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  • The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) has announced the launch of the first cohort of the “Nafis International Program,” which aims to provide Emirati citizens with professional training opportunities abroad in collaboration with leading global companies and international organizations.

The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) has announced the launch of the first cohort of the “Nafis International Program,” which aims to provide Emirati citizens with professional training opportunities abroad in collaboration with leading global companies and international organizations.

The program, sponsored by ETCC in partnership with key strategic sectors in the UAE, offers training opportunities abroad for periods ranging from three to six months. Participants are selected through the Nafis platform, following specific eligibility criteria, virtual and in-person interviews, and performance and competency assessments. Selected candidates will undergo training either in international organizations or global companies outside the UAE.

The training includes collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and strategic partners. The first cohort, launched today in partnership with Mubadala Group and the UAE-German Alliance, will send approximately 30 Emiratis for training and employment abroad, enhancing their practical expertise in priority fields, improving their skills, and fostering professional relationships that contribute to their career development.

The second track of the program, which is under development, will provide training opportunities for 50 Emiratis in international organizations, aiming to enhance participants’ diplomatic expertise, advance government priorities, expand professional networks, and prepare a generation of leaders capable of representing the UAE on global platforms.

His Excellency Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of ETCC, highlighted that the launch of the “Nafis International Program” is a tangible testament to the UAE’s leadership commitment to providing high-quality training for citizens to enable them to work and train in global companies and specialized international organizations, helping them gain practical international experience and unique skills.

He added that the program aims to enhance communication with experts, develop technical and leadership skills, strategic thinking, and a deeper understanding of global contexts. “Today, we celebrate the announcement of the first cohort in July 2024 through extended partnerships with Mubadala’s partners in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. We are also pleased to announce the inclusion of new partners in the program, such as the UAE-German Alliance, which provides training programs and career opportunities. We aspire to expand the network of global partners and work to create a generation equipped with knowledge and expertise, confident that Emirati youth are the cornerstone of the UAE’s sustainable development and progress across various sectors,” he said.

His Excellency Hamid Al Shammari, Deputy Group CEO and Chief Corporate & Human Capital Officer at Mubadala, affirmed, “At Mubadala, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of Emirati leaders by equipping them with the skills and expertise required to excel globally. Our support for the Nafis program is a testament to our dedication to empowering Emirati talent and fostering their professional growth.”

He added, “Through this initiative, we leverage our global presence to strengthen our workforce, ensuring they possess the necessary skills and competence to contribute effectively to the UAE’s economic diversification and sustainable development journey.”

His Excellency Ahmed Al Nasser, Assistant Undersecretary for National Human Resource Development and Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Policies and Strategy Affairs at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, expressed his anticipation of the vital role that “Nafis International Program” graduates will play on the global stage. He emphasized that participants would benefit from promising training and career opportunities at some of the most prominent international organizations and leading global companies, noting that this initiative aims to expand the contribution of Emirati talent across various sectors, enhance their participation in driving economic and comprehensive development, and solidify the UAE’s distinguished global standing.