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 Emiratization; and His Excellency Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis) in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology (WAM).

The United Arab Emirates has launched a new initiative, the ‘Industrialist Programme’, designed to build local capacities and increase Emiratisation within the industrial sector by upskilling national cadres and helping them access skilled jobs in the industrial sector, reported state news agency WAM.

The initiative is part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that has been 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) in order to empower talent, develop skills, and provide job opportunities for UAE nationals as part of the National In-Country Value (ICV) programme. 

MoIAT, MoHRE and Nafis will collaborate to implement goals, legislation and special programmes. The three entities will launch a national campaign to create local industrial jobs. 

The Industrialist Programme will train UAE talents, providing them with the skills needed to work in technical and specialised jobs. The programme is expected to align national training programmes to meet the requirements of factories. It will also reflect the commitment of ICV-certified companies to Emiratisation through the upskilling process.

“All our efforts are aimed at supporting the objectives of this MoU, including Nafis’ unique initiatives, which join other national initiatives, such as the In-Country Value Programme, in supporting Emirati talents in the private sector,” said Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of Nafis.

“Collaboration across government entities is a positive and effective indicator in support of initiatives that empower national talents in the industry and advanced technology sectors. The industry sector is among the UAE’s strategic sectors that are expected to contribute to creating employment and training opportunities for Emiratis to participate and value the sector’s growth and expansion,” he added.

Accordingly, this initiative is aligned with the country’s strategic objective to support the industrial sector, enhance the national economy, and expand the National ICV programme. Manufacturers spending in the national economy reached Dhs 53 billion in 2022.

Previously, MoIAT has launched several initiatives that support growth and industrial competitiveness, such as Make it in the Emirates, the National ICV programme and the Technology Transformation Programme.