Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 20 September 2024: Al Rostamani Group, one of the UAE’s leading conglomerates, announced achieving a 15% Emiratization rate within its skilled workforce. This marks a 3% growth compared to the same period last year, reflecting the group’s continuous efforts to support the UAE’s national strategic objectives for Emiratization.

This announcement coincides with the group’s participation in the Ru’ya Careers UAE 2024, which will take place from 24 to 26 September 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Al Rostamani Group returns to this prestigious career event year after year, to engage with Emirati job seekers and industry professionals, reaffirming its commitment to support the development of Emirati talent.

Ru’ya Careers UAE serves as a key platform for empowering UAE Nationals, providing opportunities for career development through interactions with top employers, live workshops, and industry-led discussions. The event is aligned with the UAE’s national goals of increasing Emiratization, up skilling the national workforce, and establishing the country as a global hub for talent. As of 2023, more than 80,000 Emiratis were reported be working in the private sector.

As a UAE family business conglomerate, Al Rostamani Group is dedicated to contributing to the nation’s vision of sustainable growth by empowering Emiratis. Our participation at Ru’ya underscores our commitment to creating meaningful career opportunities, fostering local talent, and providing a platform for professional growth in a range of industries,” said Mazen Dalati, CEO of Al Rostamani Group.

Al Rostamani Group aims to further these efforts through its participation at the event, where it will showcase career opportunities across its diverse business portfolio, which spans sectors such as automotive, financial services, construction, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore various career paths and network with the company’s experienced professionals, focusing on providing tailored guidance for Emirati job seekers.

“Ru’ya is an excellent platform for us to connect with the next generation of Emirati leaders. We believe in creating an inclusive and dynamic work environment where Emiratis can thrive. Our participation reflects our ongoing efforts to meet the Emiratization goals of the UAE and foster long-term professional development,” said Abdulrahman Saqr, Chief Transformation Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer of Al Rostamani Group.

In addition to career consultations, Al Rostamani Group will present innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing skill development and offering mentorship opportunities for UAE Nationals. As part of the group’s long-term commitment to Emiratization, Al Rostamani Group is continuously seeking ways to empower its workforce with the tools necessary for success.

The company looks forward to meeting aspiring Emirati professionals and forming new partnerships to drive mutual growth and success.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, attended the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of the ‘Master of Science in Big Data and Business Analytics’ offered by the ESCP Business School at its Dubai campus in the DIFC Academy.

His Highness congratulated the graduates on their hard work and determination in achieving academic success at this prestigious institution. He encouraged them to use the skills and knowledge they acquired to serve their country and community.
HH Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the UAE’s commitment to nurturing and advancing the skills of its national talent and equipping them with cutting-edge knowledge and expertise. He noted that this strategic focus is essential to driving comprehensive development, in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
His Highness praised the role of international academic institutions in Dubai in enhancing the education sector and reinforcing the emirate’s position as a leading global hub for higher education. These efforts align with the goals of the ‘Dubai Social Agenda 33,’ aimed at fostering an education system capable of fulfilling Dubai’s future ambitions and enhancing its human capital, he said.

Additionally, the Crown Prince of Dubai expressed gratitude to Al Rostamani Group for awarding scholarships to the first cohort of students, and highlighted the commitment of private entities in supporting Dubai’s strategic plans.

At the end of the ceremony held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum posed for commemorative photos with the graduates.

220 graduates from across the UAE
Comprising of 220 Emirati students, the inaugural cohort was nominated by various government and private entities across the UAE, including The Executive Council of Dubai; UAE Space Agency; UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Masdar; UAE Ministry of Education; Dubai Police; UAE Ministry of Economy; UAE Ministry of Interior; Abu Dhabi Police; Nawah Energy Company; Dubai Future Foundation; Mubadala; UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization; ADNOC; UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention; Emirates Airlines; Federal Tax Authority; Etihad Rail; Roads and Transport Authority (RTA); UAE Central Bank; Dubai Municipality; Etisalat; and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
In 2022, ESCP Business School, the world’s oldest business school, founded in 1819, launched its seventh global campus—and its first in the region—at the Dubai International Financial Centre Academy. The campus, founded with the support of Al Rostamani Group, offers a variety of educational programmes and certificates, including several introduced for the first time both regionally and globally.

The ‘Master of Science in Big Data and Business Analytics’ programme, ranked fourth worldwide, focuses on emerging technologies and future trends, tackling challenges in a data-driven world while honing skills in problem-solving, analysis, and strategic decision-making.

ESCP Business School, the oldest school of business and management, celebrated the graduation of its first ever cohort of its Dubai campus, founded with the support of Al Rostamani Group. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in ESCP’s 200-year history, emphasising the institution’s commitment to advancing world-class education in the UAE and the Middle East.

The first cohort, fully sponsored by Al Rostamani Group, included 220 Emirati students who successfully obtained their Master of Science in Big Data and Business Analytics degree. The students, competitively selected from among the brightest talents within the UAE, were nominated by their respective government and private entities including the Eexecutive Council of Dubai, UAE Space Agency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Masdar, Ministry of Education, Dubai Police, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Interior, Abu Dhabi Police, Nawah Energy Company, Dubai Future Foundation, Mubadala, Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, Adnoc, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Emirates Airlines, Federal Tax Authority, Etihad Rail, RTA, UAE Central Bank, Dubai Municipality, Etisalat, and Dewa.

A Diverse Achievement and a Historic First
This inaugural cohort is notable for being the first-ever 100% Emirati group in ESCP’s history. The graduates, who hail from all seven emirates, and include a gender-balanced mix of 50% female and 50% male, reflect the program’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

Marking the students’ achievement, the graduation ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Philippe Houzé, Chairman of the Board ESCP Business School; Prof. Léon Laulusa, Executive President and Dean of ESCP Business School; Mazen Dalati, CEO of Al Rostamani Group; Abdulrahman Saqr, Chief Transformation Officer and Chief Human Capital Officer of Al Rostamani Group; and proud family members of the graduates.

The cohort, which was named the “Abdulla Hassan Al Rostamani Inaugural Cohort” in honour of the late founder of the Al Rostamani Group, symbolises the fusion of tradition and innovation that the Dubai campus represents.

ESCP’s Dubai campus is the institution’s first venture outside of Europe and the seventh campus in its global network, after Berlin, London, Paris, Madrid, Torino, and Warsaw. This expansion represents a bold step in bringing progressive, globally recognized education to the UAE, a country that continues to evolve as a hub for innovation and knowledge.
Commenting on the ceremony, Marwan Abdulla Al Rostamani, Chairman of Al Rostamani Group, said, “Our partnership with ESCP Business School is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders in the UAE. Representing the values of the late Abdulla Hassan Al Rostamani, who championed the transformative power of education, we are thrilled to see these talented Emirati students graduate and look forward to seeing them transition into roles that will significantly contribute to the UAE’s digital transformation. On the behalf of Al Rostamani Group, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to each of them.”

Expressing his enthusiasm about the milestone, Philippe Houzé, Chairman of the Board ESCP Business School, said, “Today, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our inaugural graduating class in Dubai. Equipped with newly gained skills, they are now poised to lead in an era of technological advancement. Reflecting the pioneering spirit that defines this institution, they will not only drive the UAE’s progress but carry forward the values of visionary leadership and lifelong learning embodied by the late founder Abdulla Hassan Al Rostamani, after whom this cohort was named.”

Reflecting on the Journey
With state-of-the-art facilities and a curriculum designed to foster innovation and leadership, ESCP’s innovative programs (ESCP was ranked by FT as number 1 globally in Finance this year), including the Master of Science in Big Data and Business Analytics, are tailored to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of today’s business landscape. It’s courses also emphasizes practical experience, preparing graduates to meet the evolving demands of the job market, address contemporary business challenges, and meet the needs of a global market.

Dubai, UAE – The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) and Al Rostamani Group have partnered to develop and upgrade training and research facilities at ICBA’s headquarters to provide tailored capacity development programs to a wide range of stakeholders locally and globally.

The agreement will help create a dedicated learning space for farmers, agricultural engineers, extension officers, and other specialists in agriculture and related fields. A memorandum of understanding to this effect was signed at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE, in the presence of H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, by Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, and H.E. Hassan Abdullah Al Rostamani, Vice-Chairman of  Al Rostamani Group.

H.E. Mariam Almheiri said: “Developing agricultural capabilities and research is one of the most important strategies of the UAE to boost national food security and develop a sustainable food sector. The UAE is focusing on this sector to support our climate and environmental actions due to its ability to reduce emissions, minimise water consumption, and increase food production. Accordingly, we launched The COP28 Food Systems and Agriculture Agenda to be at the top of our discussions during the conference, which begins later this month. At COP28, we invite the world to sign Emirates Declaration on Resilient Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture, and Climate Action which increases global pledges to invest in these systems and contribute to global hunger eradication.”

H.E. added: “We are pleased with the cooperation between the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) and Al Rostamani Group to establish modern agricultural systems. We encourage similar partnerships, which paves the way for more cooperation between various stakeholders to employ a trained workforce and resources to build a sustainable agricultural sector in the UAE. This cooperation also contributes to achieving the UAE’s vision to build national competencies that possess the knowledge, and experiences to transform emerging trends into a prosperous reality now and in the future.”

Under the agreement, Al Rostamani Group will support the development of a new specialized training center and two research facilities at ICBA. These new facilities will strengthen ICBA’s scientific capabilities and increase the reach and scope of its capacity development offerings.

Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, said: “We are delighted to join forces with Al Rostamani Group to take our center’s capacity development programs to a new level. The group’s financial support will help ICBA to cater to the needs of many beneficiaries not only from the UAE but also from other parts of the world. This initiative is also aligned with the UAE’s national and international agendas for improving environmental sustainability and boosting sustainable agriculture and food security through knowledge and technology transfer.”

H.E. Marwan Abdullah Al Rostamani, Chairman of Al Rostamani Group, said: “We are proud and honored to partner with ICBA on one of the UAE’s strategic goals towards sustainability in agriculture. Our collaboration is aimed at supporting our nation’s vision of food security by leveraging the latest in research and the best of technology.”

H.E. added: “Through this cooperation between Al Rostamani Group and ICBA, we are investing in education and innovation. This focus on enhancing and preserving food, nutrition, agriculture, and water, is for today and future generations. We strongly believe that enabling today’s youth will pave the way for ensuring their leadership to care for and protect the environment.”

The new training center has the capacity for 300 people and will feature modern multipurpose halls and spaces. The research facilities will include an advanced laboratory for plant tissue culture and an upgraded integrated agri-aquaculture system.

In addition to farmers and other agricultural workers, the training and research facilities will be used for developing the competencies and skills of researchers, graduates, students, and other groups from the UAE and abroad, focusing on sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and agribusiness development, among other things.

Knowledge and technology transfer is integral to ICBA’s research and development projects. The center works to improve both individual and institutional capabilities in different countries. It has a wide range of technical training offerings, including short- and mid-term courses, certified programs, and farmer field schools, to develop the capacity and knowledge of various stakeholders.

The center also offers resources, courses, and programs to undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and women and young professionals. These include e-learning and online courses, fellowships, and internships. ICBA’s two flagship programs for women and youth are the Arab Women Leaders in Agriculture and the ICBA Youth Engagement Society.

Dubai, UAE – As part the Year of Sustainability and UAE’s preparations for hosting COP28, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Al Rostamani Group to support the Mangrove Planting Initiative to achieve the target of planting 100 million mangroves trees by 2030.

The MoU was signed at the Ministry’s headquarters in Dubai in the presence of Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment. It was signed by His Excellency Dr Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi; Assistant Undersecretary for the Biodiversity and Marine Life Sector at the Ministry and by His Excellency Hassan Abdullah Al Rostamani, Vice-Chairman of Al Rostamani Group.

H.E. Mariam Almheiri said: “The UAE is committed to promoting nature-based solutions as part of the nation’s strategy to drive climate action.  As the UAE celebrates the Year of Sustainability and prepares to host COP28 in November, the UAE is building a global model in promoting mangrove planting as a nature-based solution to address climate change, having launched the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) initiative in partnership with Indonesia.”

H.E. Almheiri added, “The UAE recently endorsed the ‘Mangrove Breakthrough’ initiative, a collaborative effort between the Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA) and the UN Climate Change High-level Champions, which aims to restore and protect 15 million hectares of mangroves globally by 2030. The UAE is focused on accelerating efforts to realise our target of planting 100 million mangrove trees by 2030, and to share our experience with the world.”

H.E. Almheiri added, “The cooperation with Al Rostamani Group reflects the concerted efforts by the Ministry with the private sector to achieve the UAE’s climate and environmental goals and we look forward to further cooperation to achieve our Net Zero by 2050 goals.”

H.E. Marwan Abdullah Al Rostamani, Chairman of Al Rostamani Group, said, “The UAE since its inception took strides in building the nation and enabling its people, an endeavour that we are all part of from one generation to the next. We are committed to the legacy of our founding father the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan who was a leader of sustainable development.  He foresaw a greener future, and we aspire that our children also follow the pathway and treat nature and the environment surrounding them with respect and appreciation.”

H.E. added: “Al Rostamani Group is proud and honoured to support this initiative with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment as part of our commitments and support to our country, as well as to the UAE’s strategic vision and the Ministry’s long-term plans towards environmental sustainability and clean energy.”

Areas of cooperation

Al Rostamani Group’s contribution to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment’s initiative will support the expansion of mangrove plantations across the UAE and will aid in establishing a modern mangrove nursery for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

As part of the 100 Million Mangrove Trees by 2030 Initiative, this newly established nursery will concentrate on producing seedlings. This approach aims to lower operational expenses and raise the annual production capacity to 7 million mangrove seedlings by 2030, achieving approximately 1 million seedlings per year.

Mangrove forests play a key role in protecting the UAE’s coastlines from rising sea levels and storms, provide habitats for marine species, and act as natural carbon sinks. The UAE is home to 60 million mangrove trees, covering an area of 183 square kilometres that capture 43,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. With the addition of 100 million mangrove trees, the total cover will reach 483 square kilometres which can capture 115,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

Mangrove trees are one of the most effective, nature-based solutions to capture and store carbon emissions, with many studies highlighting their ability to capture carbon emissions up to 4-5 times that of terrestrial ecosystems. Mangrove trees are also capable of storing over 1,000 tonnes of carbon per hectare in their biomass and soil according to United Nations reports, as well as being safe natural habitats for marine species with 80% of the global fish species dependent on mangroves.

Dubai, UAE – The reputable job fair “ Ru’ya” 2023, served as a collaborative platform for government and industry leaders, such as Al Rostamani Group, to discuss meaningful strategies to amplify Emirati representation in the private sector.

The ‘Ru’ya 2023 – Careers UAE Redefined’, a 3-day event which concluded at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Thursday, highlighted an array of career possibilities, attracting a diverse audience, from high school diploma holders to specialised professionals, underlining the depth and breadth of opportunities available to Emiratis in the modern workforce.

The 22nd Ru’ya fair featured more than 100 organisations offering opportunities to job seekers in both the public and private sectors. More than 15,000 Emirati job hunters are expected to attend the 3-day career fair, according to the organisers.

Govt Support to Private Sector
Al Rostamani Group had a major presence at the show and as the leading business conglomerate put forward a compelling case for the importance of integrating Emiratis into the private sector.

Senior government leaders driving the government’s Emiratisation strategy, such as H.E. Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Dubai (TEC), and H.E. Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director-General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, visited Al Rostamani Group stand.

There, Abdul Rahman Saqr, leading the Human Capital team, provided an in-depth overview of their strategic approach and hiring process for Emirati nationals. Al Rostamani team expressed their gratitude for the leaders’ personal support and the governmental endorsement of encouraging Emirati talent to engage in the private sector.

“Our participation at Ruya Careers 2023 is an integral part of our workforce planning strategy and a serious commitment to providing strong opportunities to the Emirati workforce,” commented Abdulrahman Saqr, Group Chief Human Capital Officer at Al Rostamani Group.

Emirati Nationals make up 12% of Al Rostamani Group’s skilled workforce. The group fully supports the UAE government’s Emiratisation plan and anticipates that it will significantly enrich the country’s private sector, creating a uniquely skilled and diverse talent pool.

“We seek candidates who resonate with our cultural ethos and meet the technical prerequisites of the roles. As a diversified group with over six decades of legacy in the Emirates, we anticipate our recruits to align with our vision for sustainable growth and nation development,” he continued.

Efficient Interview Methods
Al Rostamani Group showcased its streamlined on-stand interview techniques, blending technology with a personal touch. Candidates pre-registered through their online portal, guaranteeing an integrated experience on-site.
Upon arrival, Emirati personnel from the group’s various companies greeted them. Initial screenings took place, followed by interactions with the recruitment team and then the hiring managers present on-site. This efficient method ensured hundreds of interviews, with several attendees receiving job offers on the spot.

The UAE government is boosting the number of citizens working in the private sector through the Emiratisation programme, which career fairs prove a key platform to bring jobseekers and employers together.