Expo 2020 A “Once In A Life Time Opportunity” To Lure Emiratis To The Private Sector – Report

Expo 2020 is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for the UAE to attract and retain Emiratis to the private sector, according to a report commissioned by the UAE’s Federal Authority of Human Resources.

The mega event could shift the balance of employment away from the public sector, found David Jones, managing director of The Talent Enterprise, and author of the report.

“This is very exciting and game-changing, as it would necessitate greater innovation and closer partnerships between the public and private sector,” he said.

“The HR community has a central role to play in contributing to the preparation of the Expo and realising its benefits,” added Jones.

Expo 2020 will provide new career options for the Emirati youth and facilitate the on-going increase in the inclusion of women in business, especially in the private sector, according to the report.

Sectors including retail, hospitality, event management, media and real estate are expected to look increasingly promising for younger Emiratis because of the event.

“As a result, this may also help elevate the status and acceptability of vocational education as an alternate route. This should also spur an increased interest in entrepreneurship and the initiation of more SMEs,” said Radhika Punshi, human capital expert and consulting director at The Talent Enterprise.

The Talent Enterprise predicted that the hospitality, transportation, real estate, retail and banking and financial service sectors, would need to significantly expand as a result of Expo 2020.

While the top 10 skills in high demand in the build up to the event are expected to be:

1. Customer Service.
2. Project Management Planning and Execution.
3. Engineering and Technical.
4. Architecture, Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development.
5. Digital Business Skills.
6. Digital Design Skills.
7. Social Media and Web 2.0.
8. Event Management, Marketing and PR.
9. Health, Safety and Environment.
10. Financial Analysis, Due Diligence and Monitoring.