Dubai Airports has announced a collaboration with Serco, a leading public services company, to drive the recruitment and development of the Emirati workforce across key operational areas at both Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International – Dubai World Central (DWC).

As part of the MoU, both organisations aim to work together to create career growth opportunities for graduate trainees, fresh graduates, and experienced professionals, with a focus on preparing them for leadership roles in the aviation sector. These efforts align with and support the UAE’s goal of boosting Emiratisation and Dubai Airports' commitment to meeting national targets.

This collaboration also marks a key step towards public-private partnerships aimed at building a skilled, diverse, and sustainable local workforce. It is part of several initiatives for improving Emiratisation at Dubai Airports, including learning and upskilling programs such as Future Faces, the Rising Stars Internship, and the Fire Services Training Programme, all designed to empower Emiratis.

Meshari Al Bannai, Chief People Officer at Dubai Airports, said, “Our collaboration with Serco reinforces our commitment to advancing the UAE’s strategy of cultivating a thriving Emirati workforce through strategic public-private partnerships. It creates meaningful opportunities for Emiratis to develop, lead, and shape the future of aviation. This MoU sets a benchmark for future collaborations, encouraging other partners to join us in championing Emirati talent and contributing to the UAE’s economic growth.”

Hana Abu Kharmeh, Chief Operating Officer at Serco Middle East, said, “Emiratisation is integral to Serco’s purpose to impact a better future, ensuring the next generation is at the forefront of innovation and leadership within the aviation sector. We have witnessed our Emirati colleagues thrive, develop, and excel while working with our long-term client, Dubai Airports. This partnership marks a significant step forward in our shared vision to create even more opportunities, focusing on nurturing, training, experience, and development to support progression and career advancement."

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Recently, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation – UAE extended the deadline for meeting Emiratisation targets and mandated key sectors to hire at least one Emirati worker before 2025. As part of the UAE’s Emiratisation goals, companies with 50 or more workers must achieve a 2 per cent annual increase in hiring and retaining Emiratis in skilled jobs, aiming for a 10 per cent increase by the end of 2026. The ministry also warned against ‘fake Emiratisation’ efforts to meet the targets.