The Emirates Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PwC’s Academy at the Group’s headquarters in Dubai, reinforcing its commitment to facilitate industry-leading training and certification for its Emirati workforce.

The MoU was signed by Manal Al Soori, Emirates Group’s Vice President for Human Resources, Emiratisation and People Experience, and Taimur Ali Mir, PwC Partner and Head of Qualifications and Certifications at PwC’s Academy.

Through this collaboration, Emirati professionals in Human Resources, Finance and Audit departments across the Emirates Group will receive qualification training in CIPD, CIA and CFA provided by PwC Academy - a reputable and prominent business institution for consulting and advisory.

Oliver Grohmann, Emirates Group’s Senior Vice President for Human Resources, commented, “The MoU we’ve signed today with PwC’s Academy reinforces our commitment to develop our Emirati professionals across the Emirates Group, equipping them with added skills and the competitive advantage of world-class certification to further their careers and excel on the global stage.

“As one of the leading organisations in the UAE, we’re proud to join hands with powerful partners and institutions who share our vision of empowering the local community, and supporting their sustainable growth in line with the country’s progress and development across all sectors.” For his part, Taimur Ali Mir said, “An upskilled National Workforce is the key driver of the UAE’s transformation agenda. We are delighted to reinforce our commitment to the cause through this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Emirates Group. Together, not only will we support the strategic growth of the National talent, but also will empower a globally competitive workforce across roles and seniority by equipping them with internationally recognised certifications and qualifications.” The Emirates Group’s collaboration with PwC’s Academy is part of its Rehlaty strategy, which helps inspire, attract, develop, reward and retain UAE Nationals. In addition to the collaboration with PwC’s Academy, the Group has recently partnered with RIT (Dubai) to offer an exclusive scholarship programme for Emirati high school graduates. Rehlaty offers a host of other development and leadership programmes to the Group’s UAE Nationals, as well as mentorship, scholarship and internship opportunities for ambitious Emiratis.

The Emirates Group has recently released its 2022-23 Annual Report, reporting its most profitable year ever on the back of strong demand across its businesses.

Group revenue earned was Dhs119.8 billion, marking an increase of 81 per cent with strong customer demand worldwide with almost all travel restrictions removed. The group ended the year with highest-ever cash balance of Dhs42.5 billion.

The group declared a dividend of Dhs4.5 billion to its owner ICD, Investment Corporation of Dubai. It repaid Dhs3 billion of debt raised during the Covid-19 crisis, partly ahead of maturity.

Both Emirates and dnata saw significant revenue increases in 2022-23, as the group expanded its air transport and travel-related operations following the removal of nearly all pandemic-related restrictions around the world.

Emirates reported its most profitable year ever with a profit of Dhs10.6 billion compared with Dhs3.9 billion loss in the previous year. Revenue was up 81 per cent to Dhs107.4 billion, as the airline restored its global network and reinstated more passenger flights. Airline capacity increased by 32 per cent to 48.2 billion ATKMs, with two new 777 freighter aircraft added to its fleet.

dnata reported a profit of Dhs331 million, robust growth from its Dhs110 million profit last year.

It reported that revenue increased by 74 per cent to Dhs14.9 billion, reflecting the ongoing pandemic recovery across all business divisions in the UAE and worldwide.

The aviation services provider expanded its global footprint with launch of operations in Zanzibar, Tanzania; new cargo operations in Germany and Canada, and acquiring full ownership of ground handling operations in Brazil.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said: “We’re proud of our 2022-23 performance which is not only a full recovery, but also a record result.

“I’m proud of the Emirates Group’s performance for 2022-23, and our contribution to the restoration of air transport and tourism across the markets we serve, including Dubai’s astounding 97 per cent year-on-year growth in international visitors for 2022. The group is the biggest player in the UAE’s aviation sector, which supports over 770,000 jobs and generates an estimated contribution to GDP of over $47 billion. With our growth plans, and in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, we expect to significantly increase our contribution to the UAE’s GDP over the next decade through direct and indirect employment, supply chain spending, tourism spend, and trade and commerce benefits from the movement of cargo.”