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9/24/25, 10:57 AM UAE government jobs: Private sector experience a major advantage for citizens | Khaleej Times
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Athari Mohamed, Executive Director of Human Resources and
Development at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA),
highlighted the distinct advantages of hiring Emiratis from the private
sector. “We believe in the competencies of citizens wherever they
may be, whether in the private or government sector,” she said.

“However, what distinguishes citizens in the private sector is the
nature of work in that sector, the existing diversity, and the fact that
citizens in the private sector interact with various nationalities and
inclusive sectors, with longer working hours and more intense goals.”

She added that the private sector’s agility allows for quicker
adaptation and execution. “The government has laws and decisions
that take time to implement, but the private sector has more flexible
policies. When a citizen in the private sector is prepared in this way, it
becomes easier for them to adapt to the government, and it is also
easier for us to recruit from the private sector because they are
skilled and quick in making changes and executing tasks.”

This sentiment is echoed by Abdulaziz Al-Falahi, General Supervisor
of Recruitment Operations in the Private Sector at the UAE Human
Resources Development Council.

He emphasised the importance of gaining experience in the private
sector as a stepping stone for career growth. “We emphasise the
importance of working in the private sector; the goal of the private
sector is to gain experience. Most companies are global, and citizens
gain experience and knowledge by working in them.”

Al-Falahi suggested that the experience gained in the private sector
can even empower Emiratis to become entrepreneurs. “For example,
if a citizen works in the logistics sector at a company for three years,
they have no excuse not to establish their own company.”

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