Emirati professionals honoured at the 2023-2024 Nafis Awards are calling on their compatriots to pursue careers in the private sector, saying the experience accelerates professional growth far more than many expect. The ceremony, held at Qasr al Bahr in July 2024, saw President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan personally present awards to outstanding nationals excelling in private industry.
Dana Al Ansari: Banking Sector Top Winner
Dana Al Ansari, a product manager at Commercial Bank International, took home the top Nafis Award in the banking sector. She admitted that moving into the private sector had initially seemed daunting, but said the experience of working in a diverse, competitive environment was invaluable.
"It was a surreal moment to receive the award from one of the world's most influential leaders," Al Ansari said. "It motivates you to strive even harder in future challenges."
Al Ansari encouraged Emirati graduates to explore all available options in the private sector and to use Nafis platforms actively to connect with employers and showcase their skills.
Dr Adil Sajwani: Healthcare Award Winner
Dr Adil Sajwani, a family medicine consultant at Mediclinic Parkview Hospital in Dubai, was recognised for his contributions to private healthcare services. He stressed that succeeding in private medicine demands more than clinical competence alone.
"You need to learn, be a good listener, and show flexibility at the workplace," Dr Sajwani said. "In the private sector, you have to go further than what is simply demanded of you."
His advice to Emirati job seekers: stay persistent, stay focused, and use the Nafis programme as a launchpad to prove your value.
Nafis Programme: UAE's Emiratisation Engine
The Nafis initiative was launched in 2021 by the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) with a clear target — Emiratis should fill 10 per cent of skilled private sector positions by the end of December 2026. The programme offers financial incentives, training support, and career matching to help nationals enter and advance in private industry.
A major milestone was reached in 2024 when Emirati employment in the private sector exceeded 100,000 for the first time, underscoring the initiative's momentum.
Sheikh Mohamed used the awards ceremony to reaffirm the leadership's commitment to empowering Emirati talent across all economic sectors, calling private sector participation a cornerstone of the UAE's long-term economic vision.
Why Private Sector Employment Matters for the UAE
With over 114,000 Emiratis now employed in private companies, the Nafis programme is reshaping the national workforce. The UAE Cabinet has mandated a 2 per cent annual increase in Emiratisation rates for skilled roles in private firms with 50 or more employees — a steady ramp toward the 10 per cent goal by 2026.
For the Nafis Award winners, the message to fellow Emiratis is consistent: the private sector offers faster career growth, broader experience, and the chance to be part of building the UAE economy from within.
