DUBAI // Attracting Emirati workers to the retail sector and retaining them is the biggest challenge facing the government's Emiratisation programme, officials said today at the 8th Emiratisation Congress.
The trade industry makes up 30 per cent of the country's GDP, and is one of the few sectors that hires people who do not have a higher education, officials said at the event, which was called to discuss the employment of UAE Nationals in the private sector.
However, Emiratis are reluctant to accept these jobs because it is "not deemed prestigious enough by their families and peers", according to Essa Al Mulla, the executive director of the Emirates National Development Programme.
For these and other reasons, including low-entry pay packages and long working hours, he said, retail is "not the sector they want to join".
"Let's be honest...let's not hide it; Do you think, as GCC nationals, we would accept these types of jobs? No, no, no, no," he said while attending the event at the Arjaan by Rotana Dubai Media City hotel.
However, Mr Al Mulla said, Emiratis "are ready now", and that retail has become the second-highest sector for Emirati recruitment at 17 per cent, more than it has ever been. The highest numbers of Emiratis in the private sector continue to be in banking, at about 33 per cent.
Most Emirati workers continue to be found in the government sector, which provides higher salaries, more prestige and fewer working hours than the private sector, Mr Al Mulla said.
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Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
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Test series fixtures
(All matches start at 2pm UAE)
1st Test Lord's, London from Thursday to Monday
2nd Test Nottingham from July 14-18
3rd Test The Oval, London from July 27-31
4th Test Manchester from August 4-8
Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet