Expectations to achieve 170% of “Nafes” goals soon

The Secretary-General of the Emirates Competitiveness Council, Ghanam Al Mazrouei, confirmed that the “NAFES” program continues to achieve results that exceed expectations, noting that current indicators confirm that the program is on its way to exceed 170% of its targets soon, which reflects the strength of government initiatives and the response of the government and private sectors to the requirements of job empowerment for national competencies..

He said in a statement to the Emirates News Agency, on the sidelines of the annual Nafs Forum in its second session, that the number of citizens working in the private and banking sector increased from 29 thousand citizens to more than 157 thousand citizens within four years, with a record growth exceeding 437%, which represents a fundamental shift in the presence of Emirati cadres within the private sector..

He added that one of the strategic indicators that exceeded expectations was the increase in the attractiveness of the private sector for graduates from 15% to 58%, which reflects a clear shift in the attitudes of Emirati youth towards the private sector as a first career path..

Al Mazrouei explained that the “Nafis” program has so far achieved 92% of its goals, which are results that were supposed to be achieved in 2026, noting that the accelerated progress reflects the leadership’s confidence and great support for this vital file, which represents a pillar in enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy..

He pointed out that the year 2026 will witness a deeper shift towards specific and specialized jobs in the private sector, with a focus on the path of career development and the sustainability of the presence of citizens in advanced leadership and professional positions, stressing that the next stage will witness the strengthening of retention practices in companies and the development of work environments in a way that ensures the continuity and stability of national competencies..

Al Mazrouei said that an essential part of the Council’s work at the current stage focuses on changing societal perceptions towards working in the private sector by targeting age groups in the early educational stages..

He pointed out the start of implementing experimental awareness programs in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades within schools, which showed great cooperation from students and parents, and their results began to be reflected in building a positive outlook among families about their children’s professional future in the private sector..

The forum witnessed the holding of workshops with the Nafis Youth Council to communicate directly with citizens working in the private sector, identify existing challenges and propose practical solutions to them, stressing that a number of initiatives presented by young people are currently being studied so that useful ones can be implemented in the near future..

Al Mazrouei explained that holding the Nafis Forum in its second session represents an important link with partners from government agencies and the private and semi-governmental sectors, to review achievements and direct work to the next stage..

He pointed out the launch of the fourth session of the “Nafes Award” for the year 2025-2026, which aims to honor distinguished models of national institutions and competencies, and to promote the adoption of pioneering practices in developing and retaining Emirati cadres in the private sector, which will reflect on the growth of the economy and enhance human capital in the country..