Changing business culture will empower Emiratisation, say experts

Experts from the Dubai Human Resources Forum have identified that crucial role that human resource managers and directors can play in encouraging the hiring, training and development of UAE nationals in the public and private sectors.

Recognising the importance of this role, one of the long-term objectives of the UAE's Emiratisation strategy is the full Emiratisation of the human resources sector.

To support this goal, the British University in Dubai has launched a high quality Masters programme in Human Resource Management.

The programme has been designed in partnership with the Manchester Business School at the University of Manchester and with the Dubai Human Resources Forum and a number of senior HR managers from across the region.

Dr. Abdullah Alshamsi, University Vice-Chancellor, of The British University in Dubai, said: "The British University in Dubai is committed to providing research-based educational resources that support the wider social and economic goals of the UAE, and the human resources sector is an area where we can make a demonstrable difference."

"We designed the course using international insights from one of Europe's leading business schools, as well as a strong body of regional research from the Dubai Human Resources Forum and other Middle East-based experts. This is the right blend of global expertise and regional understanding to ensure the course is fully effective," he added.

The UAE economy is increasingly reliant on high quality HR managers who can help to drive forward organisational performance and support sustainable economic growth.

Retention of talent, motivation of employees and increasing the pool of skills and knowledge are all becoming challenges across a diverse range of industries, and a high quality HR department can help resolve some of these issues.

As a result, careers in human resources are becoming increasingly desirable, as companies seek to ensure that their recruitment, retention and development strategies are on track by employing qualified HR practitioners. A Masters degree is seen as one way to enable people to build a strong career in this sector.

Professor Ashly H. Pinnington, Aberdeen Business School, The Robert Gordon University has been designated Head of the HRM programme at BUiD, and will develop his well-respected work in the field of human resources at the University.

Professor Pinnington recently participated in an EU-funded study of leadership development and is keen to apply some of the insights gain to the local economy.

"The UAE is one of the most interesting and rapidly-developing economies in the world, so the role of human resources in enabling this development is a fascinating area to study. I am confident that the Masters programme will attract high calibre graduate students and in particular that it will appeal to those looking to make a real difference within their companies," said Professor Pinnington.

The MSc Human Resource Management degrees will be awarded by The British University in Dubai according to standards set by the University of Manchester and accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The programme will admit its first students in October 2007.