Picture used for illustrative purposes.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council celebrates its third anniversary, and the launch of NAFIS programme. Launched in September 2021, the programme has achieved remarkable milestones, surpassing its targets by significantly increasing the number of Emiratis working in the private sector.

Currently, more than 114,000 Emiratis are employed in the private and banking sectors, with over 81,000 of them hired after the launch of "Nafis" and still actively employed as of the end of the second quarter of this year.

Over the past three years, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council has established numerous constructive partnerships that have contributed to the employment of Emiratis within the workforce of more than 21,000 private companies.

On this occasion, Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Member of the Board of Directors, and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, emphasised the UAE leadership's commitment to empowering its citizens, recognising them as the country’s most valuable resource.

He highlighted that the continuous directives of the leadership to empower Emirati talents and prepare them to face future challenges are fundamental to strengthening the country's competitiveness regionally and internationally.

The Nafis programme, now celebrating its third anniversary with a remarkable record of success, reflects this visionary leadership. It embodies their drive to propel sustainable economic development through the expertise and extraordinary work of the Emirati workforce, whose talents and skills make them well-suited for a diverse range of professional roles.

His Excellency also highlighted the crucial role of Nafis program in preparing a remarkable generation of Emirati talent and leaders capable of meeting the future's demands through their contributions to the private sector, thereby elevating the national economic system. He expressed confidence in the future achievements that "Nafis" will continue to bring.

Meanwhile, Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, emphasised the importance of the achievements made by the "Nafis" programme.

He noted that these accomplishments reflect the success of the innovative strategies and programmes adopted by the Council under the guidance and supervision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council. These efforts align with the leadership's wise directives and vision to strengthen the role of Emirati citizens in driving the nation's economic development by integrating them into the private sector workforce.

At the same time, Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, commended the pioneering achievements of the Nafis programme. He emphasised the crucial role of the programme’s training initiatives in enhancing the skills and competencies of national talent and expanding their career opportunities.

"Nafis has received exceptional support from our visionary leadership over the past three years, with a focus on placing citizens at the top of its priorities. In collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and our strategic partners, we have achieved remarkable results beyond expectations. We take pride in the fact that over 114,000 Emiratis are now working in the private sector across various professional fields, contributing effectively to the national economy." he said.