Inaugural Emiratisation Forum 2009 to expedite development of national framework for Emiratisation

The Forum's inaugural edition started yesterday (Monday, April 27, 2009) and ends today (Tuesday, April 28, 2009) at the Beach Rotana Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

Held under the theme "Advancing and Retaining UAE Nationals in the Workplace," the two-day gathering focuses on three key issues, namely, "Developing Employee Calibre," "Improving Retention," and "Managing Quotas." Practical strategies as well as case studies from prominent UAE companies are being highlighted throughout the event. Ms. Noura Al Muheiri, Delivery Manager, was invited to deliver a presentation on "The Effective Implementation of UAE National Development Programs." Injazat, one of the forum's key sponsors, is also unveiling its own unique development program for UAE Nationals for 2009 and beyond and searching for potential candidates to its pool of skilled Emirati professionals.

"Emiratis play key roles in national growth, especially as we are steadily moving towards global economic recovery. The UAE needs to be strategically positioned when the world eventually resumes its high levels of productivity. This forum provides an excellent platform for discussions on how to improve the participation of Nationals in business and economic activities. It is also an opportunity for Injazat to share its own successful experiences and methods in encouraging and developing the capabilities of Emiratis,"

said Dr. Yousif Asfour, Director of The Injazat Institute, Injazat's professional development initiative.

Injazat's Nationalization program for 2009 includes five key goals: to become an employer of choice for UAE Nationals; to develop staff to achieve globally recognized certification; to ensure that its workforce of UAE Nationals attain effective individual development plans (IDPs); improve employee satisfaction and increase the organizational contributions of UAE Nationals; and achieve an industry benchmark for operational excellence by UAE Nationals. The company currently employs 125 Emiratis in management, technical and professional roles, and provided 15,524 man-hours of training for UAE Nationals in 2008.

H.E. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Dr. Lynda Gratton, Professor of Management Practice at the London Business School, joins 15 other high-profile speakers in exploring Emiratisation methods and best practices during the forum. The Emiratisation Focus Group, a network of Emiratisation professionals collaborating on the creation and development of Emiratisation guidelines, will also be present. The Group will hold its first formal meeting on June 16, 2009 at the Abu Dhabi University campus.

Injazat Data Systems is a joint venture between Mubadala Development Co. and EDS, an HP company with 46 years of global expertise in the IT managed services industry. Injazat accounts for more than 50% of the UAE's IT sourcing market and is set to take a leading position in regional data centre services through its Tier IV design-certified data centre, the first facility of its kind outside of North America. The Injazat Institute (Ti2), an Injazat division focusing on Business Performance and Professional Development Services, provides UAE National development paths that fully complement organisational structures and career paths.