Emiratisation programme 'exceeds expectations' as thousands join private sector


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In the presence of President Sheikh Mohamed, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, hailed the success of the first phase of the Emiratisation drive after the UAE government announced tens of thousands of Emiratis have been successfully placed in new private sector jobs.

Figures released on Wednesday showed that 28,700 Emiratis have taken jobs at private companies since the launch of the Nafis employment programme a year ago.

Sheikh Mansour is one of the great extensions of Zayed and one of the pillars of the great nation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid

The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, headed by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, said Nafis had exceeded expectations in 2022, with more than 50,000 UAE citizens now working in the private sector.

Sheikh Mohammed praised the role of Sheikh Mansour for his work in enacting the Emiratisation drive, despite having several portfolios to manage.

“With the presence of my brother, the President of the State — may God protect him — we honour today my brother Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed for his exceptional efforts in serving the United Arab Emirates,” Sheikh Mohammed said on Twitter.

Sheikh Mohammed described Sheikh Mansour as 'one of the great extensions of Zayed and one of the pillars of the great nation'. Photo: Twitter / Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
Sheikh Mohammed described Sheikh Mansour as 'one of the great extensions of Zayed and one of the pillars of the great nation'. Photo: Twitter / Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid

“Sheikh Mansour is a brother, friend and supporter. He is a supporter of the President of the State, a supporter of me in the federal government, and a supporter and role model for his fellow citizens.

Sheikh Mohammed said Sheikh Mansour was also responsible for the Central Bank and manages the UAE Investment Authority with assets exceeding Dh30 billion.

“He follows all presidential portfolios assigned to him by the leadership,” he said.

“The latest files handled by my brother Sheikh Mansour include the file of citizen employment, in which he was able to employ 28,000 citizens in just one year, and he was able to increase their representation in the private sector by 70 per cent within months.

“Sheikh Mansour is one of the great extensions of Zayed and one of the pillars of the great nation.”

Sheikh Mohammed awarded Sheikh Mansour the ceremonial Mohammed bin Rashid Sash in recognition of his efforts and achievements in serving the UAE.

Official figures

The figures released on Wednesday also show that about Dh400 million in fines have been issued to companies that failed to hit a January 1 deadline to meet Emiratisation targets.

Officials said 8,897 companies had met the deadline, but did not state how many had missed it.

More than 17,000 job vacancies were posted on the Nafis portal, where Emiratis are encouraged to look for opportunities.

Companies with more than 50 employees were required to ensure that 2 per cent of their workforce was Emirati by January 1. Firms in free zones were exempt.

The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council said it had recorded 227 instances where fake jobs had been offered to meet the deadline.

Emiratis taking private sector jobs are entitled to salary top-ups under the Nafis — which means “compete” or “to be competitive” in Arabic — programme because they would typically earn more in the public sector.

Employers must now hit a target of 4 per cent by January 1, 2024, rising to 10 per cent by the end of 2026.

Officials discussed the first phase of a social media campaign that will put the spotlight on 101 Emiratis in the sector and how they are thriving.

The Nafis … Your Way campaign seeks to change perceptions about the private sector, including the work environment and opportunities that it offers.

Moulding future leaders

The UAE on Thursday announced the launch of a new Emirati leadership programme to further bolster local participation in the private sector.

Sheikh Mansour, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation and Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, were on hand as the plans were set out at Abu Dhabi's Qasr Al Watan.

The initiative aims to pave the way for a new generation of leaders in the private sector, state news agency Wam reported.

The leadership scheme is in line with the wider goals of the country's Emiratisation drive.

It will aim to expand training and boost qualifications of Emirati employers to create pathways for further career development.

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Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: Generative AI
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Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
 
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UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

The specs: 2019 Lincoln MKC

Price, base / as tested: Dh169,995 / Dh192,045

Engine: Turbocharged, 2.0-litre, in-line four-cylinder

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Power: 253hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque: 389Nm @ 2,500rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 10.7L / 100km

Company Profile

Company name: NutriCal

Started: 2019

Founder: Soniya Ashar

Based: Dubai

Industry: Food Technology

Initial investment: Self-funded undisclosed amount

Future plan: Looking to raise fresh capital and expand in Saudi Arabia

Total Clients: Over 50

The candidates

Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive

Ali Azeem, business leader

Tony Booth, professor of education

Lord Browne, former BP chief executive

Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist

Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist

Dr Mark Mann, scientist

Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner

Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister

Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster

 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
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  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
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The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo

Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000

Engine: 5.6-litre V8

Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm

Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km

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Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
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Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

The stats: 2017 Jaguar XJ

Price, base / as tested Dh326,700 / Dh342,700

Engine 3.0L V6

Transmission Eight-speed automatic

Power 340hp @ 6,000pm

Torque 450Nm @ 3,500rpm

Fuel economy, combined 9.1L / 100km

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Red card: Sergi Roberto (Barcelona)

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A little about CVRL

Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.

One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases. 

The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery. 

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ

Price, base: Dh1,731,672

Engine: 6.5-litre V12

Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 770hp @ 8,500rpm

Torque: 720Nm @ 6,750rpm

Fuel economy: 19.6L / 100km

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Famous left-handers

- Marie Curie

- Jimi Hendrix

- Leonardo Di Vinci

- David Bowie

- Paul McCartney

- Albert Einstein

- Jack the Ripper

- Barack Obama

- Helen Keller

- Joan of Arc

Normcore explained

Something of a fashion anomaly, normcore is essentially a celebration of the unremarkable. The term was first popularised by an article in New York magazine in 2014 and has been dubbed “ugly”, “bland’ and "anti-style" by fashion writers. It’s hallmarks are comfort, a lack of pretentiousness and neutrality – it is a trend for those who would rather not stand out from the crowd. For the most part, the style is unisex, favouring loose silhouettes, thrift-shop threads, baseball caps and boyish trainers. It is important to note that normcore is not synonymous with cheapness or low quality; there are high-fashion brands, including Parisian label Vetements, that specialise in this style. Embraced by fashion-forward street-style stars around the globe, it’s uptake in the UAE has been relatively slow.

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While you're here
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Updated: January 12, 2023, 10:04 AM`