The number of Emiratis employed in the private and banking sectors has surpassed 114,000, including over 81,000 who secured employment after the launch of the “NAFIS” program and remain employed as of the end of Q2 this year. Over the past three years, the Council has forged numerous strategic partnerships that have contributed to integrating Emiratis into the workforce across more than 21,000 private companies.

H.E. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Member of the Council’s Board of Directors, and Chairman of its Executive Committee, emphasized the UAE leadership’s commitment to positioning Emiratis as the nation’s most valuable resource. He highlighted the leadership’s ongoing directives to empower Emirati talents and prepare them for future challenges, which form a cornerstone of the UAE’s regional and global competitiveness.

H.E. Al Gergawi stated, “As ‘NAFIS’ marks its third year of achievements, it embodies our leadership’s directives and vision to elevate the nation’s competitiveness through the skills and expertise of its national workforce. We are proud of the exceptional talents and capabilities of our Emiratis, which qualify them to excel in various sectors and roles.”

He also underscored the program’s role in developing a distinguished generation of Emirati leaders and professionals capable of meeting future demands while actively contributing to the UAE’s economic growth.

From his perspective, H.E. Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmannan Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Member of the Council’s Board of Directors, praised the achievements of “NAFIS,” describing them as a testament to the success of the Council’s innovative strategies and programs, all guided by H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of the Directors of the Council.

He added that “NAFIS” has provided significant financial support, training, and development programs, which have played a pivotal role in enhancing Emiratisation efforts. This has led to unprecedented successes in the number of Emiratis joining the private sector, which remains a strategic partner in this important national endeavor.

H.E. Al Awar reaffirmed the Ministry’s ongoing collaboration with “NAFIS” to provide high-quality, sustainable job opportunities for Emiratis, further solidifying the UAE citizen as the country’s greatest asset and strengthening public-private partnerships.

Similarly, H.E. Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, highlighted the groundbreaking achievements of “NAFIS,” particularly its training programs, which enhance the competencies of Emirati professionals and expand their career opportunities.

He stated, “Over the past three years, ‘NAFIS’ has enjoyed substantial support from our wise leadership, which prioritizes its citizens. Together with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and our strategic partners, we have achieved results beyond expectations. Today, we celebrate having more than 114,000 Emiratis in the private sector, contributing actively to our national economy.”

Al Mazrouei emphasized the ongoing efforts to expand initiatives in collaboration with strategic partners and adapt existing programs to the evolving labor market needs. He also commended the program’s role in shifting societal perceptions about private sector employment, encouraging Emiratis to excel in various fields.

He concluded by inviting Emirati youth employed in the private sector and job seekers to visit the “NAFIS” platform, explore available opportunities, and benefit from its continuously updated offerings.

Among the notable initiatives within “NAFIS” are financial support programs such as “Emirati Salary Support Scheme”, “Child Allowance Scheme” for private sector employees, and Unemployment Benefit. Specialized training programs include “Talent Program”, “Apprenticeship Program,” and Career Counselling.

Key initiatives also include the “National Healthcare Program,” which guarantees suitable employment for Emiratis during their studies through special contracts, the “Creatives Program” in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the “NAFIS Leadership Program” in collaboration with the UAE Government Leaders Program, and the “NAFIS International Program” offering global training opportunities in partnership with leading companies and organizations.

Furthermore, “NAFIS” features programs targeting critical sectors such as education (“Teachers Program”), industry (“Industrialists Program”), and media (“Media Apprenticeship Program”), as well as professional training initiatives and guidance tools for both employees and private sector companies to enhance awareness of Emiratisation policies and the benefits provided by “NAFIS.”

The “NAFIS” platform serves as a vital bridge connecting national talents with employers, offering all necessary resources to help Emiratis find suitable job opportunities aligned with their qualifications and aspirations.