The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) concluded its participation at Ru’ya Careers UAE 2026, continuing through the Dubai Government Platform to advance the capabilities of Emirati talent and broaden their career pathways, while building strategic and academic partnerships that support the development of the government human resources ecosystem and its readiness for future transformations in the workplace.

On the final day, DGHR continued its efforts to connect skills development with career opportunities through the Makken initiative, alongside the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi to cooperate on human resources-related research and studies. Together, these efforts reflect an approach that combines the development of Emirati talent with knowledge advancement to support the future of government work.

Skills and Knowledge: Two Pillars for Advancing the Human Resources Ecosystem

His Excellency Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, said that advancing the human resources ecosystem requires an integrated approach to developing the skills of Emirati talent and aligning them with labour market needs, while simultaneously building a strong research and knowledge base that contributes to the development of policies and practices and helps anticipate future transformations.

H.E. Al Falasi said: “We are building an integrated ecosystem that connects skills development, knowledge creation and expanded opportunities for Emirati talent. The Makken initiative translates this approach into action by equipping jobseekers with the capabilities that bring them closer to career opportunities, while our partnership with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi strengthens the research and knowledge dimension by harnessing scientific research and applied knowledge to advance the human resources ecosystem. Integrating these pathways is an important step towards preparing Emirati talent to meet future requirements, while developing knowledge-based policies and practices that respond to the rapid transformations shaping the workplace.”

Makken: Connecting Skills Development with Employment Opportunities

As part of DGHR’s efforts to prepare Emirati talent for the labour market, the Makken initiative for the development and employment of Emirati talent is being implemented in strategic partnership with Digital Dubai under the theme “Empowering Talent… Shaping the Future.” The initiative aims to develop the professional and digital skills of jobseekers and strengthen their ability to progress from skills development to exploring employment opportunities.

In its first phase, Makken will train 150 Emirati jobseekers and People of Determination through two specialised training pathways designed around the needs of the target groups and labour market requirements. The initiative is expected to expand in the coming years to reach a broader number and range of beneficiaries.

Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Digital Skills

His Excellency Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, said: “Artificial intelligence is reshaping the nature of jobs and the skills required by the labour market. Preparing Emirati talent for these transformations is therefore a shared priority that we are advancing with our partners by connecting skills development with real needs and practical opportunities. At Digital Dubai, we focus on enabling individuals to acquire applicable digital skills and strengthening their ability to use AI tools in ways that enhance their professional readiness and open new pathways for growth and development.”

His Excellency Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori added: “The Makken initiative, in partnership with the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, embodies this approach by connecting skills development with opportunities and providing a practical experience that enables participants to apply AI tools across different stages of their career journey. This partnership forms part of our efforts to develop digital capabilities, strengthen future readiness, and contribute to building a more agile Emirati workforce capable of keeping pace with change and contributing effectively to the economy of the future.”

Specialised Pathway for People of Determination

As part of the initiative’s commitment to providing inclusive skills development opportunities, Makken offers a specialised pathway for jobseekers who are People of Determination, delivered by MPMA – MyMaximus Academy over 10 weeks, comprising a total of 40 training hours through in-person and interactive sessions.

The Makken journey begins with registration during Ru’ya 2026, followed by screening, selection and training, culminating in graduation and participation in an Open Day, where participants can meet government and private-sector entities and explore available employment opportunities. Participants who complete the programme will receive a certificate of completion, while employment opportunities will be subject to successfully passing interviews and alignment between candidates’ qualifications and vacancy requirements.

Academic Partnership to Advance Research and Knowledge Development

As part of its efforts to strengthen academic and research partnerships that support the development of the human resources ecosystem, the Dubai Government Human Resources Department and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi signed an MoU to cooperate on research and studies related to human resources. The agreement aims to establish a sustainable institutional framework for collaboration that brings together government expertise and academic knowledge and supports the strategic objectives of both parties in scientific research, innovation, training and human capacity development.

The MoU was signed on behalf of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department by H.E. Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of DGHR, and on behalf of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi by Nathalie Martial-Braz, Vice-Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.

Under the MoU, the two parties will collaborate on the preparation and implementation of joint research and studies in human resources, public policy and administrative governance, contributing to the advancement of relevant scientific and applied knowledge. The agreement also encourages undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi to undertake research papers, theses and dissertations addressing human resources-related topics.

The collaboration also extends to specialised scientific forums, seminars, conferences and workshops focused on human resources, supporting the exchange of expertise between both parties and broadening the application of academic research to knowledge and practices related to human resources.