Emirati Human Resources Development Council and Unilever Middle East Sign MoU to Empower Emirati Talent and Strengthen Private Sector Collaboration
The Emirati Human Resources Development Council (EHRDC) has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Unilever General Trading (UGT) LLC, establishing a strategic public-private partnership aimed at advancing Emirati talent and enhancing private sector participation in national development.
The agreement sets a comprehensive framework for cooperation in key areas including employment generation, upskilling, and innovation for Emirati youth. It supports Dubai’s broader human capital development goals and contributes to the objectives of the UAE Centennial 2071 and Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), both of which emphasize youth empowerment, economic diversification, and sustainable growth.
Under the MoU, EHRDC and Unilever will collaborate on joint initiatives to promote the hiring of UAE nationals, enhance training programs, and facilitate the transfer of global knowledge and expertise. These efforts align with the federal Emiratisation strategy, which seeks to increase the presence of Emiratis in leading multinational organizations.
H.E. Abdulla Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Deputy Chairman of EHRDC, commented:
“This strategic partnership with a globally renowned private sector leader like Unilever represents a pivotal step in advancing our national talent agenda. It reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering Emirati professionals and equipping them with essential skills needed to thrive in dynamic, innovation-driven industries. Through this MoU, we are not only creating meaningful employment pathways but also reinforcing Dubai’s vision of building a resilient, future-ready workforce that drives sustainable economic growth.”
Shazia Syed, Head of Arabia and General Manager for Personal Care at Unilever PTAB, added:
“We are honoured to partner with the Emirati Human Resources Development Council and support the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) by elevating Emirati talent in the private sector and building a robust, adaptable local talent pool. This MoU underscores our commitment to sustainable development, exemplified by our ongoing ‘U4YOU’ graduate program.”
A core component of this partnership is Unilever’s flagship Emirati graduate program, ‘U4YOU’, launched in 2022. The two-year rotational initiative, offered at the 1C level, provides UAE graduates with experience across vital business functions such as marketing, finance, supply chain management, and customer development. It also includes coaching, upskilling, and mentorship, with a clear pathway for top performers to progress to leadership-level roles.
This MoU marks a significant advancement in public-private cooperation to build a future-ready Emirati workforce and highlights Dubai’s ongoing efforts to be a regional leader in talent development and inclusive economic growth.
