Dubai Airports and Enova Partner to Drive Emiratisation Efforts

2023-04-17

A multi-year initiative aims at increasing Emirati employment opportunities in key industry roles

In support of the UAE Government’s NAFIS Programme and its empowerment of Emiratis in the private sector, Dubai Airports is signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Enova, a joint venture between Majid Al Futtaim and Veolia, to boost Emiratisation in Enova’s provision of Facilities Management Services.

The agreement aligns with the UAE Cabinet’s goal of increasing Emiratisation by two per cent annually and underwrites Dubai Airport’s commitment to meeting – and exceeding – national Emiratisation targets from 2023 to 2026, and beyond through its strategic private sector partnerships.

The agreement was recently signed by Meshari Al Bannai, Executive Vice President of Human Resources Development, Dubai Airports and Renaud Capris, Chief Executive Officer, Enova, in the presence of several senior leaders – including Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer, and Omar Binadai, EVP Infrastructure of Dubai Airports, respectively, as well as Khalifa Bin Braik Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Asset Management Business and Fatima Alloghani, Emiratisation Director, Majid Al Futtaim.

The partnership will see Enova’s proposed Emiratisation Plan – which aims to increase Emiratisation by 15 per cent by 2025 onwards – activated over the course of the contract. Enova’s dedication to targeting 15 per cent Emiratisation during the next three years underpins Majid Al Futtaim’s initiative and the UAE Government’s NAFIS Programme and is actively contributing to the nation’s economic growth and development journey.

To meet the targets outlined in the MoU, Dubai Airports and Enova will allocate positions to graduate trainees, fresh graduates, and experienced professionals alike, with technical, administrative, and supervisory roles serving as key areas of professional development. The recruitment plan will roll out in phases, ensuring that UAE nationals receive high-quality, on-the-job training necessary to equip them for the demands of the industry.

Meshari Al Bannai, Executive Vice President of Human Resources Development at Dubai Airports, said: “Dubai Airports remains committed to supporting the UAE Government’s initiatives, including its NAFIS Programme and larger goal of driving local economic development. Our partnership with Enova is another demonstration of our dedication to growth, and we’re positive that the phased approach will be successful in fulfilling our Emiratisation targets. The UAE prides itself on a talented national workforce, and we’re thrilled to play a role in championing Emiratis across the aviation sector.”

Khalifa Bin Braik, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Asset Management Business, commented: “Majid Al Futtaim is fully committed to supporting the UAE Government's NAFIS program in line with the growth, development, and well-being of the communities we serve. As such, doubling our Emiratisation efforts and exceeding our target last year puts us on track of welcoming 3,000 Emiratis into our workforce by 2026. Being an Emirati-owned organisation, we believe in the crucial contribution and nurturing of local talent.”

Renaud Capris, Chief Executive Officer at Enova, added: “We are proud to be partnering with Dubai Airports in expanding our commitment towards the UAE’s NAFIS program, particularly in an industry that is shaping the future by prioritising digital transformation and sustainability. Enova and Dubai Airports share a focus on protecting the environment, and with our dedication to integrating energy-efficient solutions within facilities management, we are ideally placed to develop the talented and ambitious national skills required to ensure the UAE remains a global leader in sustainable growth.”

Developing its strategy for employing local talent is a priority for Enova – one that precedes the organisation’s competitive edge and long-term success. In 2022, Enova hired 30 UAE nationals in on-site operations and support services within its Dubai headquarters. The company has also seen an impactful increase in its internal Emirati workforce and remains dedicated to advancing Emirati human capital throughout the UAE.

Dubai Airports’ partnership with Enova will serve as a cornerstone to support and upskill the ambitious national workforce and will continue to drive the UAE’s larger goals of accelerating national development and boosting the local economy.