About Nafis Award

In line with the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council's commitment to enhancing the Emirati talents and fostering a productive and sustainable Emirati human capital in the private sector to achieve active economic participation of Emiratis and support the nation's economy, the second cycle of the Nafis Award 2023-2024 has launched under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council.

Introducing Nafis Award

Start Date

19/09/2023

Submission due date

31/12/2023

Sectors

Job Categories

Why Apply

The Nafis Award offers many advantages and incentives, effectively fostering the engagement of private sector and banking sectors entities and Emirati talents within this prestigious platform. These enticing benefits encompass:

The privilege of being recognized in the esteemed presence of prominent UAE governmental leaders.

The award certificate and a trophy.

Extensive media and marketing coverage across different multimedia platforms.

Winning entities are granted the liberty to display the Nafis Award logo on official documents, correspondence, and media outlets.

The logos of winning entities will be prominently showcased on ETCC, MOHRE and CBUAE websites.

Timeline

Sep 2023
Launch
Official announcement of the award and receiving individual nomination applications through the online nomination platform.
Dec 2023
Awareness
Awareness workshops for private sector entities and individuals about the award framework and the mechanism of submission and evaluation.
Jan 2024
Assessment
Of all individuals applications and extracting the entities results of Entities' results from MOHRE and CBUAE systems.
Feb 2024
Jury Committee
Qualifying the best candidates.
Mar 2024
Approval
Submit the results to the senior leadership for approval and final recommendations.
April 2024
Annoucement
Announce the winners at Nafis Award ceremony, date and venue will be determined.

Award Categories

Entities Category

Honoring private, banking insurance, and financial companies that have shown a strong commitment to investing in Emirati talent through employment and training while serving as a catalyst towards realizing the UAE's vision for advancing it's national economy.

Individuals Category

Aiming at recognizing the outstanding Emirati talents working in the private and banking sectors domestically and internationally. The award includes 11 sub-categories, each tailored to different professional roles and specializations.

Entities Categories

Entities registered by Central Bank of the UAE

Entities registered by Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation

Individuals Categories

Leadership Jobs

Leadership positions play a pivotal role in guiding organizations and achieving their objectives. Distinguished leaders lead teams and individuals, fostering a positive work environment that encourages creativity and innovation. They are also adept at strategic planning and making critical decisions, which necessitates possessing a set of leadership skills that manifest at professional, personal, and societal levels. This category is open to all Emiratis holding leadership roles, whether domestically or internationally, and managing several teams concurrently. Eligible roles include but are not limited to the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, Sector Manager, Private School Manager, Bank Branch Manager, and similar positions.

Supervisory Jobs

These roles encompass the responsibility of overseeing individuals, activities, and operations within the entity. Their purpose is to coordinate and guide efforts to ensure the effective and efficient achievement of goals. This category is designed for all Emiratis employed in the private sector holding supervisory positions, whether domestically or internationally, and managing a team of at least three employees. Eligible positions include, but are not limited to Department Manager, Department Head, Supervisor, Bank Branch Supervisor, Team Leader, and similar positions.

Medical Jobs

Medical roles play a crucial role in safeguarding the health of community members and are a fundamental component of an efficient and enduring healthcare system. Hence, the UAE is committed to encouraging it's Emirati workforce to pursue careers in this sector, thereby meeting the labour market's demand for exceptional Emirati medical professionals across various specialties. This category aims to spotlight exceptional Emirati doctors practicing medicine within the private sector, whether domestically or internationally. These individuals hold valid licenses to practice medicine in positions including, but not limited to, Doctor, Dentist, Consultant, Specialist, Surgeon, and similar roles.

Healthcare Jobs

Specialists in healthcare roles offer crucial services that significantly contribute to healthcare, diagnosis, and treatment processes, making them essential pillars of the healthcare sector. This category is dedicated to all Emirati individuals practicing nursing professions and auxiliary medical positions within the private sector, whether domestically or internationally, and possessing valid practice licenses. Eligible roles encompass but are not limited to, Nurses, Therapists, Pharmacists, Radiology technicians, Laboratory Technician, Paramedic, and similar positions.

Banking Jobs

The banking sector holds a prominent and crucial position in the UAE's economy, serving as a vital component for economic growth and sustainable development. Emirati professionals working within this sector play a pivotal role in offering a diverse range of essential financial services to individuals and businesses. This, in turn, fosters investment and stimulates economic activity. Additionally, the banking sector offers valuable expertise and advantages for exceptional Emirati talent within this field. This category has been introduced to encompass all Emirati citizens employed in banking and financial institutions, both domestically and internationally, who specialize in vital functional roles. For example, but not limited to: Senior Trade Finance Officer, Transaction Monitoring Analyst, Phone Banking Representative, and similar positions.

Exchange and Finance Jobs

This category has been introduced in acknowledgment of the remarkable Emirati talent in the exchange and finance sector, an integral component of the UAE's financial and economic framework. Exchange operations play a pivotal role in maintaining financial stability and streamlining international trade and investments. This category is designed to encompass all Emiratis specializing in critical functional roles within exchange and finance entities. For instance, but not exclusively limited to roles such as Treasury Manager, Teller Officer, and similar positions.

Insurance Jobs

The insurance sector serves as a vital complement to the essential financial sectors in the UAE. It offers financial protection to both individuals and institutions, safeguarding assets, properties, and businesses. This not only enhances financial stability but also bolsters economic development initiatives and infrastructure projects. The award's objective is to spotlight exceptional Emirati professionals specializing in critical functional disciplines, working domestically or internationally. For example, but not limited to: Actuarial, General Accident Insurance Section Employee, Loss Adjuster and Damage Estimator, and similar positions.

Specialized Jobs

Specialized positions demand specific skills, knowledge, and qualifications essential for accomplishing particular organizational objectives. These roles necessitate academic certifications and professional qualifications to ensure employees perform their specialized tasks effectively. The award recognizes exceptional Emirati individuals in the private sector, both domestic and international, in various specialized roles such as: Pilot, Chef, Accountant, Auditor, Lawyer, Consultant, Project Manager, Technician, Programmer, Teacher, University Professor, Social Researcher and similar positions.

Engineering Jobs and Technical Jobs

Employees in engineering and technical roles excel through a unique blend of scientific knowledge, technical skills, and practical experience that are essential for hands-on work. Emiratis engaged in these roles hold a crucial role in driving progress in the UAE's priority sectors. This is achieved by acquiring technical skills and gaining international exposure, enabling personal and professional excellence. Recognizing exceptional professionals in engineering and technical roles serves as motivation to encourage talented and skilled Emiratis to build a generation of experts capable of delivering high-quality performance across various fields. This, in turn, enhances the capabilities of the private sector and contributes to the overall development of the UAE economy. This category includes roles such as Engineer, Technician, Programmer, Mechanical Technician, Inspector and similar positions.

Administrative Jobs

Administrative functions serve as the cornerstone of any department, acting as the primary liaison between different departments and individuals. They provide essential services that aid in organizational processes, coordinate day-to-day operations, and facilitate efficient communication among work teams. This category is dedicated to recognizing outstanding Emirati professionals working within the private sector, whether domestically or internationally. Such roles encompass positions like administrator, coordinator, officer, secretary, and similar positions.

Retail and Customer Service Jobs

Retail and customer service Jobs are one of the pillars of success and sustainability in the private sector, especially as they contribute significantly to improving the quality of life of individuals and meeting their daily needs. Among them comes the importance of the participation of Emirati talents in this vital sector through their involvement in multiple Jobs that include sales and retail professions and customer service in the private sector inside whether domestically or internationally. For example, but not limited to: customer service officer, Cahsier, Retail Sales employee, Sales Representative, and similar positions.

Stakeholders

FAQ
FAQs
It is an annual award under the supervision of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council and is integrated with the Nafis program, which was launched within the package of fifty initiatives in 2021 .
The award was established to raise awareness of the importance of excellent performance at both the institutional and individual levels, as honoring and recognizing achievements aim at enhancing the level of productivity and competitiveness in the market. The award seeks to discover the best practices in the field of Emiratization in the private sector to exchange knowledge and disseminate the best strategies at the level of individuals and institutions.
Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Minister of Presidential Affairs. and Chairman of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council .
All entities registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and the Central Bank of the UAE
All Emirati nationals working in the Private Sector, Banking, Insurance, Finance, Public Interest Associations and Private Educational Institutions locally and internationally.
The objectives of the award are integrated with the National Agenda of the UAE Centennial 2071, as it aims at encouraging private companies and Emirati talents to improve the Emiratization in the private sector in the UAE, upgrading the skills and competencies of Emirati talents and enhancing their competitiveness in the work environment. It also appreciates the distinguished people and recognize their efforts and achievements, which contributes to changing the concepts of young people and attract them to work in the private sector as a first choice after graduation.
The Award welcomes all Emiratis working in the private sector to participate through Nafis Award website, while the Entity category will be selected by the Award Organizing Committee based on the criteria and conditions listed in the Award Guide Book.
Companies do not need to submit self-nomination applications; a confirmed system will be used to evaluate all private companies and will select the top companies who successfully achieved Emiratisation targets during the year.
The award consists of two Categories: • Entities Category • Individuals Category
The winning companies will have the opportunity to promote their achievements in terms of Emiratisation, which will enhance their local, regional and global reputation as a result of their contribution to supporting the development and investment in the Emirati youth. In addition to many other benefits, incentives and government facilities.
The achievements of distinguished Emirati talents working in the private sector will be celebrated and honored at the high level of leadership, they will also have the change of being promoted in the media and the opportunity to receive many other benefits
The award’s first cycle will start in September 2023 and the results will be announced in April 2024.
Yes, Entities and Individuals can participate annually as long as they meet the conditions and criteria indicated in the Award Guide Book. Except the winner in the first place in both categories, they can participate after two consecutive cycles.
No, participation in the individual category is limited to UAE nationals holding a UAE passport and family book.
Participation is free for all categories.
Winners will be honored in the first quarter of 2024, further details will be announced.
Yes, attendance is limited only to invitees and must adhere to the safety procedures and official /national dress code.
Please send an email to Nafisaward@etcc.gov.ae
Individuals should first identify their current field of work and highlight their achievements in that field. Based on this information, a decision can be made regarding a suitable category. For example, if you are a Consultant Doctor working in a private hospital's leadership team, you may ask whether you should apply for Medical jobs category or Leadership category. The answer depends on the actual achievements and experiences you have. You can determine the appropriate category when you are confident about which of the two fields (Leadership or Medical) aligns better with your current skills and accomplishments.
Terms and Conditions
Terms and Conditions
Entities will be qualified and evaluated based on achieving the conditions and criteria for participation set out in the Award Guide, without the need to submit a nomination form.
The Award Organizing Committee only accepts electronic nomination requests for individuals through Nafis Award system. Applications outside of the scope of the system will not be considered.
The Award Organizing Committee reserves the right to add new categories and criteria to the award as it deems appropriate.
The Jury may suspend categories that do not meet the eligibility requirements as set forth in the Award's terms and conditions.
The award administration reserves the authority to reclassify candidates from one category to another as deemed appropriate based on their qualifications and alignment with the award's criteria, in close consultation with the candidates.
Any participant who is found to have violated the applicable regulations of the authorized bodies before, during, and after the assessment process until the results are announced will be excluded.
Post-announcement of the results, commendatory reports will be dispatched to the top five qualifiers in the individual category, with certificates of participation sent to the top ten qualifiers.
Participants are not permitted to be members of either committees/jury or assessment teams of Nafis Award.
Participants must disclose any conflicts of interest that arise from their participation or work immediately.
The best practices of the winning entities and individuals will be chosen, and the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council has the right to use them in marketing campaigns and inspiring success stories.
Winners of the first place in entities and individual categories may participate again only after two consecutive cycles.
Participants may submit nomination requests in either Arabic or English language.
Additional supporting evidence for individuals may be shared during the assessment process and interviews, as per the agreement with the assessors.
The candidate's job title must be consistent with the category for which they are submitting their application for.
The candidate's achievements, capabilities, and results must be documented and in accordance with the criteria of the award.
The Award Organizing Committee is committed to the confidentiality of the information contained in the nomination requests, evidence, and documents attached to the request. This information may not be used for any purpose other than the assessment process.
The intellectual property rights of the works and documents submitted by each participant are the responsibility of the participant. If any dispute arises with third parties, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, Nafis Award, and any entities involved will not be held liable in any way.

Nafis

Nafis is a federal program to increase the competitiveness of Emirati human resources and empower them to occupy Jobs in the private sector. Launched as part of 'Projects of the 50', the program aims to accelerate the UAE's development journey and boost the economy

Nafisaward@etcc.gov.ae