President Sheikh Mohamed on Tuesday said that strengthening the industrial sector with skilled Emirati talent is a priority for the UAE.
Speaking at a meeting at Qasr Al Bahr, Sheikh Mohamed noted that the industrial sector is a key pillar of the country’s economy.
During the meeting, the President was briefed on the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology's efforts to increase Emiratisation efforts under the Industrialists Programme launched last year.
“We believe in the role of our youth in building the future of our country, and we are committed to empowering and preparing them for this responsibility," Sheikh Mohamed said. "They are the driving force behind our nation’s progress and development."
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, attended the meeting along with representatives from the industrial sector and partners of the programme.
By the middle of last year, more than 1,400 specialised jobs had been created under the Industrialists Programme, and Dr Al Jaber reaffirmed the goal of reaching 2,000 by the end of this year.
The number of Emiratis employed in the private industrial sector tripled last year compared to 2021, with over half a million jobs still open for citizens, he added.
“Our main objective is to equip national talent with the skills they need through a range of specialised training programmes, enabling them to secure sustainable and specialised roles in the industrial sector," Dr Al Jaber said.
"We also offer factories the chance to match their employment needs with the skills of Emiratis through the Industrialists Programme."
The Industrialists Programme is being carried out by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis) and Adnoc.
It aims to empower talent, develop skills and provide job opportunities for UAE citizens as part of the National In-Country Value (ICV) programme, and has so far led to the launch of specialised training programmes in vital areas, including the oil and gas, security, food and beverage, iron and paper industries.
Sheikh Mohamed encouraged young Emiratis to "leverage opportunities in the industrial sector, as it is a vital and promising field for the future".
He urged youth to engage in all areas of national development, adding: “You have proven that our trust in you is well-placed. I wish you success in serving your country and community and in fulfilling your aspirations.”
In 2021, the UAE launched Operation 300bn, an overarching strategy to position the country as an industrial centre by 2031. The 10-year plan has the goal of increasing the industrial sector's contribution to the Emirates' gross domestic product to Dh300 billion ($81.68 billion) by 2031, from Dh133 billion in 2021.