6,491 private firms joined Emiratisation programme in 2023

Abdulrahman Saeed, Staff Reporter

The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) Nafis revealed that the number of private companies that joined it increased by 92.5 per cent with 6,491 companies during 2023, compared to 7,017 companies in 2022, touching 13,508 in total.

These companies, which operate in various fields, offer various jobs to the Emirati nationals via Nafis programme’s website.

In media statements, Ghannam Al Mazrouei, the ETCC’s Secretary-General, said that Nafis statistics were beyond expectations, noting that the number of Emiratis, who were working for private companies in the country, was 29,000 before launching Nafis programme, which has contributed to increasing the number to 82,000 until September 2023.  

“Up to October last year, over 30,500 Emirati joined the private sector, 73 per cent of them were with no prior experience,” Al Mazrouei added.

He continued, “We have local and global pioneering establishments that hired these cadres, as we started with 7,000 firms, and currently this number has risen to 17,000 hiring 82,000 Emiratis. In the meantime, the number of beneficiaries who financially benefit from the programme has reached more than 61,000.”

On the other hand, the United Arab Emirates is starting 2024 with a focus on enhancing its comprehensive developmental experience through new laws and decisions.

The country anticipates achievements in various sectors and is set to host global events and occasions for the first time. The UAE’s commitments and events in the current year strengthen its global position as a hub for future foresight and active participation in international forums. Several new laws and decisions will aim to improve performance efficiency and development across various sectors.

EMIRATISATION: The UAE commenced, at the beginning of the current year, implementing a Cabinet decision concerning the expansion of companies subject to Emiratisation targets. These targets are for companies employing 20 to 49 workers, totalling more than 12,000 private companies operating in 14 specified key economic activities. This involves the appointment of at least one Emirati in 2024 and another Emirati during the year 2025.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) recently notified, via its digital system, the necessity for the more than 12,000 companies to comply with the decision, providing them with sufficient opportunity to achieve the required targets.

BanIn accordance with Ministerial Decision No. 380 of 2022 regarding regulating the use of single-use products in the country’s markets, the UAE implemented, effective January 1, 2024, a ban on the import, production, or trading of single-use plastic shopping bags at the federal level. Importing, producing, or trading any single-use bags, regardless of their material, is prohibited from the same date.