The Head of Emiratization Strategy & National Developmentwill lead the strategic design, implementation, and management of initiatives to attract, develop, and retain UAE Nationals in alignment with the company’s Emiratization objectives. The role is pivotal in building a pipeline of talented Emirati professionals and ensuring their successful integration, career progression, and engagement within the organization.
Other Accountabilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive UAE National Development strategy that aligns with the company’s goals and Emiratization mandates.


•  Collaborate with senior leadership to identify organizational needs and opportunities for Emirati talent acquisition and development by Partnering with internal stakeholders to integrate Emiratization goals into broader organizational strategies.


•  Design and implement targeted recruitment campaigns to attract high-potential UAE Nationals, including fresh graduates, mid-career professionals, and experienced talent & partner with universities, vocational institutions, and government entities to build talent pipelines.

• Oversee partnerships with Tawteen and other nationalization initiatives to maximize hiring opportunities & stay updated on government policies and regulations related to Emiratization and ensure organizational compliance.


•  Create tailored career development programs, including mentorship, leadership development, and technical training, to enhance UAE National capabilities.


•  Partner with the Head of talent development to implement succession planning frameworks to ensure the readiness of UAE Nationals for key leadership positions.


• Monitor the progress and performance of Emirati employees and address development gaps proactively by conducting regular surveys and focus groups to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.


• Foster an inclusive workplace culture that supports the engagement and retention of UAE Nationals.


• Act as the primary liaison with government bodies, such as the Department of Government Enablement ( DGE) to ensure alignment with national goals.


• Develop KPIs to measure the effectiveness of UAE National Development programs & prepare regular reports and presentations for senior leadership and external stakeholders on progress and outcomes.


• Identify trends, challenges, and opportunities to refine strategies.

• Minimum of 10-year relevant experience in leading and implementing learning and development programs in complex organizations with at least 5 years in leadership role. A Master’s degree is preferred.


•  Proven track record in implementing Emiratization or nationalization strategies in the UAE.


•  Strong understanding of UAE labor laws, Emiratization policies, and national workforce development trends.


• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.


•  Ability to manage complex projects and lead cross-functional teams.


• Strategic thinker with a results-driven mindset.


• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting.

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the world’s leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. Together with Etihad’s codeshare partners, Etihad’s network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme and more. All this ties into Etihad’s ambitious Journey 2030 strategy. The airline plans to double its fleet size and triple the number of customers over the next six years as it sets out to be the airline everyone wants to fly!

To learn more, visit etihad.com

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