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 the industry and advanced technology sectors, is part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to boost the country’s industrial capabilities.
Dr Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber, the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, accompanied the delegation and provided insights into the Ministry’s ongoing 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), focuses on equipping national talent with the necessary skills to thrive in the industry.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed emphasized the importance of strengthening the industrial sector with skilled national talent, highlighting its significance as a key pillar of the country’s economy. He expressed his belief in the capabilities of the youth in driving the nation’s progress and development, encouraging them to explore opportunities in the industrial sector. Sheikh Mohamed’s words of encouragement resonated with the attendees, inspiring them to actively engage in national development initiatives.
Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber provided an update on the progress of the Industrialists Programme, revealing that it had successfully created over 1,400 specialized jobs by mid-2023 and aims to reach 2,000 by the end of 2024. The strategic objective of increasing employment opportunities for Emiratis in the private sector is supported by initiatives such as the National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme and the Make it in the Emirates initiative. The Ministry’s efforts have tripled the number of Emiratis employed in the private industrial sector, showcasing the positive impact of these 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. Additionally, the programme facilitates the matching of employment needs of factories with the skills of Emiratis through exhibitions and networking opportunities.
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 presence of these influential individuals underscores the importance of the Ministry’s efforts in promoting industrial growth and Emiratisation.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology’s initiatives, such as the Industrialists Programme and the National ICV Programme, play a crucial role in empowering Emiratis and driving economic growth in the industrial sector. With the support of the leadership and strategic partnerships, these initiatives are paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for the UAE.