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Harnessing Emirati talent in the private sector will contribute to economic success says expert

Abu Dhabi, UAE. 30^th May 2010: The Emiratisation Forum, successfully opened the first day of its two session at the Fairmont Abu Dhabi. More than 200 heads of leading organisations from across the country heard expert presentations and debated various approaches aimed at increasing and nurturing the hidden talent of Emiratis working in the private sector.

Entitled, 'Improving Retention by Harnessing Motivation', the forum is organised by Abu Dhabi University ( ADU ) and hosted by Aim Events, the conference and events division of ADU . It was attended by HE Ahmed Bin Shabib Al Dhaheri, First Vice President, Federal National Council and HE Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of ADU , at which HE Omar Bamadhaf, Chairman of Sundus Management Consultancy, an Abu Dhabi-based Recruitment and HR Consultancy, delivered the opening remarks.

HE Bamadhaf highlighted in his speech, "Leadership and communication is the key to retention within our companies. Strong management lies at the very core of what we are trying to achieve, only by utilizing and initiating clear and concise communication strategies between employer and employee will we retain and continue to motivate our national work force.'

He added 'The government is already making huge strides towards our collective goal by supporting companies and organisations, helping them to create and implement numerous opportunities for Emiratis, which benefit all those involved.'

Other expert advice on the subject came from Dr. Bob Nelson, master motivator and bestselling author. In his keynote speech, he said creating opportunities to learn, grow and develop in a job, with an employer is one of the most significant factors for hiring, developing and retaining employees today, especially for Emiratis.

Nelson echoed Bamadhaf's sentiments by stating that 'Communication is the key to successful retention. Research has shown that 99% of employees rate communication as their top priority. An honest and open working environment leads employees to feel valued, increasing motivation, confidence and loyalty towards the company.'

In his presentation on the creativity and innovative thinking within team building, Nelson shared proven tactics to nurture the hidden talents of employees so as to contribute to the success of an organisation.

"By providing clear and defined goals for each individual it creates a distinct sense of purpose, all performance starts with a sense of mission, ownership and belonging. This is why communication is so critically important, by allowing employees to contribute to the decision making process you automatically create a healthier working environment," Nelson added.

Abu Dhabi University Chairman HE Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri believes that Emiratis can make a significant contribution to the economic success of the country by being part of the private sector.

"Our goal is to see more nationals working in both the public and private sectors. The Emiratisation Forum serves as a perfect event to bring together local and private organisations, allowing them to discuss practical solutions and ideas. Ultimately resulting in an increased Emirati workforce and improved retention rates through the implementation of effective motivation principles."

Other contributors included Faisal Al Kamali, Aldar Properties' Head of Infrastructure and another leading motivator, who discussed international knowledge and practices that are adapted to suit the needs of the UAE. Hassan Al Hosani, Manpower Development Division Manager, Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company (ADMA) , shared how to put together retention frameworks for employees, while H. Amin Carter, Senior Retention Advisor, Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO), explained ways to build and maintain trust within the company's workforce.

Summit Career Management Services' Fadi Bin Haider Al Attas, Recruitment Manager and Chris Jolliffe, Assessment Manager, discussed the topic on discovering Emirati Talent.

The forum also included case studies on retention issues in companies coupled with practical workshops on how to conduct assessment and coaching, as well as mentoring strategies.

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) is the forum's Diamond Sponsor for the event and the Injazat Institute and Eithad Airways are the Gold sponsors. More information about the forum can be found on the event's website, www.emiratisation-forum.com/.

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© Press Release 2010