Hello and welcome to Emirati, a monthly newsletter from <i>The National.</i> The UAE will unite in celebration on Monday to mark the 53rd Eid Al Etihad, honouring the birth of the nation. The UAE's National Day is a time to pay homage to the country's rich history, but it also offers an opportunity to look towards an exciting future. It will be forged by ambitious Emiratis determined to build on the firm foundations laid down by the UAE's founders decades ago. The National Experts Programme, established in 2019, is central to this vision and provides a platform for citizens to take control of the destiny of the Emirates and further boost its rise on the global stage. The annual initiative equips talented citizens with the knowledge and skills to shape the nation's development on the international stage for years to come, with the help of a team of accomplished mentors. For programme fellow Omar Al Braiki, who plays a crucial role supporting his homeland's interests as part of the UAE National Negotiations Team, it is a game-changing opportunity that he has grasped with both hands. He wants others to do the same. "To the young leaders of today and tomorrow, continue working towards this ambitious vision and ensure its implementation in the years to come," Mr Al Braiki said. Thank you for reading, Shireena Al Nowais The UAE is unlocking the abilities of its best and brightest to develop a new generation of Emirati leaders to guide the nation's ambitions for years to come. The 12-month National Experts Programme, established under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed, connects Emirati high-achievers with mentors within the government and industry to help them develop the skills needed to support the country's aims for further growth. The nationwide drive is already bearing fruit, as graduates of the initiative take up high-ranking roles and use their influence to inspire others to follow in a similar path. “Experts are the nucleus of progress and they play a pivotal role in building a bright future for the UAE,” said Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs. The fourth edition of the programme, led by Sheikh Theyab, will involve applicants with at least 10 years of experience, including five years in their respective sectors, and who have contributed to strategic projects that address national priorities. This year, unlike previous ones, will incorporate artificial intelligence into the application and selection process. Ahead of the UAE's 53rd Eid Al Etihad celebrations, <i>The National </i>met four experts from the programme who are helping to shape the country's future. Asma Al Azri, 39, said he was honoured to have been part of the initiative in 2021, as it gave her “significant exposure to the community services sector" she was working in. “The programme’s diverse learning modules, including strategic thinking and public speaking, enhanced my capabilities and played a crucial role in shaping my role today," she said. She believes the programme is essential to “create experts from within the younger generation" and said it “fosters sustainable and collaborative initiatives by engaging all stakeholders". Twenty-five Emiratis were chosen to take part in the fourth National Experts Programme in October, after more than 1,100 applications were received. Dubai has unveiled a plan to train 5,000 UAE citizens in future technology over the next five years and boost Emiratisation targets in the private sector. The announcement by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, came in October, after a meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology Development and Digital Economy. Sheikh Hamdan said the training would prepare Emiratis to work in technology in the private sector. "This initiative is part of a package of projects designed to foster start-up growth, support national talent and drive innovation and entrepreneurship," he said on social media. "Dubai is a city that doesn't just compete globally – it creates its own future by nurturing national talent and offering an environment that encourages creativity and leadership." The move is in line with the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to "build a strong, sustainable digital economy for our future generations, positioning Dubai at the forefront of the world’s cities". Sheikh Mohammed said in May that the number of Emiratis working in the private sector had exceeded 100,000 for the first time. In an ever-evolving jobs market, Emirati graduates are looking beyond regular pay cheques to roles that can also enable personal and professional growth. The third Industrialist Career Exhibition, held in Abu Dhabi last month, offered some Emirati graduates on-the-job training opportunities for the first time. These included the Hama programme for female candidates, which focuses on developing specialised skills in the industrial and advanced technology sectors. “The idea was for a dedicated programme to upskill and train Emiratis and also offer them sustainable jobs,” said Salama Alawadhi, director of the National In-Country Value Programme at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. The event offered citizens more than 900 job opportunities across 90 companies. It was held by Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council and Adnoc Group.
