Dubai, July 7, 2011: Al-Futtaim announced the launch of Intilaq, a Graduate Management Development Programme for UAE nationals that will accelerate high-achieving Emirati graduates into senior management positions.

Announcing this inaugural programme Omar Al-Futtaim, Vice-Chairman, Al-Futtaim Group said he was proud of the success that the Company had made in attracting Emiratis to jobs in the private sector.

"Education, and the learning and development processes thereafter are cornerstones to growth not only for oneself, but also for the family, business, community and finally the state," Mr. Al-Futtaim said. "In the past Al-Futtaim Group focused on attracting school leavers most of whom we give formal training before being moved into positions within our Retail or Automotive divisions. This still continues, particularly in the Automotive division.

"I am extremely happy that our Group's resource development is taking a serious approach to Emirati management development and indeed I'm certain the Intilaq Programme will be key in providing future high-potential leaders across our businesses," Mr. Al-Futtaim added.


Twenty Emirati graduates have been selected for the programme and will be rotated through Al-Futtaim's businesses for 19 months, during which time they will receive continuous on-the-job training supplemented by formal training in the Company's Training Centre. Each graduate is assigned a coach and mentor to support the development of 'soft' skills, business acumen and generally adjusting to working life in management. Other elements include corporate social responsibility, live business projects and personalised development programmes.

Alexander Campbell, Group Director-Human Resources, Al-Futtaim Group said he was proud of the success that the Company had made in attracting Emiratis to the private sector.

"Our focus is not only on the 19 month programme, but also on those high-potential graduate trainees who may, in the course of time, reach the most senior executive positions in the Company. Ambitious young Emiratis, who had historically preferred to work in the public sector, are increasingly realising that jobs in the private sector can often offer more challenge, and greater opportunities for development," Mr. Campbell said.

"Dubai's economy has always been based on trade and so the Emirati youth have a great foundation for adapting the commercial acumen of their trader ancestors to the modern environment. Companies like Al-Futtaim have been the engine of economic growth for the region. By offering careers and development opportunities equivalent to those offered by established multi-national corporations, we are collectively stepping towards supporting the country's youth in their future role - to push forward the economic growth that was part of the legacy of previous generations."

Al-Futtaim Group is structured into seven operational divisions; Automotive, Engineering, Electronics & Technology, Retail, Financial Services, General Services, Education, Real Estate and Construction, Leisure and Joint Ventures.

Today, Al-Futtaim operates through more than 65 companies in sectors as diverse as commerce, industry and services, touching people across the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Pakistan, Singapore, Malaysia and Europe. The success of Al-Futtaim is attributed to proactively managing change while upholding the values of integrity, service and social responsibility. The Group has the pedigree, people and products to grow significantly across the region and increase its relevance to its local customers and society across multiple industries.

-Ends-

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, United Arab Emirates, Al-Futtaim is structured into seven operational divisions; Automotive, Engineering, Electronics & Technology, Retail, Financial Services, General Services, Education, Real Estate and Construction, Leisure and Joint Ventures. Today, Al-Futtaim operates through more than 65 companies in sectors as diverse as commerce, industry and services, touching people across the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Pakistan, Singapore, Malaysia and Europe. The success of Al-Futtaim is attributed to proactively managing change while upholding the values of integrity, service and social responsibility.

For any further media enquiries please contact:
David D'Souza
Director- Public Relations
GMASCO - An Al-Futtaim group company
Tel:  +971 4 228 2101
Fax: +971 4 227 9801
Email: David.Dsouza@gmasco.com

© Press Release 2011