Three quarters of businesses don't have plans in place to retain and manage talent

Additionally, companies need to finds ways to support ongoing efforts to encourage the inclusion of more nationals in the private sector, and be prepared to adapt to the changing regulations relating to the sponsorship system for foreign labourers.

However, according to research from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the UK's leading body on people management, many companies don't have a strategy in place to help deal with these issues.

A CIPD survey of executives and senior managers in over 1,500 organisations revealed that 74% of companies did not have a developed plan in place to manage talent. To help analyse how this apparent shortfall can be improved, the CIPD will facilitate a dedicated workshop at BUiD, bringing together leading employers, BUiD faculty members and representatives of the Dubai Human Resources Forum.

Dr. Abdullah M. Alshamsi, Vice-Chancellor, The British University in Dubai, said:

"A major part of BUiD's mission is to provide research-based insight into key economic issues for the region. The challenge of managing talent is critically-important across all major industries, so this forum will provide a vital opportunity to analyse the current trends and potential solutions."

Linda Holbeche, Director of Policy & Research, CIPD, who will lead the workshop, is one of the most senior representatives of the CIPD to visit the United Arab Emirates. The CIPD has a strong track record in supporting cutting-edge research in people management and development issues, and currently has over 40 members in Dubai alone.

Professor Ashly Pinnington, Dean - Faculty of Business, BUiD, said: "Working with a well-respected organisation like the CIPD helps us to align international studies with local research, offering us the chance to better understand what constitutes best practice for UAE organisations. This workshop will help encourage further adoption of talent management strategies across large UAE companies."

In addition to its work with the CIPD, BUiD continues to support original research in issues relating to human resources and performance management in the UAE and wider region. The University offers an MSc in Human Resource Management, designed in partnership with the Manchester Business School (MBS) at the University of Manchester - one of Europe's leading business schools.

Students taking the MSc are conducting a range of original research into the challenges of driving organisational performance to support sustainable economic growth. Faculty members and students have delivered a range of lectures and workshops for professional organisations including the IIR, Marcus Evans and IQPC.