Abu Dhabi— Aldar has partnered with the Abu Dhabi Global Market Academy (ADGMA) to develop a range of talent development programs for Emirati graduates amid the company’s ambitious drive to create 1,000 job opportunities for UAE nationals by 2026.
Since the introduction of the NAFIS program in September 2021, Aldar has hired more than 260 Emiratis across the group.
The collaboration aims to enhance both entities’ contribution towards the UAE’s knowledge-based economy and foster the next generation of business leaders in the private sector.
Commenting on the collaboration, Bayan Al Hosani, Executive Director of People, Culture and Performance at Aldar, said, “Together, we can provide our talent with the necessary tools and access to excel in the workplace and play an active role in the development and prosperity of our nation.”
In August this year, the company said that it has recirculated AED8.8 billion ($2.39 billion) to the local economy through In-Country Value (ICV) program, a UAE government program headed by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.
The ICV aims to boost economic performance and support local industries by redirecting higher portions of public spending into the national economy.
Training modules on interpersonal skills, working in teams, workplace culture, career development and management, and the importance of networking are among the areas covered by ADGMA’s program. Once the training is completed, participants will have the opportunity to receive on-the-job training within the Aldar Group.
Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, COO of ADGM and Managing Director of ADGM Academy, said, “This collaboration with Aldar is another step to ensure our Emirati nationals have the necessary skill sets to meet future market demands”
UAE nationals now represent 40.8% of Aldar’s workforce and 62% of those are under 35 years of age. Emiratis represent half of Aldar’s executive management team and hold CEO positions at Aldar Group, Aldar Investment, and Aldar Projects.
Some 35.6% of department head roles are occupied by UAE nationals, including the Strategy and Transformation, Sustainability, Marketing and Communications, Procurement, IT, Commercial, Portfolio Management, Investment, Retail, Design & Master Planning, Finance, and People, Culture and Performance departments.