National talent development programme

Help Emirati, Saudi, Qatari, Kuwaiti and Bahraini hires build skills, confidence and careers.

Emiratisation, Saudization, Qatarization, Kuwaitization and Bahrainisation all aim to grow the share of nationals in skilled private-sector roles. Hiring is the first step. Retention and progression depend on structured development. This programme is designed around your roles and runs over several months, combining short workshops on workplace skills, communication and leadership basics with on-the-job projects, mentoring and regular reviews. Sessions for managers and mentors make sure the whole team supports the new hires.

Who it is for: Graduates, early-career national employees and new hires, with sessions for their managers and mentors.

What it covers: Workplace skills for new graduates and hires; Communication, teamwork and professional presence; Leadership basics and career planning; Mentoring and manager support.

Starting well: Understanding the organisation and its customers, Professional habits and expectations, Planning and organising work, Using workplace tools well.

Working with others: Clear communication in Arabic and English, Teamwork in multinational teams, Presenting ideas and updates, Handling feedback constructively.

Growing as a professional: Problem solving and decision making, Leadership basics and taking initiative, Career planning and development goals, Building a professional network.

Support around the hire: Mentor training and guidance, Manager coaching skills, Quarterly progress reviews, Celebrating milestones.

Outcomes: Faster settling-in and productivity; Higher retention of national hires; A visible pipeline of future national leaders.

Can the programme count towards national workforce targets? Targets measure employment. The programme supports them by helping national hires stay, progress and succeed.

How long does it run? Usually six to twelve months, with short sessions each month and on-the-job projects in between.

Can it be in Arabic? Yes. We deliver in Arabic, English or both.

Can it use national support schemes? Programmes such as HRDF, Nafis and Tamkeen change over time. Check current schemes and we will help you fit the programme to them.

Contact OPDEV UAE · ask@opdev.ae · United Arab Emirates (WhatsApp +44 7440 585456)