Picture used for illustrative purposes.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and the Ministry of Finance (MoF) said companies committed to meeting annual Emiratisation targets of 2 per cent growth will now get a priority in tendering for government procurement contracts. The new initiative reflects the notable commitment to ensure the success of Emiratisation policies in the private sector.

The new benefit for companies committed to Emiratisation targets complements the others benefits, which include enlisting them in the Emiratisation Partners Club, the benefits of Nafis to companies and individuals, such as the financial support, provision of a database of UAE nationals qualified to work in the private sector and the Pension Programme that provides pension contribution support, among other benefits.

Younis Al Khoori, Under-Secretary of MoF, said, “The Ministry of Finance is working to meet all the necessary requirements to advance the Emiratisation process, ensure the active participation of UAE nationals in the labour market, and increase their contribution to the national economy, in line with our commitment to implementing the UAE leadership’s vision and our own strategy at the Ministry.

We firmly believe in the positive role Emiratisation plays in strengthening and developing the national economy.” He added, “Granting priority to companies committed to achieving Emiratisation targets in the government procurement system is a form of support and an incentive for them, in recognition of their alignment with national strategic directions.

To that end, enhancing these companies’ business activities will undoubtedly lead to increased contributions on their part towards supporting government and national goals across various sectors.” For her part, Ayesha Belharfia, Under-Secretary for Emiratisation Affairs at MoHRE, said, “The launch of this new benefit for companies committed to Emiratisation targets reflects the shared vision and responsibility among government entities to support the Emiratisation process.

The new initiative presents a strategic national approach for sustaining growth and leadership, while achieving the UAE’s ambitious economic objectives.” “The Ministry strives to establish a collaborative and encouraging environment, raising awareness among companies about the Emiratisation process and its benefits, while offering them various benefits provided by the Ministry and its network of government partners,” she added.

The Ministry of Finance recently launched a digital procurement platform as part of its digital transformation strategy, allowing suppliers in the UAE and abroad to register and offer services to federal government entities. Around 14,000 suppliers have registered in the platform, which provides various services, allowing users to participate in tenders and online auctions, as well as track purchase orders and invoices.

It also aims to enhance the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in tenders by offering them special advantages. MoF continues to upgrade supplier services through internal and external strategic initiatives, in collaboration with other federal entities, in order to enhance user experience and expand the supplier register database.

Separately, the MoHRE and Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) have revealed that 58 training programmes have been implemented within the framework of the Talent Programme, launched last year in March as part of Nafis’ initiatives, in partnership with 12 prominent entities across the UAE.

More than 1,600 Emiratis have benefited from the training programmes offered by the Talent Programme thus far, focusing on strategic priority sectors including technology, healthcare, tourism, banking and finance, trade and retail, and education. The training programmes under the Talent Programme are designed in coordination with accredited training entities and are tailored to meet the requirements of the job market.

Participants of the programme can acquire globally recognised professional certifications through a wide range of specialised programmes available on the Nafis platform. Additionally, the training programmes are designed with the aim of qualifying and enabling job seekers in alignment with the specific job requirements of private sector employers.

The Talent Programme’s courses are provided free of charge to all UAE nationals seeking employment and those currently employed in the private sector. His Excellency Ahmed Al Nasser, Assistant Undersecretary for National Human Resources Development at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, said: “The Ministry is working closely with ETCC to enhance the offerings of Nafis, and notably its training opportunities for Emirati job seekers and those employed in the private sector who wish to improve their skills and capabilities within vital specialisations required by the job market.”

Agencies