EGA today employs 833 women in the UAE, including 462 UAE Nationals. More than 408 women at EGA hold operational roles, with Emiratis representing over 44 per cent of women in operations.

The company continues to expand opportunities for women across all areas of the business, including operations, technical roles, leadership positions, and corporate functions, supporting the UAE's vision to increase female participation in the industrial sector.

EGA also continues to advance gender diversity beyond its own operations through the Challenger Programme, a collaborative initiative launched by EGA in 2023 that brings together leading industrial companies to address common barriers faced by women in industry and accelerate meaningful change across the sector.

Through the Challenger Programme, participating companies are working together on practical initiatives that support inclusive recruitment, career development, retention, and workplace culture. Recent efforts have included the development of shared resources and tools to help companies implement best practices for fostering more inclusive industrial workplaces.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: "Emirati Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise the remarkable contribution of Emirati women to EGA, our industry, and the nation. We are proud of the progress we have made in gender diversity at EGA, particularly in operational and technical roles. Our ambition is not only to increase participation but also to ensure women have the support, development opportunities, and environment they deserve to succeed and thrive. Through our own initiatives and collaborations such as the Challenger Programme, we remain committed to helping build a more diverse and inclusive industrial sector for future generations."

In 2022, EGA opened to women for the first time its long-standing National Training programmes for front-line roles in industrial operations. In the first full year following the change, women accounted for some 20 per cent of new joiners. By 2025, over 40 per cent of new National Trainees were women.

EGA is a signatory to the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles and remains committed to advancing gender diversity across its business. Through attracting, developing, and supporting female talent, EGA continues to champion women’s participation and leadership in industry, contributing to the UAE’s vision for a more inclusive and competitive economy.

During the event, EGA showcased a range of career opportunities for UAE Nationals, with a particular focus on attracting high school graduates for the company’s National Training programmes. University graduates who visited EGA’s stand were considered for opportunities within the Graduate Training programme.

Following the event, all applications will be reviewed and assessed through EGA’s recruitment process, with shortlisted candidates progressing through screening, assessment and interview stages.

EGA’s National Training programmes develop high school graduates for technical roles in the company’s industrial operations and administration. More than 5,000 UAE Nationals have graduated from these programmes since they were first established in 1982, with many then having long and successful careers with EGA and some reaching senior leadership positions.

EGA’s Graduate Training programme is for university graduates. Graduate trainees complete 18 or 24 months of training for supervisory positions in corporate functions or in industrial operations in front-line roles, such as tending reduction cells.

In 2025, over 220 UAE Nationals joined EGA, including 112 women. Over 80 per cent of 2025 UAE National recruits joined roles in EGA’s operations.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “We are proud to see so many young National Service graduates choosing to apply to EGA to build their futures. Working at EGA gives young people the opportunity to contribute to the achievement of the UAE's industrial ambitions and further strengthen of our nation. For EGA, our success has always depended on attracting the best people and developing them over the long-term to lead. I look forward to welcoming these new recruits to EGA.”

EGA already has one of the highest Emiratisation rates of any major company on a like-for-like basis accounting for the high proportion of blue-collar roles in heavy industry.

More than 1,200 UAE Nationals now work at EGA. Over 700 of EGA’s Emirati employees are under the age of 35.

EGA has participated in 51 career events so far in 2026, including both major fairs and EGA-led recruitment open days conducted internally and also in collaboration with Dubai Government Human Resources Department, Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Department of Government Enablement, the HR Department of the Ras Al Khaimah Government, and the HR Department of the Fujairah Government.

EGA’s recruitment team received more than 1,800 applications from UAE National job seekers and conducted around 100 interviews during the three-day event, mostly for positions on the company’s long-running National Training and Graduate Training programmes.

Some 148 UAE Nationals, including 86 women, have joined EGA since January 2025. New recruits from the Ru’ya Career Fair are expected to start from April 2026.

EGA already has one of the highest Emiratisation rates of any major company on a like-for-like basis accounting for the high proportion of blue-collar roles in heavy industry.

EGA’s in-focus Emiratisation rate was 44.5 per cent at the end of 2024. EGA aims to accelerate in-focus Emiratisation to reach 50 per cent by 2027. This means EGA expects to hire up to 600 UAE Nationals over the period.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “At EGA, we see the development of young UAE Nationals not only as a national duty, but as a strategic driver of our success. At this year’s Ru’ya Careers UAE, we offered roles to more than 100 Emiratis, most of whom will join our established National and Graduate Training Programmes. These programmes have launched thousands of careers since the 1980s and continue to prepare the next generation to thrive in heavy industry. I look forward to welcoming our new colleagues to our company.”

EGA’s National Training programmes develop high school leavers for technical roles in the company’s industrial operations and administration. More than 5,000 UAE Nationals have graduated from these programmes since they were first established in 1982, with many then having long and successful careers with EGA.

EGA’s Graduate Training programme provides university graduates with an approximately 18-month training programme enabling them to assume permanent, leading roles in the organisation.

More than 1,300 UAE Nationals now work at EGA. Over 700 of EGA’s Emirati employees are under the age of 35.

EGA has participated in over 70 career fairs so far in 2025, including both major fairs and EGA’s own recruitment drives.

EGA has signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi Housing Authority to align the new benefit with government housing assistance programmes, extending the impact of existing national support schemes.

EGA is committed to attracting and retaining exceptional UAE National talent. The new initiative is part of a series of recent enhancements to compensation and benefits for UAE Nationals.

The programme will provide financial assistance for the repayment of approved top-up housing loans and will be open each year to eligible UAE National employees. The initiative will apply to home construction and extensions and will offer access to value-added services from ADHA including Tayaseer advisory platform.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “One of the most meaningful ways we can support our people is by helping them build strong foundations. Attracting and retaining exceptional UAE National talent is essential not just for our company’s future, but for the continued industrial development of our nation. Our goal is to be the industrial employer of choice for UAE Nationals and to create an environment where ambition is supported, achievement is recognised, and people are empowered to thrive”

H.E. Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, stated: “We value Emirates Global Aluminium’s initiative in supporting their outstanding employees through this partnership with the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority to provide additional subsidized financial solutions for citizens who already have housing loans from the Authority. This agreement reflects the company’s strong sense of social responsibility and its leading role in promoting family stability and community well-being. We also hope that other national companies will follow EGA’s example.

EGA already has one of the highest Emiratisation rates of any major company on a like-for-like basis accounting for the high proportion of blue-collar roles in heavy industry.

More than 1,300 UAE Nationals now work at EGA. Over 700 of EGA’s Emirati employees are under the age of 35.

At the end of 2024, EGA’s in-focus Emiratisation rate was 44.5 per cent. EGA now aims to accelerate in-focus Emiratisation to reach 50 per cent by the end of 2027. This means EGA expects to hire up to 600 UAE Nationals over the period.

During the career fair, EGA signed an agreement with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to provide scholarships to UAE National students in subjects relevant to EGA talent needs. EGA’s National Training programmes develop high school leavers for technical roles in the company’s industrial operations and administration. More than 5,000 UAE Nationals have graduated from these programmes since they were first established in 1982, with many then having long and successful careers with EGA and some reaching senior leadership positions.

EGA’s Graduate Training programme is for university graduates. Graduate trainees complete 18 or 24 months of training for supervisory positions in corporate functions or in industrial operations in front-line roles, such as tending reduction cells.

In 2024, EGA hired more than 220 UAE Nationals, including in the longstanding National and Graduate Training programmes

New recruits from the National Service Career Fair are expected to start from September 2025.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “The future growth of EGA and our nation depends on of the next generation of UAE National leaders. We are committed to empowering our young talents, both women and men, to contribute to advancing the UAE’s industrial growth. I am pleased to see many young talented UAE Nationals engage with our team at UAE National Service Career Fair and I look forward to welcoming new talents to EGA.”

EGA already has one of the highest Emiratisation rates of any major company on a like-for-like basis accounting for the high proportion of blue-collar roles in heavy industry.

More than 1,300 UAE Nationals now work at EGA. Over 700 of EGA’s Emirati employees are under the age of 35.

At the end of 2024, EGA’s in-focus Emiratisation rate was 44.5 per cent. EGA now aims to accelerate in-focus Emiratisation to reach 50 per cent by the end of 2027. This means EGA expects to hire up to 600 UAE Nationals over the period.

EGA has participated in 14 career fairs so far in 2025, including both major fairs and EGA’s own recruitment drives, such as those conducted with Dubai Government Human Resources Department, Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Department of Government Enablement, HR Department of Ras Al Khaimah Government, HR Department of Fujairah Government.

EGA aims that women hold 25 per cent of supervisory roles by the end of this year, and 15 per cent of all roles by the end of 2026. Currently, women hold 23.3 per cent of supervisory roles and 9.6 per cent of all roles at the company.

At the end of 2024, EGA’s in-focus Emiratisation rate was 44.3 per cent. On a like-for-like basis, EGA has one of the highest Emiratisation rates of any major company considering the high number of industrial positions.

EGA now aims to accelerate in-focus Emiratisation to reach 50 per cent by the end of 2027. This means EGA expects to hire up to 600 UAE Nationals over the period.

Some 144 of the 2024 recruits, including 65 of the women, joined EGA’s National Training programmes which prepare high school leavers for technical and administrative positions in the company’s industrial facilities and administration.

The majority of university graduates who joined EGA’s longstanding Graduate Training programme in 2024 were women. Graduate trainees complete 18 or 24 months of training for supervisory positions in corporate functions or in industrial operations. For graduate trainees in operations, this includes periods of working shifts in front-line operational roles they will supervise, such as tending reduction cells.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “More than 71 per cent of our 2024 UAE National recruits joined roles in EGA’s operations, driving forward our vision for excellence and our contribution to achieve the goals of UAE's industrial strategy Operation 300bn. Our unwavering commitment to Emiratisation enables us to capitalise on exceptional UAE National talent to maximise our growth and the economic development of our nation. Our ambitious Emiratisation goals reflect our role as a leader in national talent development and innovation. We have exceeded our in-focus Emiratisation goals for 2024 and are now aiming to reach 50 per cent in-focus Emiratisation rate by 2027.”

In 2024, EGA participated in 14 national career events. This includes major fairs and EGA’s own recruitment drives, such as those conducted with the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Department of Government Enablement, HR Departments of RAK Government and Fujairah Government.

More than 1,300 UAE Nationals work at EGA, with over half under the age of 35.

During the three-day recruitment drive, EGA engaged with young people to discuss the company’s flagship National Training and Graduate Training programmes.

First established in 1982, EGA’s National Training programmes prepare high school graduates for technical roles in the company’s industrial operations and administration. More than 5,000 UAE Nationals have graduated from these initiatives, with many building long-term careers within the organisation. So far in 2024 alone, 109 UAE Nationals, including 49 women, have started at EGA on National Training programmes.

Some 36 UAE Nationals, including 19 women, have started at EGA as graduate trainees so far this year.  EGA’s Graduate Training programme is for university graduates. Graduate trainees complete 18 or 24 months of training for supervisory positions in corporate functions or in industrial operations. For graduate trainees in operations, this includes periods of working shifts in front-line operational roles they will supervise, such as tending reduction cells.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “Recruiting and developing young Emiratis enables EGA to build the talent pipeline we need to succeed. EGA has one of the highest Emiratisation rates among major companies on a like-for-like basis. Our goal is to create 500 additional opportunities for UAE nationals over the next three years. I look forward to welcoming our new colleagues to EGA.”

EGA’s in-focus Emiratisation rate was 42.6 per cent at the end of 2023. The company aims to increase the number of UAE Nationals in its in-focus workforce by two per cent each year, targeting 48 per cent by 2026.

Tawdheef x Zaheb is the 14th career event that EGA has participated in so far in 2024. This includes major fairs and EGA’s own recruitment drives, such as those conducted with the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Department of Government Enablement, HR Department of RAK Government, HR Department of Fujairah Government.

More than 1,200 UAE Nationals work at EGA, with over 700 of them being under the age of 35.

EGA conducted more than 200 interviews at the career fair, mostly for positions on the company’s long-running National Training and Graduate Training programmes.

During the Ru’ya Careers UAE, EGA signed a collaboration agreement with the UAE chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) to support Emiratisation and gender diversity in the industrial sector. IEEE is the global technical professional association for these fields of engineering and related disciplines.

EGA’s National Training programmes develop high school leavers for technical roles in the company’s industrial operations and administration. More than 5,000 UAE Nationals have graduated from these programmes since they were first established in 1982, with many then having long and successful careers with EGA.

Some 52 UAE Nationals, including 28 women, have joined EGA’s National Training programmes so far in 2024. New recruits from the Ru’ya Career Fair are expected to start from November 2024.

EGA’s Graduate Training programme provides university graduates with an approximately 18-month training programme enabling them to assume permanent, leading roles in the organisation.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “EGA has focused on the recruitment and development of talented young Emiratis for decades to secure the people we need to grow our business and contribute to our nation’s sustainable economic development. I am pleased to see many young talented UAE Nationals engage with our team at Ru’ya Careers UAE and I look forward to welcoming our new colleagues to our company.”

EGA already has one of the highest Emiratisation rates of any major company on a like-for-like basis accounting for the high proportion of blue-collar roles in heavy industry.

EGA’s in-focus Emiratisation rate was 42.6 per cent at the end of 2023. EGA aims to accelerate in-focus Emiratisation, targeting that the number of UAE Nationals rises as a proportion of the in-focus workforce by two per cent every year to reach 48 per cent by 2026.

This means EGA’s goal is to create 500 additional opportunities for UAE Nationals over the next three years.

More than 1,200 UAE Nationals now work at EGA. Over 700 of EGA’s Emirati employees are under the age of 35.

EGA has participated in 12 career fairs so far in 2024, including both major fairs and EGA’s own recruitment drives, such as those conducted with Dubai Government Human Resources Department, Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Department of Government Enablement, HR Department of RAK Government, HR Department of Fujairah Government. These events have taken place in every Emirate.

EGA now employs over 550 women in the UAE in total, including more than 195 in operations. The company is aiming for 25 per cent of supervisory roles to be held by women by 2025, up from around 20 per cent today, and 15 per cent of all positions by 2026.

EGA marked Emirati Women’s Day with the launch a new initiative dedicated to promoting gender diversity across UAE industry.

EGA’s Break the Mould initiative aims to inspire young women with an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to follow in the footsteps of pioneering women who have made significant contributions to the UAE industrial sector.

The UAE is one of only a few countries in the world where more women than men graduate in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “At EGA and in the UAE industrial sector, pioneering women are making significant contributions and inspire many more women to follow in their footsteps. Emirati Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate their achievements in our industry and our nation. We believe that diversity leads to improved business performance, and we are committed to creating more opportunities for women and to inspire the next generation of women leaders and innovators in the UAE.”

On Emirati Women’s Day, EGA’s Women’s Network organised an event for all women at EGA to showcase the progress made so far and discuss how to further accelerate gender diversity.

In 2022, EGA opened the long-standing National Training programmes for front-line roles in industrial operations to women for the first time. Some 20 per cent of the programmes’ new joiners were women in the first full year since opening the programme for females.

Last year, EGA launched the Challenger Programme, which brings together leading industrial companies to make quicker progress on promoting gender diversity by addressing shared practical challenges.

EGA is a signatory to the United Nations’ Women’s Empowerment Principles and committed to promoting gender diversity throughout its business as well as advocating for women’s role in industry and society.

The first meeting of the regional council brought together youth from EGA, Ma’aden Aluminium in Saudi Arabia and Sohar Aluminium in Oman.

The youth group, known as the Gulf Aluminium Youth Council, aims to foster collaboration and partnership opportunities for youth across the regional aluminium industry. The group operates under the regional trade association, the Gulf Aluminium Council.

During the inaugural session, the group engaged in discussions about the crucial role of young talent in driving aluminium sector growth and sustainable economic development in the region.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “At EGA, we believe that empowering the next generation of leaders is key for the future sustainable development of our sector and our region. I congratulate EGA's Youth Council on creating this forum for young people working in the aluminium industry across the Gulf. Our ambition is to provide our youth at EGA with opportunities to learn, innovate and contribute to our purpose of making modern life possible.”

Hala Alhashmi, Chair of the EGA Youth Council and Product Owner in the Digital Transformation & Industry 4.0 Department, said: “We are honoured to host the first regional youth meeting for Gulf aluminium companies and to launch the Gulf Aluminium Youth Council. As we celebrate the International Youth Day, we are reminded of the crucial role of collaboration and knowledge exchange among the young talents of our industry, and the importance of empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators in the aluminium sector.”

In 2022, EGA Youth Council hosted the first ‘Youth in Manufacturing & Technology Forum’, a platform that brought together 17 youth councils from across the industry and advanced technology sectors in the UAE to discuss the objectives of the UAE’s Operation 300bn industrial growth strategy.

EGA’s Youth Council hosted and participated in over 20 events during 2023 including 11 nation-wide impact initiatives.

EGA’s Youth Council was awarded ‘Organisation of the Year for Youth Empowerment’ at the GCC GOV HR Awards 2023 in recognition of its role in the development of future leaders, in line with the National Youth Strategy of the UAE.

Founded in 2018, EGA Youth Council is dedicated to supporting aspiring young employees to enhance critical leadership skills for future success, while giving youth a strong voice in the company.  

EGA’s summer training programme has been running for more than two decades. It gives students first-hand experience of working in industry, and is particularly focused on students of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

More than 500 young UAE Nationals have participated in EGA’s summer training programme since 2001, with many going on to pursue careers in EGA or other UAE industrial companies.   

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “EGA’s summer training programme is a great opportunity for young UAE Nationals to acquire first-hand experience of working in industry, and we know it inspires youth to pursue careers vital to the nation’s Operation 300bn industrial growth strategy. I welcome this year’s summer trainees to EGA and encourage each of them to make the most of this experience. I hope many will become the UAE industrial talent of the future.”

EGA is a significant employer for science, technology, engineering and mathematics professionals, employing around 1,500 people in these fields including over 500 UAE Nationals.

Some 1,200 UAE Nationals currently work at EGA. Over 700 of EGA’s UAE National employees are under 35 years old. Last year, EGA recruited around 120 Emiratis, including 37 women.

EGA is accelerating in-focus Emiratisation, targeting that the number of UAE Nationals rises as a proportion of the in-focus workforce by two per cent every year to reach 48 per cent by 2026. This means EGA expects to hire up to 500 UAE Nationals by the end of 2026, including replacements for staff turnover and company growth.

EGA’s outreach programmes, which include ‘Engineer the Future’, EGA’s Ambassador Programme, and an Al Robot competition for university engineering students, aim to grow the future national industrial workforce of the UAE

Last month, EGA revealed that its Engineer the Future programme reached more than 7,300 students from 29 schools in the 2023-2024 academic year, and over 30,000 since the initiative was launched in 2017.

LEAP is a comprehensive 12-month programme that offers a bespoke learning journey to enhance management and leadership skills through mentorship from senior leadership at EGA. It includes a combination of interactive workshops,  simulations, individual coaching and networking opportunities. LEAP is designed exclusively for EGA Graduate Trainees.

EGA currently has 75 graduate trainees, 49 of them women, and all UAE Nationals. EGA Graduate Training Programme was launched in 1982. Graduate trainees complete 18 or 24 months of training for supervisory positions in corporate functions or in industrial operations. For graduate trainees in operations, this includes periods of working shifts in front-line operational roles they will supervise, such as tending reduction cells.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “Developing and upskilling our local talent is our priority to secure the talent EGA needs to contribute to the UAE’s industrial growth, and to achieve our bold aspiration of becoming a talent driven organisation. I look forward to seeing these young, talented colleagues build successful and fulfilling careers at EGA.”

LEAP stands for Learn, Engage, Adapt and Perform. The second cohort of Graduate Trainees joined the programme in May 2024.

EGA also runs an integrated suite of leadership development programmes for leaders at different stages of their careers. This includes Ascend programmes which are customised for high potential leaders from non-supervisory to Directors, and the Leadership Excellence programme designed to support leaders at all levels in embedding EGA's culture and values in their work.

At the end of 2023, EGA’s in-focus Emiratisation rate was 42.6 per cent. On a like-for-like basis, EGA has one of the highest Emiratisation rates of any major company considering the high number of industrial positions.

EGA now aims to accelerate in-focus Emiratisation, targeting that the number of UAE Nationals rises as a proportion of the in-focus workforce by two per cent every year to reach 48 per cent by 2026.

·         Bin Kalban: “Emiratisation has been a key priority at EGA for decades, with attracting the best local talent as the foundation of our global competitiveness.”

United Arab Emirates, 22 Feb 2024: The Emirati Human Resources Development Council in Dubai and Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside oil and gas, have announced a collaborative agreement. This partnership marks a significant commitment to fostering the integration of UAE Nationals into the workforce and contributing to the nation's strategic sectors.

Through this agreement, the Emirati Human Resources Development Council will provide EGA with qualified UAE National candidates for its training programmes and vacant positions, aiming to advance the development of Emirati talent within the industrial sector.

This initiative will support EGA's further progress in Emiratisation. EGA already has one of the highest Emiratisation rates of any major company, when accounting for the high number of blue-collar roles in heavy industry.

The agreement was signed by His Excellency Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Deputy Chairman of the Emirati Human Resources Development Council in Dubai and the Director-General of the Human Resources Department in Dubai, and Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA.

His Excellency Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Emirati Human Resources Development Council, elaborated on the significance of the partnership, stating: "Our collaboration with Emirates Global Aluminium is a testament to our unwavering commitment to Emiratisation and the strategic development of our national workforce. By aligning our resources, we not only aim to fill immediate positions but also to nurture a generation of Emirati professionals equipped to lead the industrial sector's journey towards innovation and global competitiveness.”

“The council is proud to contribute to the UAE's economic growth by enabling Emiratis to become a strategic pillar of its journey, delivering on the vision of our wise leadership. This partnership embodies a critical component of our mission to empower UAE Nationals to excel in crucial economic sectors, ultimately securing our nation's long-term prosperity." Al Mansoori added.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “Emiratisation has been a key priority at EGA for decades, with attracting the best local talent as the foundation of our global competitiveness. We are determined to increase our Emiratisation even further and look forward to working closely with the Human Resources Development Council to make this ambition a reality.”

EGA’s in-focus Emiratisation rate was 42.6 per cent at the end of 2023. EGA aims to accelerate in-focus Emiratisation, targeting that the number of UAE Nationals rises as a proportion of the in-focus workforce by two per cent every year to reach 48 per cent by 2026. To achieve this goal, EGA expects to hire up to 500 UAE Nationals over the next three years, including replacements for staff turnover and company growth.

Under the agreement, the Human Resources Development Council and EGA will work together on raising awareness amongst school and university students about potential careers in industry, recruitment, and early career training.

Some 1,200 UAE Nationals currently work at EGA. Over 700 of EGA’s UAE National employees are under 35 years old. Last year, EGA recruited around 120 Emiratis, including 37 women.

The Dubai Human Resources Development Council was established by a decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him. It includes representatives from the government and private sector and aims to create a reference entity representing the entities concerned with developing Emirati human resources in the private sector. The council aims to ensure the availability of an attractive and stimulating environment to attract Emiratis and to ensure the alignment of the outputs of education for Emirati students with the requirements of the job market in the emirate, according to strategic priority sectors.

EGA already cooperates with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Department of Government Enablement and Dubai Government Human Resources Department in the recruitment of young UAE Nationals for some of the company’s National Training programmes.

EGA’s National Training Programmes develop high school leavers for technical roles. More than 5,000 men have graduated from these programmes since they were first established in 1982. The first women joined the programmes in November 2022.

EGA hired a total of 75 National trainees for its technical programmes during 2023.

EGA’s National Training Programmes last between six months and three years, and provide theoretical and on-the-job training to work in EGA’s smelters, power plants, desalination plants or maintenance.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “As a UAE industrial champion, we recognise our role in developing strong local talent, with particular focus on women, to achieve our bold aspiration to be the industrial employer of choice by 2030. We will continue to prioritise both Emiratisation and gender diversity as we secure the people we need to grow our business and contribute to our nation’s sustainable economic development for decades to come.”

EGA hired around 120 UAE Nationals in 2023 in total, including 37 women. Over 95 per cent of EGA’s 2023 UAE National recruits were under the age of 35. While EGA recruits mid-career experts, the company focuses on attracting and developing young people who are starting their careers as talent for the future.

At the end of 2023, EGA’s in-focus Emiratisation rate was 42.6 per cent. On a like-for-like basis, EGA has one of the highest Emiratisation rates of any major company considering the high number of industrial positions.

EGA now aims to accelerate in-focus Emiratisation, targeting that the number of UAE Nationals rises as a proportion of the in-focus workforce by two per cent every year to reach 48 per cent by 2026. This means EGA expects to hire up to 500 UAE Nationals over the next three years, including replacements for staff turnover and company growth.

EGA also recruited 30 graduate trainees in 2023, including a majority of 17 women amongst the cohort. Graduate trainees complete 18 or 24 months of training for supervisory positions in corporate functions or in industrial operations.

Over 1,200 UAE Nationals work at EGA and over 700 of EGA’s Emirati employees are under the age of 35 years old.

EGA cooperates with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Department of Government Enablement and Dubai Government Human Resources Department in the recruitment of young UAE Nationals for some of the company’s National Training programmes.

EGA employs over 470 women in the UAE in total, including more than 160 in operations. EGA aims to increase the proportion of supervisory positions in the UAE held by women to 25 per cent by 2025 and is targeting 15 per cent of all roles at EGA being held by women by 2026.

EGA’s National Training Programmes develop high school leavers for technical roles. More than 5,000 UAE Nationals have graduated from these programmes since they were first established in 1982, with many then having long and successful careers with EGA.

EGA aims to recruit around least 20 women as part of the new trainees cohort. They join 20 women already on the training programmes, after EGA opened them to women for last year. This is the first time EGA has worked with DGE to recruit women for National Training Programmes for front-line operational roles. EGA has long recruited women as graduate trainees, and almost two-thirds of the company’s current cohort are female.

More than 160 women work in Operations at EGA in the UAE, out of a total female workforce of almost 500.

Her Excellency Amal Al Jaberi, DGE representative on Human Resources and Talent Affairs said: "Through this collaboration, we aim to empower UAE National talent and enhance their career development in the industrial sector. We look forward to witnessing their successes as they embark on their professional journey with Emirates Global Aluminium."

She added, "We highly value the significant role of EGA in encouraging jobseekers to engage in this field. We will continue our efforts to nurture UAE National talent and promote their growth and development in cooperation with our strategic partners in both the public and private sectors, effectively contributing to the strategic goals of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi." 

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “We have focused on Emiratisation for decades, to secure the talent EGA needs to contribute to the UAE’s industrial growth and economic diversification. We are grateful to DGE for our ongoing partnership in helping us find ambitious young people to join our company.”

EGA employs over 1,200 UAE Nationals in total, and on a like-for-like basis has one of the highest rates of Emiratisation of any major company.

The new recruits will start with intensive training at EGA's technical training centre, which provides programmes certified by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Training.

The duration of training varies between six months and three years, depending on specific roles. Upon completing their training at the centre, the candidates will receive further practical training on-site at EGA's smelters and power plants before being offered permanent operational roles within the company.

EGA currently has 75 graduate trainees, 49 of them women, and all UAE Nationals. Graduate trainees complete 18 or 24 months of training for supervisory positions in corporate functions or in industrial operations. For graduate trainees in operations, this includes periods working shifts in front-line operational roles they will supervise, such as tending reduction cells.

EGA employs over 471 women in the UAE in total, including more than 160 in operations. The company is aiming for women to hold 25 per cent of supervisory positions by 2025, and 15 per cent of all positions by 2026.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “Emirati Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise the role of UAE National women at EGA, and to assess our progress in championing gender diversity. Diversity drives business performance, and also enables the best talents from right across society to contribute to the progress of our nation. That is why we have set ourselves ambitious goals to further increase the role of women at EGA.”

The UAE is one of few countries in the world where more women than men graduate from university in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. EGA is a major employer of STEM professionals, with around 1,500 people working at the company in these roles.

On Emirati Women’s Day, EGA’s senior leaders will attend an event organised by EGA’s Women’s Network to discuss how to make further progress on gender diversity.

Last year, EGA recruited 100 UAE National women in total, out of a total UAE National intake of just over 220. The average age of EGA’s UAE National recruits was 23 years old.

EGA has appointed women to nine positions on subsidiary Boards in recent years, and is a partner of Aurora50, a UAE organisation which helps prepare women for Board-level roles.

In 2022, EGA opened National Training programmes for front-line roles in industrial operations to women for the first time, with 11 young UAE National women joining during the year. To date this year, 9 female national trainees have joined.

EGA’s Summer Training Programme is now in its 21st year. The programme aims to give UAE students, particularly of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, their first experience of working in industry.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, said: ”Achievement of the UAE’s industrial growth strategy, Operation 300bn, requires more young people to choose careers in STEM fields. Our Summer Training Programme is a great opportunity for young UAE Nationals to get their first experience in an industrial company. I look forward to welcoming this year’s cohort to EGA, and to seeing many of them later choosing careers in UAE industry.”  

The Summer Training programme is just part of EGA’s drive to develop young talent in the UAE. EGA has sponsored more than 500 students through their university studies since 2001, and currently has 80 graduate trainees working at the company.

EGA also runs National Training Programmes for high school leavers, for development into technical roles. More than 5,000 UAE Nationals have graduated from these programmes since they were first established in 1982, with many then having long and successful careers with EGA.

EGA recruited more than 220 UAE Nationals last year, including 100 women. The average age of EGA’s 2022 UAE National intake was 23 years old.

EGA also runs outreach programmes to inspire youth interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics which reached more than 6,000 students in 2022. These programmes include ‘Engineer the Future’, EGA’s Ambassador Programme, and the Al Robot competition for university engineering students.

United Arab Emirates, 8 February 2023: Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside oil and gas, today signed an agreement with the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (NAFIS) to share the company’s best practice in Emiratisation with the private sector.

EGA has one of the highest Emiratisation rates of any major company, when accounting for the high number of blue collar roles in heavy industry. Under the agreement, NAFIS and EGA will cooperate so private sector companies can benefit from EGA’s more than four decades of experience in Emiratisation.

The agreement was signed at EGA’s Al Taweelah site in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, by His Excellency Ghannam Butti Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of NAFIS, and Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA.

During the visit, His Excellency Dr. Al Awar greeted several hundred newly-recruited Emiratis at EGA.

The recruits are amongst the more than 220 UAE Nationals EGA hired last year, including 100 women. The average age of EGA’s 2022 Emirati intake was 23 years old. While EGA recruits mid-career experts, the company focuses on attracting and developing young people who are starting their careers as talent for the future.

NAFIS is a Federal Government initiative that aims to raise the competitiveness of Emirati citizens and provide them with job opportunities in the private sector, including through recruitment, training, and salary and benefits support. NAFIS is projected to allocate around 24 billion dirhams to provide benefits to 170,000 Emirati citizens within five years of its initiation.

EGA finished 2022 with an in-focus Emiratisation rate of 42 per cent.

His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation said:

“Meeting the talented young Emiratis starting their careers at EGA was a true pleasure.

 EGA has always been at the forefront of Emiratisation over the past decades, with local talent the foundation of this UAE industrial company’s global competitiveness. All private sector companies can benefit from EGA's expertise as we work to drive Emiratisation in our national economy."

His Excellency Ghannam Butti Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of ETCC, said: "We are honoured to partner with EGA as a key member of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, NAFIS, in alignment with the government's efforts to establish strong partnerships and create a supportive environment for Emiratis to excel in the private sector. Our partnership demonstrates our commitment to promoting collaboration for the benefit of private sector employees through the NAFIS programme and its empowering initiatives. We commend EGA for its unwavering dedication and comprehensive programme to cultivate productive Emirati human capital in the private industrial sector."

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “Recruiting and developing UAE Nationals has been a priority at EGA since we began production in the late 1970s. Emiratisation at EGA ensures we have the talent we need to succeed, as well as creating opportunities for local men and women in line with national priorities. We look forward to working closely with NAFIS to support its work to accelerate Emiratisation across the UAE’s private sector. I was honoured to introduce His Excellency to some of our new recruits.”

Iman Al Qasim, Executive Vice President of Human Capital at Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “The agreement with NAFIS will enable us to share our knowledge and experience on recruiting and developing UAE Nationals to succeed in the private sector. Partnership with NAFIS will also support our own further Emiratisation through the recruitment and development of UAE Nationals.  As our own goal is to continuously improve our Emiratisation performance at EGA for the future success of the company as well as the nation.”.”

EGA’s National Training programmes develop young UAE Nationals for operational roles in EGA’s industrial facilities and in administration. More than 5,000 UAE Nationals have graduated from the programmes since they were first established in 1982, with many pursuing long and successful careers at EGA and some reaching the highest levels in the company.

Almost 1,200 UAE Nationals now work at EGA. Over 700 of EGA’s Emirati employees are under the age of 35.

The average age of EGA’s new UAE National recruits was 23 years old. While EGA recruits mid-career experts, the company focuses on attracting and developing young people who are starting their careers as talent for the future.

Some 146 of the 2022 recruits joined EGA’s National Training programmes, which prepare high school leavers for technical positions in the company’s industrial facilities and administration. EGA also recruited 43 graduate trainees during the year.

EGA finished 2022 with an in-focus Emiratisation rate of 42 per cent. When considering the high number of blue-collar positions in heavy industry, EGA has one of the highest Emiratisation rates of any major company.

Almost 1,200 UAE Nationals work at EGA and over 700 of EGA’s Emirati employees are under the age of 35 years old.

EGA’s goal is to create 500 additional opportunities for UAE Nationals by 2026, taking the company to 45 per cent in-focus Emiratisation.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “In line with the economic agenda for the next decade of the UAE’s wise leadership,  we will continue focusing on Emiratisation to secure the strong talent we need for our future and to create opportunity for young UAE Nationals in our country’s industrial sector. We are particularly focused on recruiting and developing women, as diverse organisations perform better. National talent development has been a priority at EGA for more than 40 years, during which we have made a substantial contribution to the UAE’s Emiratisation goals.” 

Iman Al Qasim, Executive Vice President of Human Capital at Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “We have a bold aspiration for EGA to be the industrial employer of choice in the countries where we operate by 2030, and a talent-driven organisation. We look forward to the talented young UAE Nationals in our 2022 intake developing their skills in our sector, and playing key roles in the future development of our company.”

More than 5,000 UAE Nationals have graduated from EGA’s National Training Programmes for high school leavers since they were first established in 1982. The programmes last between six and 36 months depending on specialism, and many participants have gone on pursue long and successful careers at EGA with some reaching senior leadership positions.

In 2022, EGA opened National Training programmes for roles in industrial operations to women for the first time, with 16 young UAE National women joining during the year. Most of the places on EGA’s National Training programme for administration roles are taken by women.

EGA cooperates with Abu Dhabi’s Human Resources Authority in the recruitment of young UAE Nationals for some of the company’s National Training programmes.

EGA aims to increase the proportion of women in the UAE to 25 per cent by 2025 and is targeting 15 per cent of all roles at EGA being held by women by 2026.

Some 31 UAE Nationals joined EGA as experienced hires in 2022.