Accenture joins with Al Maskari on UAE employment initiatives

Global professional services firm Accenture has teamed up with Emirati conglomerate Al Maskari Holding on a multi-pronged employment initiative for UAE nationals.

Already having put aside $200 million over the next three years to aid digital literacy worldwide, including for the citizens of the UAE among other Middle Eastern states, the global profession services leader Accenture has now teamed up with Emirates-based multi-sector investment company Al Maskari Holding on a range of fresh employment initiatives for citizens of the UAE.

The Abu Dhabi-headquartered Al Maskari Holding oversees a diverse portfolio of subsidiaries, joint venture companies, strategic partnerships, and private equity investments spanning sectors such as the Oil & Gas industry, Energy and Sustainability, Defense & Security, ICT, Education, and Financial Services. Accenture, meanwhile, is one of the largest firms of its type, employing nearly half a million people worldwide.

In line with the UAE’s economic transformation agenda and aspirations toward greater Emiratisation, the two entities will now collaborate on a programme to strengthen the UAE’s local talent base and equip UAE nationals with the contemporary skills needed to future-proof their careers, together introducing a wide range of employment development and workplace diversity initiatives.

According to the firms, the collaboration will focus on attracting and nurturing the best regional talent as well as Emiratis living abroad, and includes both direct measures –  trainings to develop practical skills, critical thinking and problem-solving – and supportive initiatives, such as local campus development campaigns and corporate social responsibility and inclusion and diversity programmes.

“In keeping with the objectives of the UAE Vision 2021, we are dedicated to playing an active role in developing young talent,” said Accenture regional managing director Alexis Lecanuet. “With proper support, Emirati youth will be able to reach their true potential. Our collaboration with Al Maskari Holding will considerably increase employment opportunities for UAE nationals and provide them with the skills needed for success.”

“To keep up with the rapid pace of technological change, UAE nationals must continually challenge themselves and embrace lifelong learning to stay relevant,” Al Maskari director of Government Affairs Mohamed Al Maskari said in response. “Accenture’s global reach and breadth of experience allow it to understand local market nuances and requirements and develop targeted programmes that align the currently available talent supply with employer needs.”

A further element of the programme will be measures to support female career development and drive gender diversity in the local workplace, described as crucial as UAE organisations work to harness and enhance employee skills. “In addition to developing tailored upskilling programmes that help people transition to jobs that are in demand locally, we are using Accenture’s insight into creating a culture of equality to attract Emirati talent from abroad,” Al Maskari concluded.

Related: Accenture and Expo to provide free coding tutorials to UAE school-kids