The UAE private sector is gearing up to face a new challenge: grooming a new generation of UAE nationals to take on positions of responsibility within the organizational ranks. The government has also launched a multi-tiered campaign to boost the employment of UAE nationals within the private sector. They are encouraging home-grown young talent to leverage their skills and dynamism to enrich the national economy.

Major oil, energy, finance, insurance, and retail companies are drawing up short and long-term HR strategies. This will help them to attract local talent and ensure their gainful employment. The idea is not just to recruit UAE nationals but also to ensure that they are effectively trained. We also have to make sure that their career ambitions match the organization’s goals. At the heart of the UAE government’s Emiratization efforts is a new chapter outlining a nationally recognized code of conduct and values for Emiratis as approved by the Cabinet. They will use it in educational and cultural contexts to raise "a national generation who are aware of their responsibilities and duties toward the nation, family and community,” according to the state news agency Wam. The educational system in the region is also being reformed with a renewed focus on innovation and entrepreneurial spirit expected to draw more UAE nationals into the workforce. At present, there are about 330,000 nationals within the UAE's job market, but that figure is projected to rise dramatically. The UAE private sector spins more than 5 million jobs and can play a crucial role in helping UAE nationals carve out top-notch careers for themselves. Currently, Emiratis make up only 0.5 per cent of employees in the private sector, a study has revealed. With higher salaries, greater social security and terminal benefits, the public sector represents a far more lucrative option.

The UAE government has dedicated 2013 as the year to boost Emiratization in the private sector.

Plans are afoot to amend labor laws so that compensation packages for UAE nationals in the private sector match their counterparts engaged in the public sector. By 2020, we expect more than 450,000 nationals to be part of the labor force. By 2050, we expect the figure to touch 600,000. This is according to a recent report examining the talent supply of the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Yet unemployment among Emiratis in the UAE has ranged from 13 per cent to 20 per cent annually, according to data from the National Human Resource Development & Employment Authority as well as the National Bureau of Statistics. Female nationals face a higher unemployment rate than their male counterparts. This is surprising when more than 2,000 to 3,000 women graduate from UAE University, compared with less than 500 men. The private sector will do well to offer employment incentives to this largely educated and talented female workforce. Handy Hints Renewed focus in 2013 on Emiratization in the private sector. Multi-layered campaign launched to encourage UAE nationals to enrich public life and the national economy. Excellent opportunities await educated UAE women to enter the workforce.