The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council announced the graduation of 37 Emiratis from the first cohort of the Nafis International Programme. Participants acquired specialised skills in key areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, big data and 5G networks during the course. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen national talent and align workforce capabilities with the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy.
According to the council, the programme consisted of two distinct phases with the first four weeks conducted in the UAE to build core competencies. The remaining four weeks took place at Huawei’s facilities in China, incorporating practical sessions and visits to specialised innovation centres. This dual-location format provided graduates with both local grounding and international perspectives on emerging technologies.
Huawei UAE CEO Jerry Liu stated in a press release, “In partnership with the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, Huawei is deeply committed to equipping the next generation of Emirati youth with future-ready capabilities. Through world-class technical training, skill development, and hands-on innovation, we are empowering students with the digital expertise they need to excel in the competitive global job market. Together, we are not just preparing young leaders for the future, we are securing the UAE’s position as a global leader in technology and innovation.”
The Nafis International Programme first launched in 2024 targets recent graduates and final-year university students in technology-related fields. Candidates needed a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 along with completion of screening, evaluation and interview processes for selection. The council has since opened applications for a second edition to build on the outcomes of this initial group.
The National reported that the wider Nafis programme had driven private sector employment of more than 190,000 Emiratis by July 2026, with 95 per cent of covered companies meeting their targets in the first half of the year. This exceeds original goals set when the Emiratisation strategy began in 2021 with an aim of integrating 75,000 nationals by 2025. The programme continues under an extension to 2040 to sustain long-term shifts in workforce participation.
Council officials noted that the international training component equips participants to contribute effectively to national priorities in innovation and knowledge transfer. Graduates from the first cohort received certification upon completion of all requirements. The partnership with Huawei underscores broader cooperation to advance technical expertise among Emirati professionals.
