The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council has signed a landmark agreement with the Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority (ADAA).

The agreement aims to advance the goals of the Nafis programme, fostering the development, training and employment of UAE National talent in private sector audit companies and offices registered by the authority. By encouraging both Emiratis and companies in the accounting sector to leverage the programme’s benefits, the partnership will play a pivotal role in shaping a skilled and competitive national workforce.

According to the MoU, the authority will support the Nafis programme by enhancing the competitiveness of UAE National professionals and enabling them to secure key roles in audit firms registered with ADAA. This will be accomplished through tailored training and development initiatives designed to equip job-seeking Emiratis with the expertise required for seamless integration into the private sector.

The agreement also establishes a framework for overseeing the employment of UAE National talent in registered audit firms and creating structured career paths for them. These pathways will focus on cultivating Emiratis for leadership, technical, and specialised roles, thereby driving excellence within these organisations.

His Excellency Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, highlighted the significance of the initiative, and said: "Signing this agreement aligns with our leadership’s vision of expanding qualitative and sustainable employment opportunities for Emirati citizens in the private sector. By providing access to jobs and training in a vital field like auditing, we are enabling Emirati talent to actively contribute to the nation’s development."

His Excellency Wael Abdel Qader Mahmoud, Director-General of the Audit and Monitoring Sector at ADAA, praised the initiative’s innovative approach, and said: "This MoU reflects a bold step toward integrating national talent into the private sector, especially in a field where Emirati presence has been limited. By creating new career pathways and establishing excellence centres, we aim to build a comprehensive ecosystem that equips Emirati youth with the skills to excel, contributes to Abu Dhabi’s sustainable economy, and elevates standards in accounting and auditing."

The Nafis programme has already made significant strides in providing training and professional development opportunities for UAE National talent. By aligning with the evolving needs of the UAE’s private sector and forming strategic partnerships, Nafis has successfully driven Emiratisation efforts, enabling greater UAE National participation in critical industries and advancing the UAE’s vision for a thriving, inclusive economy.