Dubai:H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Free Zones Council, chaired the 36th meeting of the Council, focusing on strategic initiatives to enhance practical training opportunities for Emirati students at companies within the free zones. The meeting also discussed the advancement of digital government services and increased cooperation among free zones in research, development, and innovation, with an aim to boost the emirate's business competitiveness.

According to Wam, the Council reviewed initiatives to align training programs with priority sectors and future-focused specializations, in collaboration with universities. This initiative is designed to provide Emirati university students with practical experience, access to companies' expertise, and enhance their professional readiness. It also enables companies to identify and recruit Emirati talent, thereby supporting Emiratisation objectives and the national economy's competitiveness.

The Council commended and approved the initiative, highlighting its significance in developing a future-ready workforce and strengthening the national economy. Additionally, the meeting explored opportunities to enhance cooperation among free zone authorities in research, development, and innovation, including support for research centers within Dubai free zones in partnership with strategic partners.

Preparations for Dubai Future Week, set for 18 to 21 November, were also reviewed. The event aims to draw approximately 10,000 participants through 75 events, gathering experts, innovators, investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders to discuss the future of key economic and vital sectors.

The Council additionally assessed progress on initiatives to advance the labour relations regulatory framework across Dubai's free zones. This includes the development of digital employment contracts and the activation of the residence permit renewal service for free zone employees. Efforts to ensure timely payment of workers' entitlements and examine the unemployment insurance system's implementation were also discussed.

Furthermore, updates on the development of shared government digital channels were reviewed, aiming to facilitate access to government services and improve service delivery efficiency. The Council discussed connecting free zone services with these digital channels to enhance the investor journey and support the objectives of digital transformation and the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).