NAFIS Marks 4 Years: 134,000 Emiratis Join Private Sector Since Launch
The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council has celebrated the fourth anniversary of NAFIS, a flagship national programme launched in September 2021 under the “Projects of the 50” initiative. Over the past four years, the programme has made remarkable strides in reshaping the UAE’s labour market by empowering Emirati talent to actively contribute to the private sector. 152,000 Emiratis in the Private Sector Since its inception, NAFIS has driven significant growth in Emiratization. Today, more than 152,000 UAE nationals are working in private companies and establishments across the country. Of these, 134,000 citizens joined the workforce after the programme was launched, demonstrating its strong impact. Female participation has been especially noteworthy. Currently, 75,600 Emirati women are employed in the private sector, representing 70 per cent of the national workforce, compared to 32,400 Emirati men (30 per cent). This shift reflects both the inclusiveness of NAFIS and its alignment with national priorities to enhance gender balance in the workplace. Comprehensive Support and Incentives At the heart of NAFIS is a comprehensive suite of support measures designed to make private sector employment more appealing for citizens. Financial Support: The Salary Support Programme offers additional allowances based on education and salary levels, while the Child Allowance Programme provides assistance for Emirati families. The Temporary Support Programme and the Pension Contribution Programme (Ishtiraak) reduce the financial burden for both employees and employers by subsidising part of pension contributions. Training and Upskilling: Thousands of Emiratis have benefited from initiatives like the Kafa’at Programme, which has trained over 3,000 citizens, and the Healthcare Talent Development Programme, which prepared more than 3,000 participants, including 350 medical graduates. The Career Counselling Programme has delivered over 55,000 one-to-one sessions and hosted 175 workshops, supporting 600 companies. Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training: The Khibrat Programme provides fresh graduates with professional experience, while the On-the-Job Training Programme sharpens the skills of current employees, making them more competitive in today’s labour market. Leadership and International Exposure Beyond skills training, NAFIS also focuses on cultivating leadership. The NAFIS Leadership Programme, launched in collaboration with the UAE Government Leadership Programme, aims to prepare Emiratis to lead private sector growth. International opportunities are offered through the NAFIS International Programme, where citizens train with global companies and organisations for up to six months, gaining experience and building global networks. Similarly, the Musan’een Programme, launched with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, prepares Emiratis for advanced technology and industrial roles, strengthening the nation’s innovation ecosystem. NAFIS Digital Platform: A National Gateway The NAFIS digital platform has become a central hub for Emirati jobseekers and private sector employers. More than 80,000 job opportunities have been posted on the platform, which also provides access to training, career counselling, and detailed information on support programmes. To further raise awareness, NAFIS established the Youth Council and launched a nationwide campaign featuring over 600 published success stories, 400 workshops, and 65 MoUs with private companies for Emirati recruitment and training. Recognising Excellence: The NAFIS Award To celebrate achievements, the NAFIS Award was introduced in 2022. The first cycle recognised 24 entities and nine individuals, while the second cycle honoured 21 entities and 30 individuals. The award highlights best practices, inspires innovation, and motivates organisations and individuals to contribute actively to Emiratization. The upcoming third cycle will honour a new group of achievers, further reinforcing its role as a platform for excellence. A National Success Story NAFIS has become more than a programme—it is a national movement reshaping the relationship between Emiratis and the private sector. By investing in human capital, fostering partnerships, and aligning with the UAE’s long-term vision, NAFIS has cemented its role as a cornerstone of sustainable development. Ghanem Butti Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, described NAFIS as “a unique model of investing in human capital,” emphasising that the progress of the past four years is just the beginning. He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to building a future where Emirati talent remains a driving force of the national economy. Conclusion With four years of milestones, NAFIS has proven to be a transformative initiative, empowering citizens, strengthening Emiratization, and driving private sector growth. By combining financial incentives, training, leadership development, and international exposure, the programme ensures Emiratis are equipped to thrive in a dynamic economy. As NAFIS enters its next phase, its impact will continue to expand—supporting sustainable employment, advancing national competitiveness, and ensuring Emirati talent plays a central role in shaping the UAE’s prosperous future.