H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan Launches Nafis Initiative to Boost Emiratisation in Al Ain
Al Ain, The Gulf Observer: His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region, has officially launched the Nafis initiative, a significant programme by the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, aimed at increasing private sector employment opportunities in the region. The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Central Bank of the UAE, seeks to accelerate the UAE’s Emiratisation targets while enhancing the competitiveness of Emirati talent.
Transformative Goals of Nafis
The Nafis initiative is designed to provide 2,000 job opportunities and 2,000 training placements in Al Ain. The first phase, extending until 2026, focuses on the financial and banking sectors, offering 1,700 job opportunities in partnership with leading banks, including:
- Emirates NBD
- Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
- First Abu Dhabi Bank
- Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
- HSBC
This strategic effort aims to foster Emiratisation by equipping Emirati talent with the skills and expertise required to thrive in vital economic sectors.
Leadership Commitment to Emiratisation
The launch event was attended by key figures, including:
- Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE and Nafis Board Member
- Ghannam Butti Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council
- Saif Hamid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services, Central Bank of the UAE
H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan reviewed the progress of the first phase and received updates on Nafis’s efforts to enhance Emirati participation in the private sector. The Central Bank’s Emiratisation strategy for the banking and insurance sectors and plans for recruiting national talent in Al Ain over the next two years were also presented.
Statements of Support and Gratitude
Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank, reaffirmed the Central Bank’s commitment to supporting Emiratisation in the financial sector. “We are dedicated to implementing strategies that equip Emirati talent from Al Ain with advanced skills, ensuring they play a leading role in this key sector,” he stated, expressing gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his unwavering guidance and support.
Ghannam Butti Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, emphasized the alignment of this initiative with the UAE’s broader agenda. “Nafis supports the UAE government’s vision of accelerating Emiratisation and empowering Emiratis to take on critical roles in the private sector,” he noted.
A Strategic Step for Regional Development
Nafis underscores the UAE’s commitment to sustainable job creation and economic diversification. By fostering collaboration with banks and other private sector stakeholders, the initiative aims to advance Emirati talent in Al Ain and contribute to the broader national development goals.
The programme exemplifies the leadership’s dedication to strengthening the Emirati workforce, ensuring economic competitiveness, and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence across the UAE.
