Projects of the 50: UAE aims to create 75,000 private sector jobs for Emiratis

The UAE unveiled the second set of initiatives and programmes as part of its ‘Projects of the 50’ strategy on Sunday.

The 13 new programmes, announced at the Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, are primarily aimed at boosting the participation of Emiratis in the private sector.

“Consistent with our ambitions to empower our people and enhance the strength and sustainability of our economy, the UAE is launching a dedicated plan to boost the employment of UAE nationals in the private sector, which will play a vital role in our nation’s long-term development,” Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said on Twitter.

Officials announced the formation of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, chaired by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which aims to create 75,000 private sector jobs for Emiratis. A total of Dhs24bn has been allocated to support the plan.

The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, chaired by HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aims to create 75,000 private sector jobs for Emiratis with incentives for them to join the private sector and gain the backing they need to thrive and prosper. pic.twitter.com/sltCdrj2mf

— UAEGOV (@uaegov) September 12, 2021

Several incentives have also been unveiled to encourage UAE nationals to join the private sector.

The Emirati salary support scheme will contribute to the recruitment and training costs of Emirati graduates in the private sector. The scheme will incentivise young Emirati graduates to join private sector companies by offering a monthly salary top-up of up to Dhs8,000 for university graduates, Dhs6,500 for diploma holders and Dhs4,000 for high school graduates in the first year of job training.

It will also support their salaries for up to five years after employment, offering a maximum of Dhs5,000 more per month for university students.

The Emirati Salary Support Scheme contributes to the recruitment and training costs of Emirati graduates in the private sector. pic.twitter.com/iPTymaEkbp

— UAEGOV (@uaegov) September 12, 2021

A new merit programme will incentivise Emiratis in specialised fields, including nurses, accountants and financial auditors, lawyers, financial analysts and coders, who will receive a monthly salary top-up of Dhs5,000 across the board.

A government child allowance payment will also be paid to Emirati staff working in the private sector of up to Dhs800 per child ( maximum of Dhs3,200 per month) to help with the costs of childcare up to the age of 21.

Meanwhile, a new unemployment benefit has also been announced, which will be paid to Emiratis working in the private sector who lose their jobs due to “circumstances beyond their control”.

A new unemployment benefit will be paid to Emiratis working in the private sector who lose their jobs due to circumstances beyond their control. pic.twitter.com/Lr06cuT8Tx

— UAEGOV (@uaegov) September 12, 2021

A pension programme will provide a range of subsidies, bringing the first-year cost of Emirati pensions down to zero for employers and will help pay for costs over five years.

The Pension Program provides a range of subsidies that brings the first-year cost of Emirati pensions down to zero for employers and helps pay for costs over five years. pic.twitter.com/meY7Q4pypt

— UAEGOV (@uaegov) September 12, 2021

An early retirement scheme will also offer Emiratis in federal government positions who wish to start their business their complete end-of-service benefits. Alternatively, they can opt to receive a five-years lump sum amount or a golden handshake payment.

Beginning in 2022, a subsidised career break will be available for Emiratis in the federal government to start a business extending between 6-12 months with a monthly grant of 50 per cent of their salary. They will also have the opportunity to return to their original position.

Also unveiled is a new talent programme, which will see Dhs1.25bn invested in developing specialised vocational skills among Emiratis across the areas of property management, accounting, business management and technology skills.

The apprentice programme is a train-to-hire initiative to build vocational training for Emiratis. It’s designed to get young people the skills they need to thrive at work.

Officials also announced the healthcare development programme, an educational grant to develop 10,000 Emirati healthcare workers within the coming five years.

Meanwhile an Dhs1bn Graduate Fund will give university students and fresh graduates a start in exploring new business startups.

An AED 1 billion Graduate Fund will give university students and fresh graduates a start in exploring new business startups. pic.twitter.com/q43vFgqTIj

— UAEGOV (@uaegov) September 12, 2021

The government has also set targets for the private sector, starting with 2 per cent of Emiratis in skilled roles rising in scale to a 10 per cent Emirati contribution over the coming five years.

Last week, the first set of 13 new initiatives were announced by the government covering visa reforms for expatriates and economic developmental measures.

Read: UAE announces new initiatives, including visa changes and new data law