Nationalization in the GCC Workforce: Innovative Solutions to a HR Challenge

Dubai based QnA International is set to host the third annual GOV HR Summit on the theme ‘Putting People First: Driving Innovation to Achieve Human Excellence.’ The summit, an exclusive by-invitation only event, is open to senior c-level executives, managing directors, senior vice presidents, heads of departments and other HR practitioners and professionals in the government, semi-government and public sectors in the GCC region. 

Amongst the stimulating topics at the summit, nationalization of the GCC workforce will be a core part of the agenda during the three day conference. “In the past decade or so, the governments of the GCC have pursued a policy of nationalization of their respective workforces. However, with the availability of younger local talent, these policies need some revision. The sessions organized will aim to provide innovative solutions on acquiring and retaining young locals into the workforce in all sectors of the economy,” commented Mr. Ackash Jain, Director of QnA International. 

The local population in each of the GCC countries vary tremendously in numbers. For instance, Oman has a higher local population than the UAE. Undoubtedly, the availability of local labour influences the size and scope of nationalization policies. As such, nationalization policies have to consider the available labour pool so as not to overreach economic development, and maintain low local unemployment when drafted. These are the traditional challenges nationalization policies have faced. 

The newer challenges in nationalization policies in the GCC arise from demographic trends. The younger and more urban—or millennial—local population in the GCC is causing organizational cultures and policies to change in order to accommodate their lifestyle needs. As millennials expect higher-transparency of their career progression and stimulating teamwork assignments, successfully integrating them into the workforce will be a challenge for HR personnel. Another demographic trend is the inclusion of women at the workforce for both domestic economic development and personal growth. “Dedicated panels at the Gov HR Summit will see key HR experts and human capital professionals share their insights on nationalization, youth engagement, and women empowerment in the GCC region, to supplement the realization of national development goals and objectives through innovative HR strategies,’’ noted Mr. Jain. 

The keynote presentations and panel discussions at the summit will feature experienced HR personnel and high ranking executives from the public sector, government and state owned entities sharing best practices in pursuance of a holistic view of HR challenges, trends and innovative solutions in the region. Amongst the human capital development partners for the Government, PwC, Crossknowledge, HEC Paris, Deloitte, Halogen Software and ADIB are to give keynote presentations on supporting the HR departments in their ever evolving role. The GOV HR Summit will take place at The Ritz Carlton, Abu Dhabi Grand Canal, through 27 – 28 October, while the Masterclass on ‘Innovation in Leadership’ facilitated by Professor Chris Roebuck will be on 29th October at the same venue.