Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technology, today announced it aims to focus on building and retaining human and organizational capital through a sustainable skill-based Emiratization program.

Organized under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Najah Education and Training and Careers 2011 opened on 18 October at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

Masdar Institute is showcasing its post-graduate academic programs which include Engineering Systems and Management, Computing and Information Science, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Water and Environmental Engineering, Microsystems Engineering, Electrical Power Engineering, and Chemical Engineering, as well as the outreach and recruitment programs at the three-day event.

UAE nationals represent 38% of the total workforce at Masdar Institute this year, up from 20% last year. This share is expected to increase further, following the UAE leadership’s directive to strengthen indigenous human capital and give priority to Emiratis in the recruitment process. Emiratization is given priority at Masdar Institute, which implements various measures to achieve its objectives in recruiting talented UAE nationals.

Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President of Masdar Institute, said: "As we all know Emiratization has been cited as one of the most important initiatives of the UAE government, but in order to be effective Masdar Institute is dedicated to the development of the country’s human capital through its graduate degree programs and broadening the depth and breadth of these young men and woman who will become the leaders of tomorrow and the engine that will drive economic and social change for the country and the region."

A wide range of career opportunities with competitive remuneration packages and substantial allowances are offered for qualified UAE nationals at Masdar Institute, which has renewed its commitment to Emiratization for the 2011-2012 academic year.

Sara Al Muhairi, Acting Human Resources Director, said: “Our recruitment strategy is based on three main principles – motivating staff though attractive wage packages, creating a healthy and sustainable work environment to retain employees, and preparing qualified nationals who are able to adapt to technology innovations and contribute to establishing Abu Dhabi as a leading research and development hub. Our aim is to integrate more Emiratis into the workplace and offer them the opportunity to support Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030 plan.”

Masdar Institute’s recruitment strategy is geared primarily to instill a sense of national pride among Emirati job applicants and help them build on the legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It seeks the participation of the UAE national youth in molding the human capital required for a successful transition towards a diversified knowledge-based economy.

The Human Resources Department at Masdar Institute has already developed several Emiratization strategies. A one-year Fresh Graduate Program targets students with high GPAs in various disciplines to develop professional skills and gain valuable work experience.

In coordination with local colleges and universities, summer internships are offered for undergraduate students to develop professional skills and gain first-hand experience at one of the Masdar Institute departments. At the same time, work placement internships are offered in collaboration with local universities to provide hands-on professional experience and help them gain practical insight into the workplace ahead of graduation.

A mini-theatre at the Masdar Institute pavilion at Najah Education and Training Exhibition and Career Fair 2011 offers adequate information on the employment opportunities at Masdar Institute as well as academic programs and other initiatives such as The Outreach Program, the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program, scholarship details for eligible students, and students’ activities. The pavilion also includes a Masdar stand that offers students information on its sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives.

Masdar Institute hosted the first-ever commencement ceremony in June this year when 72 students received their post-graduate degrees in sustainable and renewable energy programs. Seven of these students received immediate employment offers from overseas corporations while five others were employed within the UAE. The number of students at Masdar Institute is expected to touch 600 over the next five years.

The centerpiece of Masdar City, one of the carbon-neutral and sustainable cities in the world, Masdar Institute provides students an unparalleled opportunity in the entire spectrum of research, from theory to applied research to commercialization in a single location. With its best-in-class amenities for research and development in clean technologies, it aims to help drive economic diversification through human capital and technological innovation.

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