Nafis initiative launched in Al Ain to create 2,000 private sector jobs for Emiratis

First phase of the programme will help citizens secure positions in finance and banking

Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, Ruler's Representative in the Al Ain Region, being briefed on the Nafis initiative launched in Al Ain on Saturday. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office

An initiative that aims to increase the number of Emiratis working in the private sector has expanded its reach to Al Ain, with the goal of creating 2,000 jobs for citizens.

The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, or Nafis, was launched in the emirate by Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region, on Saturday and is part of the UAE's broader Emiratisation strategy.

The Nafis programme was introduced in September 2021 with a mission to ensure 10 per cent of all skilled jobs in private companies are taken up by UAE citizens by the end of 2026.

The first phase of the programme in Al Ain will provide 1,700 job opportunities in the financial and banking sectors.

It is being carried out in collaboration with the UAE Central Bank. Several banks have signed on to create opportunities for Emiratis, including Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and HSBC.

In recent years, the government has introduced measures to boost Emiratisation efforts, including mandating a minimum percentage of employees in private companies and offering financial incentives to businesses that hire citizens.

Companies must increase their Emirati workforce by 1 per cent every six months under the nationwide Emiratisation scheme. Employers in the UAE with at least 50 members of staff were required to meet a 4 per cent target by the end of 2023.

As of August, about 81,000 Emiratis had joined private companies since Nafis was launched, with the total number of Emiratis working in the private sector standing at 113,000.

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