSED FOODS
- Carbonated drinks, sweet or savoury packaged snacks, confectionery, mass-produced packaged breads and buns
- margarines and spreads; cookies, biscuits, pastries, cakes, and cake mixes, breakfast cereals, cereal and energy bars;
- energy drinks, milk drinks, fruit yoghurts and fruit drinks, cocoa drinks, meat and chicken extracts and instant sauces
- infant formulas and follow-on milks, health and slimming products such as powdered or fortified meal and dish substitutes,
- many ready-to-heat products including pre-prepared pies and pasta and pizza dishes, poultry and fish nuggets and sticks, sausages, burgers, hot dogs, and other reconstituted meat products, powdered and packaged instant soups, noodles and desserts.
The five pillars of Islam
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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Pakistan 482
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
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