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UAE Nationals sign on with Al-Futtaim for specialist retail training programme

Dubai, April 14, 2010: Al-Futtaim last week welcomed a new batch of graduate emiratis in the group's four-month retail traineeship programme following which the UAE nationals will join various retail businesses as trained employees of Al-Futtaim 's retail division.

This is the second phase of the 6-month programme which began with a two-month training in the English language. The retail traineeship programme is designed by the Al-Futtaim Training and Development Centre and is part of the group's Emiratisation Department's ongoing efforts to significantly increase the recruitment and integration of emiratis to work with the group which partners some of the world's best brands.

Among those present during the induction were Dr Mohamed Alzyoudi, Director of HR, Government of Fujairah and Essa Al Mulla, Executive Director - Knowledge & Human Development Authorities Dubai. Also present was Alexander Campbell, Group Director - Human Resources, Al-Futtaim and Zuhair Al Haj, Senior General Manager, Group Administration and Emiratisation.

Zuhair Al Haj said: "The UAE nationals have shown extremely good promise and have indicated their willingness to be part of the retailing division of Al-Futtaim . The specially designed training programme will give the young emiratis first hand feedback on the Al-Futtaim group, its work culture and the overall working experience while also equipping them to make their mark in the professional world."

Dr. Mohamed Alzyoudi said: "I wish to thank Al-Futtaim for this initiative and I hope several more private companies come forward in training and preparing young nationals to be part of the country's professional work force." He also advised the students to be ambassadors of goodwill and dilligence and to spare no efforts in growing and developing themselves in Al Futtaim."

Essa Al Mulla said: "I am happy for the UAE nationals and encourage them to use this opportunity to be committed to Al-Futtaim 's benchmarking programme." He also hoped they continue to learn, work and grow in the Group not just for the six months but for even a period of six years.

Al-Futtaim 's emiratisation department currently organises and participates in various activities and events such as Summer School, Recruitment Open Days, Work Placement and Career Counseling at various colleges in the UAE.

Al-Futtaim operates across various sectors including automotive, retail, electronics, engineering and technologies, finance, real estate and service. It currently employs in excess of 20,000 people across the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Syria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Europe.

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About Al-Futtaim
Established in the 1930s, Al-Futtaim initially operated as a trading company. Rapid development throughout the 1940s and 1950s saw the company establish itself regionally as an integrated commercial, industrial and services organisation, positioning itself as one of the leading businesses in the lower Gulf region.

Headquartered in Dubai, Al-Futtaim is structured into seven operational divisions; Automotive, Engineering, Electronics & Technology, Retail, Financial Services, General Services, Real Estate and Joint Ventures. Today, Al-Futtaim operates through more than 65 companies in sectors as diverse as commerce, industry and services, and employs in excess of 20,000 people across the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Pakistan, Singapore and Europe.

The majority of businesses, built on a portfolio of world leading brands, dominate their sector. The success of Al-Futtaim is attributed to proactively managing change whilst upholding the values of integrity, service and social responsibility.

For More Information Please Contact:
Linda Ghanem/ Maysoon Mughrabi
GMASCO Marketing Communications
An Al-Futtaim group company
Tel: +971 4 228 2101
Email: Linda.Ghanem@gmasco.com OR Maysoon.Mughrabi@gmasco.com
Web: www.al-futtaim.com

© Press Release 2010