Abu dhabi: His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, presided over the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council’s (ETCC) meeting held at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. During the meeting, the Council approved its strategic indicators and new strategic plan extending to 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Mansour acknowledged the Council’s achievements and initiatives designed to empower Emirati talent for private sector roles. He emphasized that the Nafis programme reflects the UAE leadership’s vision to equip citizens for future challenges and that investing in national talent is crucial for enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness.
H.H. Sheikh Mansour reiterated that national talent remains central to the UAE’s priorities, supported by targeted programmes that align with labor market needs and partnerships that support a knowledge-based economy. The Council’s new strategy aims to foster an innovative work environment.
The Council reviewed the Nafis programme’s accomplishments, noting that 154,000 Emiratis are now employed in the private sector, with over 136,000 joining since Nafis’ inception. The number of companies employing Emiratis has increased to nearly 30,000.
Following the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Mansour honored the winners of the Nafis Award’s third cycle (2024-2025) at a ceremony in Qasr Al Watan. He praised the awardees and partners, highlighting the award’s role in promoting Emirati workforce participation and excellence in the private sector.
The Nafis Award recognizes exceptional individuals and institutions excelling in Emiratisation, inspiring further Emirati involvement in national development. H.H. Sheikh Mansour stressed that honoring these achievements underscores the UAE’s commitment to excellence and innovation, vital for sustainable development and a competitive economy.
He acknowledged the significant role of institutions and companies in supporting Emiratisation through conducive work environments that enable Emirati professionals to enhance their skills.
The ceremony recognized 33 Emiratis for their achievements across various roles, including leadership, medical, banking, technical, and customer service. Additionally, 54 establishments were recognized for supporting Emiratisation across sectors such as business services, manufacturing, real estate, health, education, and finance.
The event was attended by ministers, board members of the ETCC, judging committee members, and strategic partners of the Nafis programme.