Expansion and redefinition of human resource sector key to holistic growth of UAE

Representing more than 250,000 members in over 140 countries, the Society aims to serve the needs of human resources (HR) professionals in the UAE. The move comes in line with its objective to build and sustain business partnerships to address people management challenges, as well as provide a community environment to share expertise and create innovative solutions. Through its activities, SHRM additionally seeks to position itself as a thought leader on people management issues and ensure that policymakers are aware of people's key concerns to facilitate their decision making process.

G. Ravindran, Senior Vice-President for Global Growth, SHRM, said: "Organizations around the world are relying less on theoretical approaches to human resource management while preferring globally recognized certification and professional development programmes. Our philosophy 'Knowledge is not enough, application counts' is the foundation of our strong support to public and private learning and development programmes that enhance the capabilities and performance of citizens in every country.

"In this regard, we view effective nationalization programmes as one of the best ways to demonstrate the overall value and purpose of human resources. As the world's only dedicated HR free zone, Dubai Knowledge Village has provided us with the ideal platform to bring our services to the UAE. In time we hope to leverage this partnership across the region."

A global study commissioned by SHRM earlier this year titled 'What Senior HR Leaders Need to Know' compared and ranked HR competencies by region and found strategic-thinking consistently ranked first or second. SHRM and its certification partner HRCI offer up-to-date, comprehensive and rigorous combinations of practitioner-based strategic HR training and certifications globally.

Brad Boyson, Partner, SHRM MEA, said: "The decision to create a legal presence in the UAE stems from SHRM's mission to provide world-class services to HR practitioners worldwide. Over the past few years, the UAE has shown increased potential for global best practices. In fact, relative to the size of the population, no other market in the world has grown faster.

"The number of HR practitioners earning professional certifications has also seen a steady upward trend. SHRM strongly believes that Emiratization and strategic HR are closely linked and one of the thrust areas for SHRM MEA will be to increase the number of HRCI-certified nationals."

Dr. Ayoub Kazim, Managing Director, Dubai Knowledge Village, said: "The success of a nation is a direct reflection of the success of the industries that drive its economy. The UAE has, consequently placed a high priority on the development of its human capital in line with its strategic vision to create a knowledge-based economy. Global organisations such as SHRM play a pivotal role in steering the HR industry in the right direction through providing expert insight and guidance on best practices. I am certain that their presence in the region will greatly benefit the DKV community as well as the wider HR industry."

Since inception in 2003, Dubai Knowledge Village remains committed to consolidating Dubai's status as a global destination for human resource management and learning excellence. The free zone is a unique hub offering the right investment opportunities in human capital empowerment, skills development and enhancement.