Majid Al Futtaim, the region’s leading retailer, today unveiled a raft of new senior appointments as it stepped up efforts to create‘national’ management elite. The move clearly signals the future direction of the Group with a new tier of Emirati executives appointed to its flagship enterprises.
The changes, which mark a new stage in the rollout of the Majid Al Futtaim emiratisation programme, have resulted in two ‘national’ Vice Presidents being appointed. Younis Al Mulla takes on the key role of VP Business Development, while Ali Al Abdulla has been assigned an overseas posting as VP Asset Management in Egypt.
In addition, six national General Managers have been appointed including Fareed Abdelrahman at Deira City Centre, Fuad Najjar at Ski Dubai, Fuad Sharaf at Mall of the Emirates, Jassem Al Janahi at Ajman City Centre and Yousif Othman at Sharjah City Centre.
Mohammed Malek, Vice President – Human Resources said: “These moves reflect the success of the Group’s long term strategic planning. We have a clear direction and vision, inspired by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The Group is one of the largest and most successful in the UAE and the regional sector which means it also has a responsibility to be a good corporate citizen contributing to our community here and host societies throughout the region.”
“Majid Al Futtaim Group is a very successful and strong business, and a model for development in the Arab World. We have to lead and encourage and we have to ensure that our national staff are given the opportunities they deserve.”
He also added “Our leadership programme is delivering. It is a matter for pride within the group that it has been such a success and that it has allowed our nationals to achieve very senior positions. It should also be a source of satisfaction for our community as a whole that our people are able to use their talents and receive recognition.”
“We have clear expectations for our national staff. We have clearly defined objectives that will offer the Group an elite crop of talent. We have been keen drivers of this programme because we are committed to encouraging young talented nationals to take on more challenging roles,” pointed out Malek
Majid Al Futtaim’s Emiratisation Programme is overseen by the Group’s Emiratisaton Committee to ensure that UAE nationals are given the required support to help them achieve career development and satisfaction in the private sector. The clearly defined plan puts emphasis on finding quality national talent, providing effective training programmes and a clear career development and progression plan.
The new leaders have been groomed for their positions through intensive on-the-job training, e-learning and external coaching. Most of the nationals began at trainee level and have worked long and hard to get to their positions today. Under the guidance and support of Mr. Majid Al Futtaim, the group’s aim is to increase the number of nationals in the workforce by recruiting qualified and talented Nationals and ensuring we are fulfilling the government quota.
Today Mall of the Emirates has 22% national staff, Deira City Centre has 31% nationals, Sharjah City Centre has 55%, and Ajman City Centre has over 71% nationals working at various levels; from trainees to senior management.
“We view Emiratisation as a very important aspect of our human resource planning. We look for every opportunity to enhance this programme resulting in the recruitment, training and retention of a qualified pool of local talent that would contribute towards the progress of the company and its success," concluded Mohammed Malek.
About Majid Al Futtaim Group:
Majid Al Futtaim Group LLC. is the region's most prominent developer of large consumer focused enterprises. The Group opened the first shopping mall in 1995 and has since created businesses of international significance which have changed the face of shopping, entertainment and leisure in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Over the past decade Majid Al Futtaim Group LLC. has taken its groundbreaking concepts across the region to Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and Lebanon. The Group consists of four major operating subsidiaries including: MAF Properties LLC. (MAF Hospitality, MAF Shopping Malls, MAF Developments, MAF Investment), MAF Trust LLC.(MAF ORIX), MAF Retail LLC. (MAF Hypermarkets) and MAF Ventures LLC. (MAF Fashion, MAF Dalkia, MAF Greater Union)
For additional information of the Majid Al Futtaim Group kindly visit www.majidalfuttaim.com
