FNC member criticises Emiratisation efforts at Zayed University

Current figures at the state-run university show a decrease in the number of Emiratis hired in the past four years.

ABU DHABI // Zayed University must further boost its drive to employ Emirati staff, an FNC member says.

Ali Al Nuaimi, from Ajman, said current figures at the state-run university showed a decrease in the number of Emiratis hired in the past four years.

A letter from Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, president of the university, said that last year, 37 per cent (119) non-teaching staff were Emirati, compared with 28 per cent in 2011.

Although the overall number was increasing each year, Mr Al Nuaimi said the rate of growth was slowing.

He said that last year, only 2 per cent (13) of teaching staff were Emirati, an increase of 1 per cent from 2011.

Sheikha Lubna, also Minister for Development and International Cooperation, said that the university was bringing in measures to increase the employment of nationals and that Emiratisation was a priority.

During an FNC session last week, Mr Al Nuaimi told the council that Sheikha Lubna should review the figures with her human resources department.

“The decrease in the numbers every year means the human resources department at Zayed University does not prioritise Emiratisation,” he said.