Nafis Programmes aims to foster a well-rounded and sustainable professional growth path for UAE citizens within the private sector

Several educational institutions, universities, and organisations are conducting scholarships and upskilling programmes to benefit Emirati students as part of the Nafis Programmes, with the goal of fostering a well-rounded and sustainable professional growth path for UAE residents in the private sector. Previously, the UAE government launched several programmes to enhance Emirati talent in the labour market and their contribution to the overall economy.

The government has spent around Dh24 billion to upskill young Emirati talent and encourage private sector employment of UAE citizens, with over 79,000 now employed in this industry. Below are a few education-related programmes that have helped pupils and are still in operation.

Nafis inked five Memorandums of Understanding with academic institutions to improve Emirati integration in the healthcare industry:

Last year, the Nafis inked five Memorandums of Understanding with academic institutions to improve Emirati integration in the healthcare industry. According to the MoUs, Nafis will collaborate closely with the five academic institutions: Higher Colleges of Technology, University of Sharjah, University of Ajman, Gulf Medical University, and Ras Al Khaimah Medical & Health Sciences University, to provide paid scholarships, as well as the necessary trainings, laboratories, and workshops to help students develop their skills and equip them with the qualifications they need to thrive in the health sector.

The 'National Healthcare Programme' academic programmes include the Graduate Healthcare Assistance Programme, the Diploma/Higher Diploma in Emergency Medicine, and the bachelor's degree in nursing, in addition to several other practical and specialised healthcare and healthcare assistant programmes that will be implemented in the future to increase Emirati participation in this vital sector.

GEMS Education had established a year-long on-the-job Nafis Arabic and Islamic novice teacher induction training:

GEMS Education previously established a year-long on-the-job Nafis Arabic and Islamic novice teacher induction training. It was created to help new Emirati graduates get positions in Arabic language and Islamic education departments across their school network. The course, which will run through December 2023, will provide systematic and thorough assistance for teacher trainees in order to provide them with curriculum awareness and skills that will allow them to excel in their future employment.

It is a tailored curriculum that focuses on substantial assistance and mentorship for trainees, who will participate in a variety of professional development activities, many of which will be tailored to their specific requirements.

Gulf Medical University has launched a new scholarship:

The Gulf Medical University has launched a new scholarship as part of the Nafis initiative that would cover up to 100% of college tuition, registration, and other expenses for all qualified Emirati students beginning with September 2023 enrollment. Since its inception, these scholarships have enrolled 121 students, aiming to empower Emirati students and increase the competitiveness of the UAE's human resources in the healthcare area.

The Nafis project, which is part of the UAE's 'Projects of the 50' initiative, aims to forge strong cooperation between the public and private sectors, advancing the nation's development path and promoting economic progress. Gulf Medical University's scholarships cover 100% of tuition for eight medical specialisations, including a Bachelor of Nursing Sciences, a Bachelor of Pharmacy, a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, a Bachelor of Science in Anaesthesia Technology, a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences, a Bachelor of Medical Diagnostic Imaging Sciences, a Bachelor of Dental Surgery, and a pharmacist assistant programme.

Applicants must have finished secondary school and an IELTS score of 4.5 or equivalent on the GMU English language test to be eligible for these scholarships.

Dubai-based engineering firm, Kent, launched its 2023 UAE Graduate Development Programme:

Kent, a Dubai-based engineering firm specialising in oil and gas and low-carbon energy, has launched its 2023 UAE Graduate Development Programme, which focuses on developing Emirati talent in support of the UAE's ambition for economic competitiveness and prosperity. Kent's three-year graduate programme now has 23 Emirati nationals and advocates for a flexible and personalised strategy that focuses on each candidate's growth.

Kent's recruiting team seeks graduates from official government organisations, such as the UAE government's training programme, which is run in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Nafis. The graduates are then immersed in several business departments, such as operations, human resources, and finance, to provide them with a well-rounded understanding of Kent as an organisation.