Emirates Steel, the only integrated steel plant in the UAE and a subsidiary of General Holding Corporation (GHC), celebrated the 39th UAE National Day with a unique and memorable event for its c. 1,400 employees.
Commenting on this important occasion, Engineer Suhail Al Ameri, Emirates Steel's Chairman and Director General of GHC, said "celebrating the National Day is our way of showing our appreciation to our Country and to its people. We are entitled to, and indeed should, celebrate our success and should be proud of our achievements. Our Country has become a model in prosperity and progress, proof of our leaders' prudence and their drive and enthusiasm to attain comprehensive development. Our National Day in the UAE is as important now as it was 39 years ago when the Country was founded, but today's Emiratis are adopting a more entrepreneurial role in the Nation's development by harnessing their culture with lucrative business models".
Engineer Al Ameri offered his greetings and congratulations to the leadership and the people of the UAE on the occasion of the National Day. He extended greetings to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates.
On 30 November, Emirates Steel's employees joined together in a show of solidarity with the Nation, to display their harmony with the diverse nationalities in the country. The event gave them a memorable opportunity to celebrate the National Day in a fun and meaningful way that helped in giving them a sense of belonging and respect for the UAE's values, culture and traditions.
The National Day festivities at Emirates Steel provided both fun and insight for the employees who participated in or witnessed the event. Cultural and entertainment programs, which took place in a traditional Bedouin tent, included knowledge sharing about the Country's heritage and customs, including handicrafts, local food and music. UAE flags were placed in front of the Company, while employees wore T-shirts and flag pins on their uniforms. Red, white, green and black balloons decorated the area.
"As the Country completes 39 years from its formation, the UAE is marching on a firm foot towards economic diversification," pointed out Mr. Mubarak Al Khaili, Emirates Steel's Vice President - Commercial Strategy. "By virtue of the wise policies and the balanced approach of the Country's Leadership, as well as its strategic location and powerful economy, the UAE has become a meeting place for global economic institutions and investment. It has also won the reputation as one of the most sought out cultural destinations and a venue for major international exhibitions," he added.
Shedding light on the strategy of economic diversification, Mr. Al Khaili stressed that the efforts of the UAE and its strategic plans are focused on transforming the UAE into a regional hub for the global economy, making it a pioneer in the economic, investment, industrial, technological and scientific fields.
As part of the celebration, the Company organized a competition that encouraged employees to answer questions that focused on the history of the UAE, its major landmarks, and significant achievements throughout its 39 years of progress and development. Ten employees emerged winners in a raffle draw.
During the celebrations, Emirates Steel announced that it has surpassed its 2010 target for the Emiratisation of its workforce and will reach a level of 31% for its Phase 1 expansion program by the end of the year. "During a successful year, with continuing growth and the unveiling of exciting future plans, the Company has continued to identify and employ National talent, making Emirates Steel a pivotal contributor in achieving the goals of Abu Dhabi Vision 2030," said Mr. Mahmood Al Hameli, VP – Administrative support.
Emirates Steel currently employs 318 UAE Nationals; by 2015 their numbers will more than double the current strength, which reflects an Emiratisation level of 56% within the Company's Phase 1 expansion program and 29% for Phase 2. The Company's target is to increase the number of UAE National employees over the next five years to some 650. "We are committed to expanding our operations and facilities over the coming years and to maintaining our proactive approach to UAE National employment," Mr. Al Hameli concluded.
