Easa Al Gurg, UAE-based retail conglomerate, has launched its National Development Programme, in keeping with the country’s Nafis initiative.
The initiative encourages competitiveness among Emirati jobseekers to boost their employment rates in the private sector.
The group’s programme aims to help Emirati nationals gain work experience.
Candidates can acquire practical skills across numerous business verticals, such as retail organisations, sales, productions, marketing, finance, foundry operations and interior designs.
For the first 15 days of the programme, candidates will gain foundational skills through various educational concepts, including gamification and roleplays.
Candidates then enter workplaces to shadow and be mentored by numerous leaders within verticals.
Also administered are tests and assessments.
“Our National Development Programme stays true to our legacy of being part of the UAE’s growth story, by nurturing and supporting the next generation of Emirati talent,” said Easa Al Gurg, CEO of the group.
“The programme will support the nation’s long-term development path for UAE nationals and also elevate our businesses by diversifying expertise and increasing our knowledge base through the recruitment of top national talent in line with the Nafis initiative.”
Established in September, the Nafis initiative calls for 75,000 Emiratis to be employed by companies of the private sector.
By May, companies with over 50 employees must have 2 per cent of their workforces accounted for by Emirati nationals.
The Nafis initiative hopes to raise this proportion to 10 per cent by 2026.
The first edition of the National Development Programme is underway, with the next cohort to be inducted in December.
