Dubai theme parks bring 1,000 new tourism jobs for Emiratis

DUBAI // A major Emiratisation drive is set to create more than 1,000 new jobs for UAE nationals in the tourism sector.

Dubai Parks and Resorts will open up more than a third of its employment opportunities to Emiratis at a range of entry levels.

“Through the launch of this Emiratisation programme we aim to build a significant talent pool of Emirati professionals in theme-park operations,” said Raed Al Nuaimi, chief executive of Dubai Parks and Resorts.

“Building Emirati talent is part of our commitment to accomplishing the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to nurture and empower Emiratis in all business sectors.”

The programme is split into three divisions – Forsati, Sahim and Helmi – which offer a range of careers for young Emiratis.

Forsati, “my opportunity” in Arabic, is a six-month development programme for Emiratis of high-school education level or below.

Sahim, or “contribute”, offers direct recruitment to nationals of high-school education level and above and gives them a minimum of three years’ experience across all departments of Dubai Parks and Resorts.

Helmi, or “my dream”, is a scholarship programme for graduates.

The aim is to help all participants become well-trained professionals who can contribute to running the company’s three theme parks in Dubai, which are scheduled to open in October next year.

“We are setting a new milestone in Dubai’s leisure and entertainment industry through our groundbreaking theme parks,” Mr Al Nuaimi said.

“However, we believe that alongside our investment in building a robust leisure industry infrastructure, it is equally important to inspire a new generation of Emirati talent to drive its operations.

“This is key to the long-term sustainability of the theme-park industry in the UAE.”

The initiative is in line with Dubai Plan 2021 and UAE Vision 2021.

Dubai Parks and Resorts will feature the Hollywood-themed motiongate, Bollywood and Legoland theme parks, as well as a Legoland water park when its Jebel Ali site is completed.

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