Dubai, UAE:
Mohamed Al Hashemi, CEO of Union Coop, affirmed that the cooperative remains firmly committed to supporting and empowering Emirati talent and strengthening their presence within the retail sector across its various departments and branches in Dubai. This reflects Union Coop’s approach to investing in national talent and providing a supportive work environment that fosters professional growth.
Al Hashemi explained that these efforts are aligned with the vision and directives of the UAE’s wise leadership to empower national talent, strengthen Emirati participation in the labour market, and support their active contribution across various economic sectors. Such efforts contribute to achieving Emiratisation objectives and reinforcing the role of Emirati professionals as key partners in the UAE’s journey towards sustainable economic and social development.
He revealed that Union Coop’s Emiratisation rate reached 36% by the end of June 2026, while 194 employees benefited from the Alternative National Service Programme, reflecting the cooperative’s continued efforts to provide sustainable career opportunities for UAE nationals and equip them with the skills and experience required to contribute across various areas of its operations.
Al Hashemi added that Union Coop’s efforts extend beyond increasing the number of Emirati employees. The cooperative is focused on building sustainable career pathways that enable UAE nationals to progress into administrative, leadership and specialised roles through training, professional development and practical experience. It also seeks to prepare national talent to assume influential roles in areas such as store management, supply chain, digital transformation and in-store operations.
He noted that Union Coop aims to continue increasing its Emiratisation rate gradually, while maintaining a strong focus on the quality of employment and long-term career sustainability. This approach ensures the effective participation of Emirati talent across various levels of the organisation, in line with the UAE’s vision of investing in national human capital and empowering Emiratis to play active roles across different economic sectors.
Al Hashemi further emphasised that investment in national talent represents a key pillar of Union Coop’s strategy. This includes providing a supportive environment for professional growth and development, as well as opportunities for training and practical experience, helping Emirati employees strengthen their capabilities and prepare for greater responsibilities in the future.