LEADERSHIP | DEVELOPMENT
There is a need to invest in future skills to develop the next generation of Emirati leaders who can drive the UAE ’ s transformation into a green , digital and knowledge-based economy
Khaled Bin Braik Consulting Partner , PwC Middle East As impressive as the numbers are , it remains that locals still only account for 4 % of private-sector employees despite making up 11.5 % of the country ’ s population .
“ While there is a high concentration of Emiratis in the public sector , the nationalisation rate is disproportionately low across economic sectors compared to the overall UAE population ,” says Khaled Bin Braik , PwC ’ s first homegrown UAE Consulting Partner at PwC Middle East .
Khaled , who spearheads PwC ’ s award-winning Emiratisation Programme Watani , tells Business Chief that the onus is now on private-sector leaders to take up the challenge .
“ This means transitioning from playing a supporting role to a leading one in driving nationalisation ,” he urges .
The fact that more than 440 private companies were recently hit with fines for failing to meet targets of 3 % national representation by July 7 gives an indication of just how far business needs to travel .
It ’ s not only about hitting Emiratisation targets but maintaining them – and that means investing in national talent to ensure retention , satisfaction and progression .
“ There is a need to invest in future skills to prepare young Emiratis for the future of work and develop the next generation of leaders who can drive the UAE ’ s transformation into a green , digital and knowledge-based economy ,” Khaled tells Business Chief .
Recent groundbreaking research from PwC Middle
East shows that while interest in private-sector employment among younger Emiratis is growing , many nationals choose to return to the public sector – with two-thirds of those currently working in private companies considering such a move .
Among the reasons , 20 % cite dissatisfaction with the compensation and benefits packages compared to publicsector peers , while 62 % of graduates perceive it more of a challenge to secure employment in the private sector .
Khaled insists that understanding and responding to the preconceptions and preferences of Emirati employees is “ crucial if employers are to break down traditional barriers and secure the strongest appointments long-term ”.
76 November 2023