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Career initiative for Emirati graduates

DUBAI - Young Emiratis looking to make a mark in their careers will set their eyes on Emiratisation initiatives and training programmes announced by public and private sector companies. Giving a boost to young Emirati talent, Dubai Airport has joined a list of companies looking to recruit nationals and train them.

Announcing the Masar initiative, Dubai Airport will offer eight Emirati graduates with a year-long development programme as part of its commitment to attract and develop UAE national aviation professionals.

In its first year, Masar will recruit graduates on a merit basis as they will then be trained to acquire skills and hands-on experience in fields as varied as airside operations, engineering services, terminal operations, group strategy, human resources and finance.

Graduates from the Higher Colleges of Technology, Emirates Aviation College, American University of Dubai, The British University in Dubai and University of Dubai will be invited to be a part of the career development programme as qualifying national graduates from other universities will also be allowed to apply.

The graduates will then work through a development schedule that will be industry-relevant and involve specialised training, external workshops and on-the-job training. Participants will be assessed quarterly and provided with timely feedback. At the end of the programme, candidates may be selected for continued employment with Dubai Airports based on performance.

UAE nationals are playing an increasingly influential role in the success of Dubai Airports. According to 2011 staff statistics, 37 per cent of all employees in supervisory and management grades are UAE nationals while 24 per cent of the total employee base comprises Emiratis. Further, some 60 per cent of executive-level managers are Emirati.

His Highness Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports lauded the initiative as he said, “I endorse the approach we are taking by focusing on the development of UAE nationals at the management level to ensure a strong pipeline of talent is available to become our leaders of the future. I am equally pleased with the progress to date.”

“Dubai Airports’ HR team has two clear goals: to be the employer of choice in the GCC and to deliver competent people thriving in a great workplace,” said Meshari Al Bannai, Vice President, Human Resources for Dubai Airports. “Masar advances us on both fronts.”

Dubai Airports has already achieved considerable success in this regard, last year being named 2011 Employer of the Year in the third Annual GCC HR Excellence Awards.

Samya Ketait, Vice President of Learning and Development at Dubai Airports, said Masar provides aspiring Emirati students with a unique opportunity to join a dynamic and fast-growing industry.

“Our business is growing rapidly and there is a great opportunity for talented and promising Emiratis to build a rewarding career,” said Ketait. “Ultimately, the success of any graduate development programme depends on the selection process. We will be looking for the right values, qualifications and aptitudes to ensure candidates meet the job criteria and will feel at home in an exciting and fast-paced environment.”

Candidates can apply for the programme by registering with Dubai Airports on the company’s website www.dubaiairports.ae. Applications will be accepted until March 19.

muaz@khaleejtimes.com