The “Nafes” program, launched in September 2021, has become a pivotal factor in the localization efforts within the UAE. In a relatively short period, it has drastically changed the landscape of citizen participation in the private sector through its varied initiatives.
This program has opened numerous opportunities for citizens to engage in unconventional professional fields that were not previously considered, representing a significant shift in guiding national talent towards the private sector as a promising and stable career path.
Localization Policy
This transformation is evident in the notable increase in the number of citizens employed in the private sector. According to the latest statistics from the Labor Observatory of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, there are currently 152,271 citizens working in the private sector, with 133,622 having joined the workforce since the program’s inception. This highlights the effectiveness of both the localization policy and the “Nafes” program in attracting national talent and directing it towards competitive work environments.
Increasing the number of citizens in the private sector is a result of a well-thought-out strategy that focuses on strengthening partnerships between the government and private entities, reaching unprecedented collaborative levels.
The “Nafes” initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, has played a crucial role in this achievement by offering a range of incentives to companies that adhere to localization quotas. This has encouraged over 29,092 companies—almost 95% of the targeted firms—to create genuine job opportunities for citizens.
This success crowns the initiatives and programs of “Nafes,” which have been introduced from the very beginning in partnership with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, addressing the needs of the private labor market while also considering its diversity.
These initiatives included a range of national talents at various levels, emphasized skill development, provided incentives, and improved the appeal of the private sector to citizens, while also working to shift traditional societal notions regarding jobs in this vital sector.
“Nafes” encompasses a wide array of diverse programs, including financial support and vocational training initiatives designed to cater to the various needs of citizens at different stages of their careers. In terms of financial assistance, “Nafes” offers a comprehensive package, including a salary support program that alleviates the financial burden on companies and encourages them to hire citizens.
Additionally, the “Subscription” program covers citizens’ contributions to pension funds, as well as the “Children of Private Sector Employees” program, which provides extra support to families, and a temporary assistance program that allows job seekers or those recently transitioning from temporary positions to benefit from financial aid until they stabilize their employment situation.
Skill Development
To enhance the capabilities and efficiency of national talent, “Nafes” has launched several specialized training programs, notably the “Competency” program, which focuses on developing technical and managerial skills among citizens.
The “Experience” program offers opportunities to gain practical experience in real work environments, along with the “Career Guidance” program, which assists job seekers in identifying the most suitable career path for them and directing them towards appropriate opportunities based on their skills and aspirations.
Among the noteworthy initiatives of “Nafes” is the “Developing Health Sector Talent” program, which has garnered significant interest from citizens, particularly with the introduction of the “Citizen Student Employment Contract,” initiated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization.
This contract allows students to combine their studies with practical training in private health facilities while receiving financial support and a monthly salary of at least AED 4,000, along with retirement and insurance benefits, enhancing their future employment prospects and professional stability post-graduation. The program aims to target 10,000 citizens over five years.
Empowering Talent
In the cultural sector, “Nafes,” in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, launched the “Creators” program to qualify and employ national talents in the cultural and creative industries.
Each year, this program aims to provide at least 500 training and job opportunities for citizens in this promising sector, thereby contributing to the creative economy and empowering Emirati talent to enhance the country’s cultural identity.
Additionally, the “Nafes Leadership Program” was initiated in collaboration with the UAE Government Leaders Program to develop leadership skills among national employees in the private sector and prepare them for strategic leadership roles that enhance efficiency and performance within organizations.
To bolster the global competitiveness of national talents, “Nafes” introduced the “Nafes International” program, which offers overseas vocational training opportunities for citizens in collaboration with renowned global companies and international organizations, featuring training periods of 3 to 6 months. This program enables participants to discover different cultures and work approaches, gaining global experiences that enhance their prospects in both local and international job markets.
The scope of “Nafes” programs has also extended to key sectors such as education, industry, and media. The “Teachers” program was launched in collaboration with the Ministries of Education and Human Resources and Emiratization to prepare and qualify national personnel for employment in private schools.
This initiative includes specialized training programs and accredited professional licensing, aiming to employ over 4,000 citizens by 2027. In the industrial sector, the “Manufacturers” program was introduced alongside the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology to qualify national talents for technical and specialized roles within the industry, through advanced training programs that align national skills with the needs of factories and technology companies.
“Nafes” also launched the “Media Professionals” program in collaboration with the UAE Media Council, aiming to develop the skills of national talents in both digital and traditional media fields, and to prepare a new generation of Emirati media professionals capable of keeping pace with the rapidly evolving media landscape.
Furthermore, recognizing the importance of early training and connecting education with the job market, “Nafes” has implemented vocational training programs designed to support Emirati students at various educational levels by providing practical internship opportunities within private sector companies, enabling them to gain hands-on experience and adapt to the work environment before graduation.
Unified Channel
To facilitate access to these programs and services, the “Nafes” electronic platform has been launched, serving as a unified channel connecting job seekers with employers. The platform provides all necessary information and procedures for citizens to register, build professional profiles, explore available opportunities, enroll in training programs, and learn about the financial and professional benefits offered by the program.
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Thousands of citizens have joined the private sector since the launch of the “Nafes” program.
Comprehensive support packages have contributed to the presence of citizens in specialized roles.