His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, has launched the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council’s “Nafis” initiative in collaboration with the Central Bank of the UAE to promote employment of Emiratis in the private sector in Al Ain Region. The initiative aims to accelerate the achievement of the national Emiratisation agenda by providing job opportunities and training programs for Emirati job seekers based on geographic regions, thereby enhancing Emiratisation rates through strategic partnerships with key entities across vital economic sectors nationwide. The initiative aims to create 2,000 jobs in addition to offering 2,000 training opportunities in the Al Ain region.

The first phase of the initiative, in partnership with the Central Bank of the UAE, seeks to create 1,700 jobs in the financial and banking sector by 2026. This effort involves collaboration with several prominent banks in the UAE, including Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, and HSBC.

The initiative was launched during a meeting hosted by His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which was attended by His Excellency Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE and a board member of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, His Excellency Ghannam Butti Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, His Excellency Saif Hamid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services at the Central Bank, along with several CEOs and board members of participating banks.

His Highness was briefed on the details of the first phase of the initiative to promote employment in the private sector in Al Ain, along with the latest developments in the Emiratisation agenda within private sector institutions and the role of the “Nafis” program in enhancing the competitiveness of Emirati talent.

He also reviewed the Central Bank’s Emiratisation strategy in the banking and insurance sectors and plans for hiring national talent in the banking sector over the next two years in Al Ain.

His Excellency Khaled Mohamed Balama reaffirmed the Central Bank’s commitment to supporting the Emiratisation agenda in the financial sector and achieving plans to employ and train national talents from Al Ain, equipping them with modern skills and global expertise necessary to lead this vital sector in line with the directives of the UAE leadership.

He expressed his gratitude for the guidance and support of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, emphasizing that this support serves as a cornerstone for creating sustainable employment opportunities in Al Ain.

His Excellency Ghannam Butti Al Mazrouei expressed his appreciation for His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s continuous support for Emiratisation efforts. He noted that such initiatives align with the UAE government’s efforts to accelerate the achievement of the national Emiratisation agenda, consistent with the leadership’s vision to enhance Emirati participation in the private sector.

The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council plays a pivotal role by developing strategic plans and monitoring operational execution to enhance and support the training and employment of Emirati nationals in Al Ain through strategic partnerships with relevant entities and organizations.