The UAE is introducing a new initiative called the Industrialist Program to increase Emiratisation in the industrial sector, upskill UAE nationals and help them access skilled jobs in the industrial sector. 

The program is part of a memorandum of understanding signed between the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), and the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis).

The new initiative also links Emiratisation requirements with In-Country Value (ICV) certification. The entities will team up to implement goals, legislation, and special programs as part of the program. 

According to the release, a training program for Emiratis would be developed in cooperation with training institutes and the industrial sector. MoIAT will connect factories under this program. MoIAT and MoHRE will establish a process for exchanging information on Emiratisation MoHRE and link it to ICV certification. Nafis will also offer finance and support training programs. Plus, a Special Emirartisation Committee will be established under the umbrella of the National ICV program to fortify the program’s goals.

The program aligns with the National ICV program’s expansion and Operation 300 billion, an overarching strategy to set the UAE as an industrial hub by 2031. Launched in 2021, the 10-year plan emphasized increasing the industrial sector’s contribution to the country’s gross domestic product from $32.21 billion in 2021 to $81.68 billion. 

The MoU was signed by His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT; His Excellency Ahmad Yousuf Ahmad Al Nasser, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation; and His Excellency Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis).

HE Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT, commented on MoIAT’s commitment to helping increase skilled jobs for UAE nationals. “MoIAT has launched initiatives supporting growth and industrial competitiveness, such as Make it in the Emirates, the National ICV program, and the Technology Transformation Program. These initiatives further enhance the industrial sector’s competitive advantages and enablers, providing opportunities for local and international investors while empowering national talents and developing capacities and skills.”

Prioritizing Emiratisation within the sustainable industries and technology sectors is key as they are “among the vital sectors that are capable of taking in our young Emirati talents who wish to contribute to shaping the UAE Centennial 2071,” noted His Excellency Ahmad Al Nasser, Assistant Undersecretary of National Human Resources Development at MoHRE. By boosting new opportunities in the sector, he adds that it also encourages the youth to consider industry entrepreneurship. He also said that the program aligns to increase Emiratisation by 2% annually, reaching a 10% increase by 2026.