Sharjah: NAMA Women Advancement (NAMA), in collaboration with PwC Middle East, hosted a closed panel discussion at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) to expedite structural reforms intended to enhance the long-term retention of Emirati women in the private sector. The discussion is part of a broader joint research project by NAMA and PwC Middle East, which explores Emirati women's perspectives on private sector employment, the challenges they face, and the impact on job satisfaction and career progression.

According to Emirates News Agency, the panel, themed 'Beyond Recruitment: Strategies to Retain Emirati Female Talent in the Private Sector in the Emirate of Sharjah,' convened HR directors, policymakers, and senior representatives from government and industry to convert the findings of NAMA and PwC Middle East into actionable, sector-wide recommendations.

The session was attended by notable figures including Majid Hamad Khalfan Al Marri, Director of the Sharjah Department of Human Resource; Aisha Jasim Al Mansoori, Director of National Talent Recruitment Department at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation; Maryam Almarzouqi, member of the Nafis Youth Council and Director of Human Resources and Emiratisation for the UAE at ACWA Power; and several others. Moderation was by Zina Janabi, Middle East Inclusion and Diversity Director, PwC Middle East.

Mariam Al Hammadi, Director-General of NAMA, commented on the session, highlighting NAMA's commitment to empowering women across all sectors and reinforcing their decision-making roles. Al Hammadi noted the private sector's drive for profitability and excellence, and the belief that women can significantly contribute through their skills and expertise.

Zina Janabi remarked on the collaboration with NAMA, underlining the significance of a holistic, data-driven approach to bolstering Emirati women's careers in the private sector. Janabi pointed out the enthusiastic engagement from leaders across government and industry as a positive signal for moving from dialogue to actionable outcomes.

The discussion commenced with a presentation of the joint research by NAMA and PwC Middle East, followed by insights from Majid Hamad Al Marri on Sharjah's Emiratisation initiatives, and a review of key milestones from the Nafis programme by Aisha Jassim Al Mansouri.

The panel stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among government, private companies, and support entities to monitor retention trends, enhance workplace engagement, and establish sustainable career pathways for women in Sharjah's private sector.

Insights and recommendations from the session will be included in a final research report scheduled for publication in March 2026.