The Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network Taskforce on Emiratisation recently organised a webinar titled Engaging, Developing and Retaining Emirati Graduate Trainees in the Private Sector, which examined different strategies, tools, processes and best practices for recruiting and retaining Emirati talent in the private sector.
During the webinar, representatives from member companies on the task force shared their experiences in this area and identified specific learning and development-oriented opportunities they designed around the needs of Emirati graduate trainees entering the workforce.
Mona Fekri, Chief Human Capital Officer, Ducab stressed the importance of adopting and implementing a comprehensive programme in place comprising internships, training, and succession planning, and noted that such platforms help companies identify top talent, while helping other trainees develop their skills and build experience.
She advised businesses to be fully transparent when recruiting for new roles, set clear expectations and familiarise new joiners with the organisational culture.
Nisha Verma, Chief Human Capital Officer at Apparel Group spoke about how Emiratisation programmes should be incorporates into existing diversity and inclusion efforts within the company, adding that such programmes should be aligned with organisations’ larger business goals and national strategies.
Verma noted that it’s equally important to identify the different interest areas of young Emirati talent, such as design, marketing, and digital campaigns in order to successfully attract and engage new talent.
Dr. Belaid Rettab, Senior Director, Economic Research and Sustainable Business Development Sector, Dubai Chamber, noted that the webinar falls in line with the Chamber’s strategic efforts to support the UAE’s Emiratisation drive and provide Emirati talent with opportunities to contribute to the national economy.
He encouraged businesses to develop new strategies and programmes to attract new Emirati graduates, adding that companies have a responsibility to prepare local talent by helping them build important skills required for a changing workforce.
Established by the Chamber’s Centre for Responsible Business (CRB), the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network serves as the focal point for the business community to share and exchange best practices in implementing CSR and sharing sustainable best practices.
The Centre’s objective is to engage the Dubai business community in assuming greater responsibility for the emirate’s social and environmental needs. The Centre encourages Dubai Chamber members to implement responsible business practices that contribute to enhancing the performance of their organizations and their competitive capabilities.
