Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, recently welcomed a delegation from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi. The meeting was attended by several Emiratis working in the industrial sector, representatives from industrial companies, and partners of the ‚Industrialists Programme.‘ This initiative, which aims to create jobs in industry and advanced technology, is part of the Ministry’s broader efforts, including the ‚National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme‘ and the ‚Make it in the Emirates‘ initiative.
Dr Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber, the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, accompanied the delegation and provided insights into the Ministry’s efforts to prepare and empower Emiratis for roles in the industrial sector through the Industrialists Programme. This initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis), and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), aims to strengthen the industrial sector with skilled national talent.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed emphasized the importance of empowering the youth and preparing them for roles in the industrial sector, which he highlighted as a key pillar of the country’s economy. He encouraged the youth to seize opportunities in the industrial sector, noting its vital role in the nation’s progress and development. Sheikh Mohamed expressed his confidence in the youth’s ability to contribute to national development and fulfill their aspirations.
Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber provided an update on the Industrialists Programme, which has successfully created over 1,400 specialized jobs by mid-2023 and aims to reach 2,000 by the end of 2024. He highlighted the strategic objective of increasing employment opportunities for Emiratis in the private sector, supported by initiatives such as the National ICV Programme, the Make it in the Emirates initiative, and the Industrialists Programme. Al Jaber noted the significant increase in the number of Emiratis employed in the private industrial sector, attributing it to the leadership’s vision and support for Emiratisation initiatives.
The Industrialists Programme offers specialized training programs in vital manufacturing areas such as oil and gas, security and safety, food and beverages, as well as iron and paper industries. These programs aim to equip national talent with the necessary skills to secure sustainable and specialized roles in the industrial sector. The programme also facilitates the matching of employment needs of factories with the skills of Emiratis through exhibitions.
The meeting was attended by prominent figures including Sheikh Saif Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Suroor Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Nahyan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Sheikh Hamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, among others. The National ICV Programme of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology has witnessed significant milestones, redirecting over Dhs48 billion to the national economy during the first half of 2024. This highlights the importance of the enablers and incentives provided by the ministry to support economic growth.
In conclusion, Sheikh Mohamed’s meeting with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and Emiratis working in the industrial sector underscores the UAE’s commitment to empowering national talent and driving economic growth through initiatives like the Industrialists Programme and the National ICV Programme. The government’s support for Emiratisation initiatives and the development of specialized training programs demonstrate a proactive approach to preparing the youth for future roles in the industrial sector.
