DED strengthens nationalisation drive with Dubai Human Development Award seminars

More than 50 representatives of private sector enterprises, interested in applying for the award, attended the seminars.

Now in the fifth year, the DHDA is a strategic initiative by the DED to promote the cause of national human resources development. Most seminar attendees expressed a keen interest to participate in the award.

The seminars, held at the DED's premises, facilitate applicants in preparing the submission document according to the criteria laid down by the advisory board and based on the recommendations of the companies that participated last year in the award. The seminars included presentations by Mr. Saad Ebrahim Abbas, Coordinator General of the DHDA at DED; and Mr. Martin Jalili, a Dubai-based human resources expert.

"The DED focuses on initiatives and programmes that enhance the sustained and systematic development of UAE nationals within the private sector," said Mr. Abbas. "The Dubai Human Development Award is an acknowledgement of the efforts being made by the private sector to ensure that young and educated nationals have a chance to develop and build their career paths effectively," added Mr. Abbas.

The DHDA spreads the culture of human resources development in Dubai. The award recognizes and rewards those private sector and semi-public sector companies that help to develop the abilities of UAE nationals through intensive training and guidance.

"We have revised the criteria for the DHDA with a view to developing and enhancing the capabilities of national human resources in addition to providing adequate employment opportunities for them. Participating companies must provide training and development plans to emphasise the role of nationals in the future of the UAE," added Mr. Abbas.

The DED has set October 1 as the last date for receiving the submission document for the DHDA. All submissions will be confidential and made available only to certified assessors.

"The objective of the DHDA is not only to guarantee greater numbers of national recruitment in the private sector but also to create the right environment within organizations for nationals to develop their skills and move ahead in their career. The award model evaluates the submission according to the commitment, process and results of the initiatives taken by the company toward developing national human resources," said Mr. Abbas.