Early response for Emiratisation Forum 'Beyond Expectations'

In just the past two weeks, pre-registrations for the event have shot up by over 50% with more expected before the conference begins.

Held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, the UAE's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the inaugural conference - whose theme is Advancing and retaining UAE Nationals in the Workplace - is being run by Abu Dhabi University in conjunction with Aim Events with the sponsorship of Focus Direct, management consultants who specialise in the placement of Emiratis.

Jennifer Randive, the Managing Director of Focus Direct explains that Emiratisation should not be regarded as a concept simply of fulfilling quotas.

"We need to know what their objectives are and what motivates them," she says. "This Emiratisation Forum will be successful only if it can help in assisting UAE nationals achieve their personal work goals."

"An Emirati workforce should be able to add value, get involved in the work environment and merge with the work culture and the relationship between company and candidates should be considered as a long term relationship. The Candidates should have a passion to learn whilst the Companies should give them the opportunity to grow and develop. And this is why a young Emirati will have better results for his future career if he works in a multi-cultural private company rather than working for the government," she added.

Randive added that the main focus of her organisation was to add value. "We try to ensure that we are able to bridge the talent gap of a client organisation, providing a career for our candidate and not simply a job. Our drive and passion is to ensure that we assist in creating a workforce of UAE nationals who will be the future talent of the UAE and who will contribute to the vision of their leaders," she concluded.

The Forum will cover such subjects as developing the calibre of employees, improving retention rates, maintaining a motivated workforce and managing quotas. It will have a conference format with practical workshops and follow-up networking meetings that will be held throughout the year.