UAE to award those 'excelling' in Emiratisation goals

The UAE has launched special awards to honour private firms "excelling" in meeting the Emiratisation target, "outstanding" Emirati employees and "partners of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council".

Making the announcement, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Board of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, said the ‘Nafis Award’ will recognise Emiratisation recruitments in the year 2022-2023.

Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, said the decision is aimed to "encourage companies to increase Emiratisation rates, and (also) UAE nationals to join the private sector and contribute to the national economy".

Private companies registered on Nafis platform that have achieved Emiratisation targets in the sub-categories - large-sized companies of 1,000 employees and more; medium-sized companies of 500-999 employees and small-sized companies of less than 499 employees - will be automatically eligible for the award. The fully automated process through the "performance management system" means firms won't need not submit documents or fill out applications for nomination.

Meanwhile, UAE nationals registered in 'Nafis' Apprentice Programme' in specialised roles - nursing, medical, financial, legal, retail, programming, supervisory/leadership, administrative, and trainees - will need to apply online with adequate "documents". They will be evaluated by a jury accredited by the Sheikh Khalifa Government Excellence Programme on three factors - performance and continuous learning, adaptation and positive citizenship, results and achievements.

Strategic partners also stand to be honoured, with details for their screening to be announced soon.

The results of the award will be announced during the first quarter of 2023.