Latest news with #Emiratisation
Mid East Info
27 minutes ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
The GCC Rail Renaissance – Building a Connected, Sustainable Future - Middle East Business News and Information
The Gulf region is undergoing a transformative rail boom, with major infrastructure projects gaining momentum. By David Franks – Managing Director, Keolis MHI Dubai, UAE – 24th July 2025:The Gulf region is undergoing a rail revolution. With billions invested into new railway corridors, the GCC is writing a new chapter in transportation, one that connects economies, enables sustainable growth, and enhances the way people move across borders. Projects like Etihad Rail in the UAE, the Hafeet Rail link with Oman, and Saudi Arabia's Landbridge are setting the pace for regional integration. These developments are turning long-standing visions of seamless movement between cities, ports, and countries into reality. The upcoming 2,177-kilometer GCC Railway stands as a symbol of unity and ambition, ready to connect 6 nations and unlock the full potential of cross-border travel and trade. The shift toward rail is creating real momentum for national and regional goals. Rail is among the most environmentally efficient modes of transport, supporting the transition to lower carbon mobility. The region is embracing innovation, evident in Saudi Arabia's successful hydrogen-powered train trial, the first of its kind in the Middle East. This achievement highlights the GCC's ability to lead on clean technology and align transport systems with future energy strategies. The GCC is not just keeping pace; it's poised to become a global model for sustainable rail innovation. Technological advancement is at the heart of this transformation. Modern rail networks are powered by data, automation, and intelligent systems. Predictive maintenance, AI-enhanced operations, smart ticketing, and real-time customer updates are raising the bar across every touchpoint of the passenger journey. Rail operators today are expected to deliver speed, comfort, safety, and sustainability, all within a single, seamless experience. Keolis MHI is proud to be part of this evolution. With deep expertise gained from operating complex rail systems across four continents, we are bringing global best practices into the Gulf. Our work demonstrates how operational excellence, safety, and innovation can work hand in hand to meet the expectations of modern cities. Our global experience positions us as a strong partner for emerging rail projects across the region, where knowledge transfer, advanced systems, and local capacity-building are essential. Our role extends beyond daily operations. We contribute to building smart, connected cities. By supporting national priorities like Emiratisation, investing in local talent, and improving last-mile connectivity, we help create transport ecosystems that improve quality of life. Innovation at Keolis MHI is grounded in impact, how we serve communities, enable access, and shape sustainable futures. Strong public-private collaboration is essential to turn these large-scale rail projects into long-term successes. Governments and operators must work side-by-side to ensure infrastructure delivery is efficient, resilient, and aligned with public needs. The GCC's commitment to fostering such partnerships creates the right conditions for growth, performance, and accountability. The regional rail boom is laying the foundation for the next era of transportation in the Middle East. This is a defining moment. With the right partnerships, innovative thinking, and shared vision, the GCC has the opportunity to become a global leader in rail. At Keolis MHI, we are ready to move forward, bringing experience, agility, and a future-focused mindset to every project we support. Key Reference Etihad Rail (UAE): Stage Two operations commenced in February 2023, extending the network to 900 km. While freight services are operational, passenger services are yet to be scheduled. Link 1, Link 2. Hafeet Rail (UAE–Oman): A $3 billion joint venture between Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala, aiming to connect Abu Dhabi and Sohar with a 303 km line. Link 1, Link 2. Saudi Landbridge Project: A planned 950 km freight line linking Jeddah to Riyadh, with an additional 115 km line connecting Dammam to Jubail, enhancing east-west connectivity in Saudi Arabia. Link 1, Link 2. Saudi Arabia Hydrogen Train: Tested in 2024. Link 1. GCC Railway Network: A 2,177 km inter-GCC rail network aiming for completion by 2030, designed to streamline trade and enhance connectivity between major economic zones across the Gulf states. Link 1, Link 2.
Zawya
11 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Serco awarded a Global Leading Employers award as a top 1% employer
Serco, the international provider of critical government services, has won a Global Leading Employers award and been recognised as belonging to the top 1% of international employers. Leading Employers is the world's most comprehensive study on employer quality. Compiled by the Institute of Research & Data Aggregation, based in Germany, the study draws on a broad spectrum of sources, feedback and criteria to develop a holistic assessment of employers, across categories including recruiting performance, employee experience, work-life balance, compensation and benefits, culture and values, and prosperity and leadership. Under the leadership of CEO Phil Malem, Serco in the Middle East has undergone a transformative journey repositioning itself as a strategic partner to local governments. The launch of +impact, Serco's advisory business in 2023, redefined government consulting in the region, combining strategic insight with on-the-ground delivery. Here in the region, the company has also exceeded its Emiratisation targets by 657% and increased the number of female nationals in its workforce by 133%, with gender parity now achieved at leadership level. Serco Middle East's 2024 gender pay gap review also reflects a 0.94% pay gap in favour of its female colleagues – a testament to its commitment to equity, inclusion, and rewarding talent based on performance and potential. These milestones reflect Serco's deep commitment to national development, inclusion and sustainability, further underscored by the integration of Climatize and ExperienceLab into its growing advisory business. Today, with over 4,500 employees supporting vital services, Serco is aligned with regional visions such as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE Centennial Plan, championing citizen-first service delivery across the Middle East Chief Operating Officer for Serco Middle East, Hana Abu Kharmeh, said: 'Being recognised among the top 1% of employers globally is a powerful endorsement of the culture we've built at Serco in the Middle East. Our focus on inclusion, national talent development and employee wellbeing has created an environment where people feel empowered to grow and contribute meaningfully to the communities we serve. This award is a tribute to our incredible teams across the region who live our values every day.' About Serco Serco brings together the right people, the right technology and the right partners to create innovative solutions that make positive impact and address some of the most urgent and complex challenges facing the modern world. With a primary focus on serving governments globally, Serco's services are powered by more than 50,000 people working across defence, space, migration, justice, healthcare, mobility and customer services. Serco's core capabilities include service design and advisory, resourcing, complex programme management, systems integration, case management, engineering, and asset & facilities management. Underpinned by Serco's unique operating model, Serco drives innovation and supports customers from service discovery through to delivery.
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Private sector given two months to appoint replacement when Emirati's service is terminated
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has affirmed that if a private sector establishment terminates the service of an Emirati for reasons such as violations or absences, it will be given a two-month grace period to appoint a replacement and the contribution will be calculated in the event of a delay. If an Emirati is appointed at the beginning of the year but has not completed the year, the establishment will be given a two-month grace period to appoint a replacement upon the commencement of the applied contribution in order to meet the prescribed percentage, it added, noting that the contribution would be calculated in the event of a delay. Emiratisation rates are calculated based on the work permits of Emiratis registered in the MoHRE's approved systems according to four conditions: 1) The Emirati must have a valid work permit. 2) His wages must be paid through the Wage Protection System or any other system approved by a UAE competent authority. 3) He must be registered with the approved pension funds. 4) He and the establishment must have a contractual relationship that meets all the terms and conditions in accordance with the Labour Relations Regulation Law and its executive regulations and decisions. The MoHRE stated that employers and establishments can obtain details of the decision on the employment of two per cent of national cadres and download the decision through the MoHRE's website ( marketing brochures on the MoHRE's social media account or contact its call centre on 600590000. The representatives of establishments can also attend workshops that are organised regularly to explain the latest developments of the decision and its implementation mechanism. Economic activities and establishments are studied in terms of job types, work environment, geographical location, nature of economic growth, and Emiratisation priorities. The targeted activities for Emiratisation rates in the first edition included information and communications; financial activities; insurance activities; real estate activities; professional, scientific and technical activities; administrative services activities; support services; education; human health activities, social work; arts and entertainment; mining and quarrying; manufacturing industries; construction; wholesale and retail trade; transportation and storage; and accommodation and hospitality services, among others. The activities are updated regularly according to the Emiratisation priorities in the private sector.
What's On
3 days ago
- Business
- What's On
Emiratisation targets: Over 152,000 Emiratis now in private sector
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has recently released the newest statistics with regard to the number of Emirati citizens working in the private sector. As of June 30, 2025, there are more than 152,000 working in the private sector, employed across 29,000 companies. This was the initial deadline set for the Emiratisation targets for the first half of the year. This is an increase from 100,000 in May of 2024, as reported by The National. Emirati citizens are currently employed across six main economic sectors such as business services, financial intermediation, trade, repair services, construction and manufacturing. This is the result of various Emiratisation policies, initiatives, and the Nafis programme, guided by the vision of the UAE leadership. These talents continue to add value to business sustainability, growth and encourages an inclusive workplace. Our latest statistics show that the number of Emirati citizens working in the private sector has surpassed 152,000, employed across more than 29,000 companies as of 30 June 2025, the deadline set for achieving Emiratisation targets for the first half of the year. These ongoing… — وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) July 21, 2025 What is the Nafis Programme? Nafis is a governmental programme aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the Emirati human resources and empowering them to occupy jobs in the United Arab Emirates' private sector over the next five years. There are various benefits under the Nafis Programme such as salary support schemes, unemployement benefits, child-support schemes, training and more. You can find all of the information on Emirati government employees are now also entitled to 10 days paid marriage leave, in the first year of marriage. This can be taken in one block or in multiple instances throughout the first year of marriage. Image: Getty Images > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
ARN News Center
4 days ago
- Business
- ARN News Center
Over 152,000 Emiratis now employed in private sector
The number of Emiratis working in the private sector has now crossed 152,000 — employed across more than 29,000 companies as of June 30, the deadline for meeting Emiratisation targets for the first half of 2025. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) credited this achievement to the effectiveness of the UAE's Emiratisation policies and the Nafis programme, calling it a key milestone in integrating national talent into the private sector workforce. UAE nationals are now employed in six major sectors including business services, construction, finance, trade and manufacturing, holding roles from specialists to managers and administrative staff. The ministry also reported a 33 per cent year-on-year increase in private-sector companies operating in the UAE — a sign of ongoing economic expansion and a supportive business environment. Looking ahead, the MoHRE is aiming for a further 1 per cent increase in skilled Emirati hires at larger companies by year-end, while also requiring smaller firms (20 to 49 employees) in 14 key sectors to onboard at least one Emirati by December. The ministry says it will continue offering incentives through the Nafis programme to support companies meeting their targets and reaffirmed its commitment to building a strong, competitive and inclusive national workforce. Our latest statistics show that the number of Emirati citizens working in the private sector has surpassed 152,000, employed across more than 29,000 companies as of 30 June 2025, the deadline set for achieving Emiratisation targets for the first half of the year. These ongoing… — وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) July 21, 2025
