The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO) to implement the Abu Dhabi Local Content (ADLC) programme, part of Abu Dhabi Government Accelerator Programme’s ‘Ghadan 21’ initiatives. 

Under the terms of agreement, ADDED will register all ‘BEE’ brand products, which are manufactured by the people of determination, as local products. The BEE brand was launched by ZHO to promote high-quality products that are manufactured or produced by the organisation’s people of determination members. Only products that are locally produced by people of determination are eligible to be granted BEE brand status, including organic agricultural products, cheese, milk, handicraft products, leather bags and uniforms.

the agreement with ZHO will provide help support people of determination to meet their needs in accordance with their capabilities and achieve their aspirations. He pointed out that this will also increase their active participation in achieving Abu Dhabi Government’s vision of balanced socio-economic development for the Emirate

Rashed Abdul Karim Al Balooshi, Undersecretary of ADDED

H.E. Rashed Abdul Karim Al Balooshi, Undersecretary of ADDED and H.E. Abdullah Abdul Ali Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of ZHO, signed the agreement in a virtual ceremony attended by officials from both parties.

H.E. Al Balooshi said that the ADLC programme is one of ADDED’s key initiatives, administered through the Department’s Industrial Development Bureau (IDB), which aims to strengthen public-private partnership in Abu Dhabi, boost the emirate’s gross domestic product (GDP), increase the Emiratisation rates in private companies and strengthen the knowledge-based economy.

He reiterated that ADDED will continue to enhance the ADLC programme through effective partnerships with government, semi-government entities and private companies, noting the initiative's remarkable potential in contributing to the creation of new job opportunities for citizens within the private sector, diversifying GDP inputs, enhancing the local supply chain, as well as supporting freelance professionals and owners of micro, small and medium‐sized enterprises (MSMEs).

H.E. Al Balooshi further stated that the agreement with ZHO will provide help support people of determination to meet their needs in accordance with their capabilities and achieve their aspirations. He pointed out that this will also increase their active participation in achieving Abu Dhabi Government’s vision of balanced socio-economic development for the Emirate.

H.E. Abdullah Abdul Ali Al Humaidan commended the MOU signing, which is driven by the directives of Abu Dhabi leadership and  in line with the efforts towards achieving the objectives of Abu Dhabi Economic Vision. He further added that the agreement supports the emirate’s modernisation and development strategy, which focuses on improving the efficiency of government performance and enhancing the effectiveness of services in the business sector.

H.E. Al Humaidan said that the ADLC programme will also help promote the 'BEE' brand products. He cited that ADDED has already approved a total of 13 BEE products to date that have been listed in the government procurement system by the Department of Government Support - Abu Dhabi (DGS), highlighting that these efforts will contribute to achieving the Emirate’s development goals.

He said that in line with the directives and supervision of H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ZHO, the organisation spares no effort to empower, integrate, qualify and train people of determination who are ZHO members. He added that ZHO is focused on ensuring that they become active community members and gain equal opportunities to secure jobs in accordance with their capabilities. These efforts demonstrate the government’s vision in establishing cooperation with local authorities and institutions.

Al Humaidan commended the ADLC program as a strategic economic initiative that spurs socio-economic growth and creates new job opportunities in Abu Dhabi. He further praised the vital role of government entities in engaging with and providing employment opportunities to people of determination. He further expressed his appreciation to ADDED and DGS for the notable cooperation efforts they have extended to ZHO to help integrate and empower the organisation’s  people of determination members in society.

supporting people of determination bygiving them the care they need and helping them integrate into society as active and productive members is part of the national objective

Fahed Salem Ahmed Alkayyoomi, Undersecretary of DGS

H.E. Fahed Salem Ahmed Alkayyoomi, Undersecretary of DGS, emphasised DGS’ support to ZHO to empower and help its people of determination members integrate into  society, pointing out that their future does not rest on simply being empowered but also on being active members in economic development. He further stated that their Abu Dhabi community members have unique capabilities that must be utilised and enhanced to effectively contribute to the establishment of a sustainable economy based on knowledge and innovation.

H.E. Alkayyoomi highlighted that the ADLC programme encourages companies dealing with government entities to invest in the UAE’s local markets, with greater focus on Abu Dhabi.  He also noted that private companies investing in national products and local expertise will have the chance to benefit from numerous development opportunities in the Emirate.

Alkayyoomi added that supporting people of determination bygiving them the care they need and helping them integrate into society as active and productive members is part of the national objective. “We, as government entities and individuals, work together to achieve these objectives. We believe that people of determination are capable and valuable members in society. They form a crucial part of the community and effectively contribute to meeting the UAE’s national objectives and future agenda,” he concluded.

ADDED aims at achieving sustainable economic development, and regulates the business sector and economic affairs in the Emirate along with is leading position as the authorised local entity responsible of issuing economic licenses to investors and entrepreneurs comprising all kinds ofactivities to enable them to do business in the emirate. The Department simplifies and facilitates business procedures, shares and exchanges experiences, and establishes partnerships with local entities to bring mutual benefit, enhance investment opportunities and improve services offered to investors.