Title: The role of workforce skills development for entrepreneurship: an Emiratisation perspective

Authors: Khaled Al Kaabi; Maqsood Sandhu

Addresses: College of Business and Economics, United Arab Emirates University, UAE ' College of Business and Economics, United Arab Emirates University, UAE

Abstract: The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of skills development in establishing and empowering the workforce resulting into Emiratisation of the labour market in the UAE. A framework for the development of Emirati workforce is presented with special emphasis on the human developments for the private sector. This study provides a better understanding of the dynamic processes and special skills required for Emirati workforce. A quantitative approach is adopted to reveal the Emiratisation that confronts many entrepreneurial challenges. The results reveal the need to pursue and develop abilities and skills for the Emiratisation as a key factor for entrepreneurial activity in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Our findings suggest that government support for consultancy and advisor services, market conditions and government policies, acquisition and transmission of technology, financing and availability of infrastructure contributes to Emiratisation. No such comprehensive study was found to have considered impact of such factors on entrepreneurship with special focus on skill development requirements.

Keywords: skills development; entrepreneurship; Emiratisation; private sector; knowledge transfer; Abu Dhabi; UAE.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2018.088317

International Journal of Business Excellence, 2018 Vol.14 No.1, pp.101 - 120

Received: 09 Mar 2016
Accepted: 06 Sep 2016
Published online: 04 Dec 2017 *

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