ABU DHABI // Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, is urging businesses to help encourage more Emirati youths to work in the private sector.
Speaking on Thursday to the British Business Group, of which he is an honorary member, Sheikh Nahyan said that despite efforts to boost the number of Emiratis working in the private sector, many youngsters instead aspired towards government jobs.
“Most of you know first-hand (it is) one of the most daunting problems that we face,” he said.
“Most Emirati youth want to work in the public, not the private sector. I hope that your innovative minds can help us discover ways for changing that attitude.”
He thanked British businesses for the opportunities they were offering to young Emiratis.
“Already, most of you are consulting with universities and colleges as they shape programmes and courses that will prepare graduates for the private sector. Already, most of you are offering solid internships that introduce students to the work of the private sector,” he said.
“Already, most of you are providing training programmes for new employees and affording them ample opportunities for continuing education.”
He noted the development of the country’s young people was crucial to the future success of the nation.
“Youth are key to these possibilities and there is a real chance now to prepare them to make the most of the many exciting opportunities available to them. Once realised, these opportunities will enable the UAE to continue to be a global player, a regional icon, and a local exemplar of good citizenship and innovation.”
Sheikh Nahyan said if youth were to play their role, they must be empowered to do so.
“They must be empowered with the authority, responsibility and compassion to make decisions and implement change in their own lives and the lives of their communities.”
He also praised the continuing friendship between British and Emirati people.
“First, we are together – UAE nationals and British nationals. We are together in peaceful harmony,” he said.
“Although we recognise our differences, we seek to understand and appreciate one another as human beings. We see individual men and women with a wide variety of nationalities and cultures, all acting as good human beings.
“Good human beings work for peace and cooperation, prosperity and the well-being of society. Good human beings tolerate and respect one another and understand each other’s good motives, whatever their cultural differences may be.”
Sheikh Nahyan said the event marked the “shared commitment” between this country and the UK for the development of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
“That shared commitment bolsters the spirit of this country and calls forth the intelligence, the talent and the creativity of its people.”
aalkhoori@thenational.ae