• Majid Al Futtaim recognised for its commitment to creating meaningful career paths for more than 3000 Emiratis under the UAE’s Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council programme

Dubai, UAE – 10 October 2025 – Majid Al Futtaim, a leading shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, has been recognised as one of the UAE’s top private sector contributors by the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council at the 2025 NAFIS Awards, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, Head of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Council’s Board of Directors.

Majid Al Futtaim was recognised for the third consecutive year, receiving recognition in the Large Entities category for its outstanding Emiratisation achievements, during a ceremony held at Qasr Al Watan on 8th October. It was also acknowledged for its success in advancing Emirati talent across the entertainment industry, taking the first prize in the category. As a proud Emirati-company, and one of the largest privately held conglomerates in the region, Majid Al Futtaim has long understood the remarkable wealth of talent in the UAE, and its responsibility in creating opportunities for that talent to thrive.

Commenting on the award, Ahmed Galal Ismail, Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, said “Receiving the Nafis Award for the third consecutive year is an honour that reflects Majid Al Futtaim’s enduring commitment to nurturing Emirati talent across our businesses. This recognition highlights the strength, dedication, and ambition of our Emirati colleagues who continue to shape our company’s future and contribute to the UAE’s national vision. 

We are proud to play a part in building pathways for growth through employment, leadership, innovation, and purpose among the next generation of Emirati professionals. Their success is our shared success, and it is what inspires us to keep investing in people, skills, and opportunities that empower national talent to thrive.”

The Group’s commitment to working in partnership with the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council through the NAFIS programme to advance the UAE’s Emiratisation strategy is underpinned by long-term investments in learning and development. 

Its UAE Nationals Leadership Development Programme (ULP), which includes bespoke modules from leading international business schools such as Stanford, Wharton School of Business and Yale, provides Emirati talent with access to some of the world’s most advanced business thinkers, equipping employees with future-ready skills and perspectives.  While its focus on designing adaptive learning programmes, such as the Aaouda Returnship Programme for Emirati women returning to the workforce, and the Majid Al Futtaim AI Academy, support the bespoke needs of Emirati talent throughout their careers. These schemes, in addition to dedicated leadership training and a business that spans multiple industries, enables Majid Al Futtaim to provide meaningful career opportunities that encourage both personal and professional growth at all skills and experience levels.