Nafis

Empowering Emirati Talent for the Private Sector

Nafis is a federal initiative launched in 2021 under the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) as part of the UAE’s Projects of the 50. Its mission is to equip Emiratis with the skills, experience and opportunities to excel in private-sector careers, building a competitive workforce that drives innovation, economic growth and sustainable prosperity.

Delivered in close partnership with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), Nafis aligns national policy with practical programs, ensuring that Emiratisation efforts in the private sector are effectively supported, widely adopted and sustained over the long term.

Through strategic programs, financial incentives and partnerships with employers, Nafis helps bridge the gap between talent and opportunity. It supports job seekers, guides career progression and works with businesses to make private-sector roles attractive, rewarding and future ready.

Nafis also fosters collaboration across government, industry and education to build a strong, sustainable talent ecosystem that benefits both Emiratis and the UAE’s long-term economic vision.

 

Focus Areas

  • Financial Incentives – Supporting Emiratis in private-sector roles through salary top ups, pension contributions, child allowances and more
  • Skill Development – Providing training, certifications and qualifications in high demand sectors
  • Career Progression – Offering career counselling, leadership training and international exposure
  • Employer Engagement – Partnering with companies to create meaningful opportunities and meet Emiratisation goals

Nafis Award​

Nafis Award was launched in 2022 under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council.​


The award serves as an extension of the Nafis Program’s vision by highlighting distinguished models among entities and Emiratis working in the private and banking sectors. It aims to recognize the outstanding contributions of Emirati nationals and private companies striving to achieve Emiratization goals by showcasing exceptional efforts in empowering national talents and supporting the diversification of the UAE economy through increased Emirati participation across various sectors.​

Through this award, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council seeks to inspire individuals and organizations to embrace Emiratization as a key strategy and to reward those who exceed expectations in developing Emirati potential. The award encompasses categories that recognize individual achievements and Emiratization targets, symbolizing a strong commitment to building a competitive and sustainable national workforce.

Empowering Emirati Talent​

A networking and learning event focused on supporting Emirati professionals and fostering growth in diverse industries

November 15, 2024​

4:00 PM To 8:00 PM​

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE​

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Nafis Your Way

Our Success Stories

Dana Al Ansari, a success story full of hope and future vision

محمود الملا، النجاح في القطاع الخاص يبنى على الجهد والكفاءة

Sarah Jaffar Al Saffar, talks about her success story in the private sector

Chef Muna Al Mansouri from bottom to the top. Success Story in Private Sector.

Dana Al Ansari, a success story full of hope and future vision

Maitha Mohammed: “My perception of the private sector has changed after receiving numerous opportunities”

Saif Al Tamimi, Vice President of Key Providers at Daman

Abdulrahman Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President of Procurement and Facilities management at Daman Insurance

Fatma Ali

A mother, a wife, and a successful employee… the husband of Saddeiqah Aldhuhoori shares an inspiring social story and a win at the Nafis Award

A doctor, a mother, and a wife… a social story narrated by Hamad Al Hameli

Lateefa AlRemeithi

Maryam Alkhateri

Rashed Albusaeedi

Maryam Al Marzooqi

Khadija Al Hadhrami

Ruqayyah Al Kaabi

Title for story

video story

thi is short description

test new story Copy

jhkjhkhkjhkjhkhkhkhkjhkjhkjhkjhkjhkjhk

test new story Copy

jhkjhkhkjhkjhkhkhkhkjhkjhkjhkjhkjhkjhk

test new story Copy

jhkjhkhkjhkjhkhkhkhkjhkjhkjhkjhkjhkjhk

test new story Copy

jhkjhkhkjhkjhkhkhkhkjhkjhkjhkjhkjhkjhk

test new story

jhkjhkhkjhkjhkhkhkhkjhkjhkjhkjhkjhkjhk

Abdulla Almuhairi’s passion for sustainable engineering design has led him to success in the private sector, where challenge and creativity meet in a competitive environment that inspires creativity.

Aldar Properties

audio Copy

jjhkjhkjhkjhkhk

audio Copy

jjhkjhkjhkjhkhk

audio Copy

jjhkjhkjhkjhkhk

audio Copy

jjhkjhkjhkjhkhk

audio Copy

jjhkjhkjhkjhkhk

audio Copy

jjhkjhkjhkjhkhk

audio Copy

jjhkjhkjhkjhkhk

audio

jjhkjhkjhkjhkhk

قصص نجاح المواطنين العاملين في خدمة Copy

Flexibility and Openness to Career Opportunities with Abdullah Al-Sibai

written

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy…

Nafis Youth Council

What is Nafis Youth Council

Nafis Youth Council is one of the most prominent sectorial councils in the UAE,  it comprises 15 outstanding Emirati members working in various vital private sectors. All members are under the age of 35 own a broad general knowledge, a strong interest in youth-related issues, and represent the geographical diversity of the UAE.

The second formation of the Council was launched in January 2025 in alignment with the Federal Youth Authority and under the supervision and patronage of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) for a term of two consecutive years.

Vision

To inspire and raise awareness among Emirati youth to join the private sector and to enhance the role of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council. 

Mission

To support the national agenda for “Emiratization” and the “National Youth Agenda” by promoting growth in the private sector through creating a direct link between the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council and youth. The Council also aims to contribute to sustainable development and global competitiveness while fostering a culture of adaptability and excellence.

For inquiries, contact the Nafis Youth Council: nafisyouthcouncil@etcc.gov.ae

Group Photo_Offwhite BG (1)

Council Goals

01
Support for government enablers
02
Representation of private sector youth
03
Driving awareness and cultural change

Nafis Youth Council Structure

Members Of the Council

athar hassan

abuthabu/test
director

Nafis International Program

The Nafis International Program is a program launched by the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, to train and qualify Emirati nationals in private sector companies and Intergovernmental Organizations through international exposure. The program seeks to develop leadership and technical capabilities, enhance global experience, and strengthen international relations — thereby establishing a pool of highly skilled Emirati professionals equipped with a universal outlook.​

The program offers selected UAE Nationals the opportunity to gain global experience through immersive training placements in leading international companies and organizations and aims to train 100 Emirati nationals over a period of 3 to 6 months.

Nomination for the program is facilitated through participating entities, followed by a comprehensive selection process that includes interviews and assessments.

All costs and expenses of the Nafis International Program will be borne by the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council through the Nafis Program.

For further information about the program, please stay tuned for updates on Nafis platform or contact us at:                                  NafisInternationalProgram@etcc.gov.ae

Nafis Leadership Program

In line with the UAE government’s commitment to develop and support local leaderships in the private sector, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council launched the Nafis Leadership Program in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office (UAE Government Leaders Program. The program is designed to develop high-potential Emirati talent in the private sector and prepare them for future leadership roles. The program combines advanced training, field visits, and practical assignments that replicate real-world challenges.​

The Nafis Leadership Program has been meticulously crafted to accommodate the demanding schedules of professionals working in the private sector. ​

The program has a duration of 6 months, with participants being required to attend the program’s physical classes for several days each month, that may include domestic and international field visits. The training commences once the selection process is complete, which consists of screening applications, tests, and personal interviews conducted according to the program’s criteria.

All costs and expenses of the Nafis Leadership Program will be borne by the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council through the Nafis Program.

For further information about the program, please stay tuned for updates on Nafis platform or contact us at: NLP@ETCC.GOV.AE