Sharjah Museums Department focuses on Emiratisation and development of human resources

Sharjah's family of museums include art, archaeology, maritime, calligraphy, Islamic civilization, natural history, science and heritage among others.

In the past two years, SMD focused on hiring UAE nationals, as part of SMD's commitment to contribute to the UAE national human resources building process and nurturing a talented workforce of Nationals, who contribute to the growth and modernization of the Emirate.

Manal Ataya, Director General, Sharjah Museums Department said, "SMD is focused on recruiting UAE nationals and developing their abilities and thus contribute to the nation's growth. As an organisation committed to strengthening the culture and heritage of Sharjah, it is also important that we have a strong workforce of UAE nationals, who understand the region's cultural ethos."

She added, "This is in line with the vision of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to train UAE nationals in jobs relating to the region's culture and heritage. Sharjah Museum Department, therefore, continues to recruit and train fresh graduates, thus offering them an opportunity to contribute to building the country's culture. Human resources play a vital role in developing the performance of organizations. Qualified people with high skills and a passion for the job will contribute to enhancing the overall efficiency of the organisation."

To provide all staff with high quality services and also develop their performance, the Human Resource Department at SMD was restructured in 2008, and divided into four main divisions with clearly defined responsibilities: recruitment, training, employee affairs and employee services division.

Most of SMD staff has been on high-quality training either through the directorate of Human Resource Development or through external training centres. A few members of SMD staff attended training sessions, conferences and workshops abroad. SMD also had 13 students from different colleges and universities to be trained within SMD departments and museums over a period of time.

"The development of human resources demands a clear strategic plan to fulfil future work needs. Hence, it is necessary to educate and train graduates in the different fields and raise the efficiency of staff by adopting modern systems. SMD provided training courses on advanced design courses, management development, planning and organization, report writing, negotiation skills, English language courses and many more. We seek to enhance the culture of excellence and adopt best practices in the workplace," added Ataya.

SMD recruited UAE nationals by participating in Sharjah Career Fair in 2008, UAE Careers Fair at the Dubai World Trade Centre, and recruitment at the American University of Sharjah and Zayed University.

The organisation also held an open day in coordination with the directorate of Human Resource Development for recruitment of new staff for the new Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, which later helped in increasing the Emirati percentage within the departments and the 16 museums.

The Sharjah Museums Department, established in 2006 by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, aims to promote the emirate's rich legacy of arts, heritage and culture.