Date of Defense
27-2-2025 9:00 AM
Location
H1-1116
Document Type
Thesis Defense
Degree Name
Master of Governance and Public Policy
College
CHSS
Department
Government and Society
First Advisor
Prof. Abdulfattah Yaghi
Keywords
Nafis, Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, Emiratization, Private Sector.
Abstract
Emiratization in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands at the forefront of government priorities, with policymakers placing significant emphasis on it as a fundamental pillar for providing citizens with a dignified life and enhancing their participation across various economic sectors. Emiratis are considered integral contributors to driving their country's economic development. Recognizing this importance, the UAE government has focused its efforts since the country's establishment on enacting public policies that enable Emiratis to integrate into both the public and private labour markets. However, these policies have faced several challenges, most notably citizens' preference for public sector employment due to factors such as higher wage levels and prevailing societal perceptions that view the private sector negatively, contributing to elevated unemployment rates among Emiratis.
Given the success of Emiratization policies in the public sector and their limited effectiveness in the private sector —and considering that the private sector is the primary driver of the national economy—the government has directed its efforts toward encouraging the employment of Emiratis in this sector by launching numerous policies and initiatives, the latest of which is the "Nafis" program. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a scientific analysis of the "Nafis" program as a public policy by adopting the incremental model to public policy analysis, as it is the result of a series of accumulated Emiratization policies carefully refined to address previous obstacles. This approach was applied by analysing relevant federal laws, decrees, cabinet decisions, and ministerial resolutions. The study was further supported by a qualitative research method through semi-structured interviews with private sector employers holding managerial and supervisory positions in human resources and Emiratization. The program's strategic objectives were used as a reference framework to explore their experiences and identify the challenges and opportunities associated with the program from their perspective, ultimately providing a comprehensive view of the program.
The study concluded with several important findings, highlighting the program's strengths, such as its success in enhancing the attractiveness of the private sector and increasing the number of Emiratis within it, as well as setting clear Emiratization targets, effective monitoring and follow-up mechanisms, and enforced strict penalties to deter attempts to circumvent the law. Conversely, the study revealed several challenges, most notably the absence of policies ensuring job continuity for Emiratis in the private sector, overlapping and duplication of roles among government entities overseeing the Emiratization, and standardizing Emiratization targets across all economic sectors without considering their needs for specialized and qualified personnel.
Considering these findings, the study presented recommendations to improve the program's effectiveness and Emiratization policies, focusing on the importance of enhancing Emiratization governance through establishing a Ministry of Emiratization that integrates roles and responsibilities among relevant government entities, and launching a second cycle of the "Nafis” program under this new ministry.
Included in
Arts and Humanities Commons, Other Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration Commons, Public Policy Commons
NAFIS PROGRAM IN ITS THIRD YEAR: A PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS
H1-1116
Emiratization in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands at the forefront of government priorities, with policymakers placing significant emphasis on it as a fundamental pillar for providing citizens with a dignified life and enhancing their participation across various economic sectors. Emiratis are considered integral contributors to driving their country's economic development. Recognizing this importance, the UAE government has focused its efforts since the country's establishment on enacting public policies that enable Emiratis to integrate into both the public and private labour markets. However, these policies have faced several challenges, most notably citizens' preference for public sector employment due to factors such as higher wage levels and prevailing societal perceptions that view the private sector negatively, contributing to elevated unemployment rates among Emiratis.
Given the success of Emiratization policies in the public sector and their limited effectiveness in the private sector —and considering that the private sector is the primary driver of the national economy—the government has directed its efforts toward encouraging the employment of Emiratis in this sector by launching numerous policies and initiatives, the latest of which is the "Nafis" program. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a scientific analysis of the "Nafis" program as a public policy by adopting the incremental model to public policy analysis, as it is the result of a series of accumulated Emiratization policies carefully refined to address previous obstacles. This approach was applied by analysing relevant federal laws, decrees, cabinet decisions, and ministerial resolutions. The study was further supported by a qualitative research method through semi-structured interviews with private sector employers holding managerial and supervisory positions in human resources and Emiratization. The program's strategic objectives were used as a reference framework to explore their experiences and identify the challenges and opportunities associated with the program from their perspective, ultimately providing a comprehensive view of the program.
The study concluded with several important findings, highlighting the program's strengths, such as its success in enhancing the attractiveness of the private sector and increasing the number of Emiratis within it, as well as setting clear Emiratization targets, effective monitoring and follow-up mechanisms, and enforced strict penalties to deter attempts to circumvent the law. Conversely, the study revealed several challenges, most notably the absence of policies ensuring job continuity for Emiratis in the private sector, overlapping and duplication of roles among government entities overseeing the Emiratization, and standardizing Emiratization targets across all economic sectors without considering their needs for specialized and qualified personnel.
Considering these findings, the study presented recommendations to improve the program's effectiveness and Emiratization policies, focusing on the importance of enhancing Emiratization governance through establishing a Ministry of Emiratization that integrates roles and responsibilities among relevant government entities, and launching a second cycle of the "Nafis” program under this new ministry.
