Nafis Award 2024-2025: Aiming for Excellence in Emirati Talent

The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council has launched the third cycle of the Nafis Award for 2024-2025 to promote Emirati talent in private and financial sectors. Open for nominations until December 31, 2024, the award aims to recognize contributions across various professional fields, enhancing Emiratisation efforts in the UAE.

Abu Dhabi [UAE], September 30 (ANI/WAM): Under the auspices of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) has unveiled the third cycle of the Nafis Award for 2024-2025, themed 'Compete and Excel.' The initiative seeks to boost the development of Emirati talent in private and financial sectors while advancing Emiratisation efforts nationwide.

The award is open for nominations from September 30 to December 31, 2024, inviting Emiratis in private and financial sectors, including non-profits, free zones, and the banking and insurance industries, to participate. Categories cover diverse professional roles like leadership, healthcare, engineering, and retail, with a focus on future-oriented roles linked to AI, robotics, and renewable energy.

This cycle introduces a new subcategory for emerging jobs, preparing young Emiratis for future fields. Consolidation within financial and banking sector subcategories aims to streamline participation. Awards will also recognize entities registered under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and the Central Bank of the UAE. Performance evaluations will utilize government systems like the Nafis platform, negating the need for separate applications by entities achieving exceptional Emiratisation results.

Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, emphasized the Nafis Award's role in celebrating Emirati talent and private sector contributions to economic progress. He noted that over 114,000 Emiratis now work in the private sector, with a target 10% employment growth by 2026. Khalid Mohammed Balama, Governor of the UAE Central Bank, highlighted initiatives like Nafis in enhancing the financial sector's Emiratisation efforts, aiming to train and employ 9,375 Emiratis by 2027 and increase leadership roles to 45% by 2026.

The Nafis Award not only honors individual and institutional excellence but also aims to transform the perception of private sector employment. By recognizing outstanding contributions, it encourages more young Emiratis to pursue careers in private, financial, and banking sectors, fostering national progress and sustainable economic growth. The awards ceremony will take place in the second quarter of 2025, celebrating the achievements of Emirati talents and top-performing entities. (ANI/WAM)

(With inputs from agencies.)