Sheikh Nahyan's Patriotic Fund Initiatives Empower UAE Youth, Reflect President's Vision

UAE's Nation Fund Achieves 50% Job Placement Rate for High School Graduates Left Behind by Traditional Pathways

The UAE's Nation Fund has successfully placed 124 Emirati high school graduates into full-time employment within six months through its pioneering "Secondary Pathways" program, demonstrating how targeted intervention can bridge the gap between education and employment for young people who fall through traditional career tracks.

Addressing a Critical Skills Gap in the UAE Labor Market

The program specifically targets Emirati high school graduates who have been unemployed for more than two years after graduation—a demographic that represents a significant untapped resource in the UAE's rapidly evolving economy. With 250 participants in its inaugural cohort, the initiative achieved a remarkable 50% job placement rate, with 115 graduates securing positions in the private sector and 9 in government roles.

This success rate is particularly noteworthy given the program's focus on participants who had previously struggled to enter the workforce. The initiative reflects the UAE's broader strategy of maximizing human capital development as the country diversifies its economy beyond oil dependency.

A Comprehensive Approach to Employment Readiness

Ten-Stage Training Framework

The program's methodology centers on practical, market-relevant skills training delivered through a structured 10-stage curriculum. Participants learn to identify suitable opportunities based on their capabilities, navigate the Nafis employment platform, build professional identities, and establish LinkedIn presence—skills that have become essential in today's digital job market.

Significantly, the program includes training on artificial intelligence applications in job searching, positioning graduates ahead of the curve in an increasingly AI-integrated workplace. This forward-thinking approach distinguishes the UAE's program from traditional job placement initiatives.

Beyond Basic Employment Skills

High-performing participants can access advanced modules covering digital literacy, project management fundamentals, business English, communication skills, and presentation development. This tiered approach ensures that motivated individuals can accelerate their professional development beyond entry-level positions.

Strategic Implications for UAE's Economic Vision

The program's success aligns with the UAE's Vision 2071, which aims to make the country the world's best nation by its centennial. By focusing on previously unemployed graduates, the initiative addresses potential social and economic challenges while converting a liability into an asset.

The involvement of 107 private sector companies in hiring program graduates indicates strong business confidence in the training quality and suggests that the program is meeting genuine market demand rather than creating artificial employment opportunities.

Regional Leadership in Youth Employment Innovation

While countries across the Gulf region grapple with youth unemployment and private sector job creation, the UAE's targeted approach offers a replicable model. Unlike broader employment initiatives that cast wide nets, this program's laser focus on a specific demographic—unemployed high school graduates—allows for customized solutions that address root causes rather than symptoms.

The 90% participant satisfaction rate, as measured by post-program surveys, suggests that the training resonated with participants and provided genuine value rather than merely checking policy boxes.

Long-Term Economic Impact

By converting 124 previously unemployed individuals into productive workforce participants, the program generates immediate economic returns through reduced social support costs and increased tax revenue. More importantly, it creates a demonstration effect that could encourage similar initiatives across other demographic segments.

The program's emphasis on private sector placement—representing 93% of job placements—supports the UAE's ongoing efforts to reduce public sector dependency and build a more dynamic, market-driven economy. This approach positions the UAE as a regional leader in creating sustainable employment solutions that benefit both individuals and the broader economic ecosystem.