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jobalertshopThe United Arab Emirates, and particularly the city of Dubai, have been able to achieve unparalleled success over the past few decades. This success has mainly been attributed to the influx of expats who have come to work in the city, contributing to its growth and development. Today, the city is one of the most diverse in the world, with over 200 nationalities living and working in Dubai. The city’s economy is heavily reliant on this diverse workforce, which has enabled it to become a hub for trade, tourism, and commerce. However, with diversity comes the challenge of inclusion, especially in a society that has a complex blend of cultures, religions, and languages.
Over the past few years, Dubai has taken significant steps towards promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. These steps have involved a combination of government policies, private sector initiatives, and cultural change. One of the most significant steps taken by the government was the launch of the Diversity and Inclusion Charter in 2019. This charter aims to promote diversity and inclusion in the private sector by encouraging companies to sign up and adopt policies that ensure equality, non-discrimination, and inclusivity.
The charter has received significant support not only from the government but also from the private sector. Many companies have signed up, including some of the largest employers in Dubai. Signing up is not just a symbolic statement but rather involves an exhaustive process of self-assessment, identifying areas that need improvement based on international best practices, and setting goals for better diversity and inclusion in the future.
The charter comes at a time when the private sector is increasingly recognizing the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workforce. Numerous studies have shown that a diverse workforce leads to better innovation, better decision-making, and better business performance. It has also been shown that a more diverse workforce can help companies better navigate the cultural nuances of international markets, something that is critically important for companies based in Dubai that cater to a diverse clientele.
Apart from the government’s initiatives, private companies have also implemented their own diversity and inclusion policies. One such example is Emirates Group, which has been consistently ranked as one of the best employers in the UAE. The company has developed an inclusive workplace culture that celebrates diversity and embraces differences. It has been recognized for its commitment to gender diversity by many organizations, including The Women’s Forum for the Economy and Society.
Another company that has been making efforts towards diversity and inclusion is Johnson & Johnson. The company has been running a diversity and inclusion program called Bridge to Employment in Dubai, aimed at promoting STEM education among young girls from diverse backgrounds. The program has also recently been expanded to include young boys, aiming to promote STEM education for all. Such programs not only help companies create a more diverse and inclusive workforce but also contribute to the development of society as a whole.
Despite the progress made in recent years, there are still significant challenges that need to be addressed. For instance, gender diversity remains a challenge in many sectors of the economy. Women in Dubai make up only 28% of the labor force, despite the fact that they make up 52% of the population. This is mainly due to cultural barriers that prevent women from participating in the workforce, as well as legal issues such as the requirement of a male guardian for many transactions.
Another challenge is the lack of diversity in upper management positions. Although companies are making efforts to improve diversity in their workforces, they have not translated into increased diversity in top management positions. For instance, a recent study by consultancy firm McKinsey found that women hold only 4% of chief executive positions in the UAE. Although there are some notable exceptions, such as Lubna Olayan, who heads the Saudi investment firm Olayan Group, such examples remain few and far between.
However, there are significant opportunities for further improvement. One such opportunity is the continued growth of the UAE’s economy, which is expected to grow at a rate of 4% over the next few years. This growth is expected to create new job opportunities across various sectors of the economy, providing an opportunity to increase diversity in the workforce.
Another opportunity is the increasing globalization of the UAE’s market. The UAE hosts several international companies, many of which have diverse workforces. This increasing globalization is expected to create a demand for a more diverse workforce that can better cater to international clients and customers.
Finally, there is the opportunity provided by changing cultural attitudes towards diversity and inclusion. The younger generation in the UAE is increasingly open to diversity and inclusion, and many are pushing for greater acceptance of diversity in society. This cultural shift is expected to translate into the workplace, creating a more inclusive and diverse work environment.
In conclusion, Dubai has made significant progress towards promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, with the government and private sector both playing a significant role. Efforts towards diversity and inclusion have helped to create a more innovative and competitive workforce, contributing to the continued growth of Dubai’s economy. However, there is still much work to be done, and continued efforts are needed to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute to society and realize their potential.
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