Companies committed to meeting annual Emiratisation targets of 2 percent growth will now get priority in tendering government procurement contracts.
This was announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and the Ministry of Finance. It’s the latest in a series of incentives for private firms committed to their Emiratisation targets. Some of the other benefits include enlisting them in the Emiratisation Partners Club, inclusion in the Nafis scheme which provides financial support and a database of UAE nationals qualified to work in the private sector, as well as a programme that provides pension contribution support.
“Granting priority to companies committed to achieving Emiratisation targets in the government procurement system is a form of support and an incentive for them, in recognition of their alignment with national strategic directions,” said Younis Al Khoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance.'”
“The Ministry strives to establish a collaborative and encouraging environment, raising awareness among companies about the Emiratisation process and its benefits, while offering them various benefits provided by the Ministry and its network of government partners,” added Ayesha Belharfia, Undersecretary for Emiratisation Affairs at MoHRE.
The Ministry of Finance recently launched a digital procurement platform, allowing suppliers in the UAE and abroad to register and offer services to federal government entities.
Around 14,000 suppliers have registered in the platform, through which they can participate in tenders and online auctions, as well as track purchase orders and invoices. It also aims to enhance the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in tenders by offering them special incentives.
List of benefits
The new incentive complements other benefits for compliant companies, which include:
- Enlisting them in the Emiratisation Partners Club
- Nafis benefits, such as financial support
- Provision of a database of UAE nationals qualified to work in the private sector,
- Programme that provides pension contribution support
Since its rollout, the Emiratisation scheme is strictly being implemented in the country, with violators facing hefty fines. Earlier this month, Mohre said nearly 900 companies were caught skirting the rules within a six-month period, with more than 100 referred to the public prosecution.
