Majid Al Futtaim Group unveils elite 'national' management group

The move clearly signals the future direction of the Group with a new tier of Emirati executives appointed to its flagship enterprises.

The changes, which mark a new stage in the rollout of the Majid Al Futtaim emiratisation programme, have resulted in two 'national' Vice Presidents being appointed. Younis Al Mulla takes on the key role of VP Business Development, while Ali Al Abdulla has been assigned an overseas posting as VP Asset Management in Egypt.

In addition, six national General Managers have been appointed including Fareed Abdelrahman at Deira City Centre, Fuad Najjar at Ski Dubai, Fuad Sharaf at Mall of the Emirates, Jassem Al Janahi at Ajman City Centre and Yousif Othman at Sharjah City Centre.

Mohammed Malek, Vice President - Human Resources said:

"These moves reflect the success of the Group's long term strategic planning. We have a clear direction and vision, inspired by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The Group is one of the largest and most successful in the UAE and the regional sector which means it also has a responsibility to be a good corporate citizen contributing to our community here and host societies throughout the region."

"Majid Al Futtaim Group is a very successful and strong business, and a model for development in the Arab World. We have to lead and encourage and we have to ensure that our national staff are given the opportunities they deserve."

He also added "Our leadership programme is delivering. It is a matter for pride within the group that it has been such a success and that it has allowed our nationals to achieve very senior positions. It should also be a source of satisfaction for our community as a whole that our people are able to use their talents and receive recognition."

"We have clear expectations for our national staff. We have clearly defined objectives that will offer the Group an elite crop of talent. We have been keen drivers of this programme because we are committed to encouraging young talented nationals to take on more challenging roles," pointed out Malek

Majid Al Futtaim's Emiratisation Programme is overseen by the Group's Emiratisaton Committee to ensure that UAE nationals are given the required support to help them achieve career development and satisfaction in the private sector. The clearly defined plan puts emphasis on finding quality national talent, providing effective training programmes and a clear career development and progression plan.

The new leaders have been groomed for their positions through intensive on-the-job training, e-learning and external coaching. Most of the nationals began at trainee level and have worked long and hard to get to their positions today. Under the guidance and support of Mr. Majid Al Futtaim, the group's aim is to increase the number of nationals in the workforce by recruiting qualified and talented Nationals and ensuring we are fulfilling the government quota.

Today Mall of the Emirates has 22% national staff, Deira City Centre has 31% nationals, Sharjah City Centre has 55%, and Ajman City Centre has over 71% nationals working at various levels; from trainees to senior management.

"We view Emiratisation as a very important aspect of our human resource planning. We look for every opportunity to enhance this programme resulting in the recruitment, training and retention of a qualified pool of local talent that would contribute towards the progress of the company and its success," concluded Mohammed Malek.