Al-Futtaim Group, one of the UAE’s leading family-owned conglomerates, is gearing up for substantial expansion, with a focus on enhancing its human capital to drive innovation and sustainable growth. The company aims to attract top talent, foster inclusivity, and promote career development in alignment with its future growth strategies.
In an interview with Khaleej Times, David Henderson, Chief Human Resources Officer at Al-Futtaim Group, outlined the company’s plans to diversify its offerings and expand into new sectors. “Our human capital will grow in proportion to our business expansion, and we are committed to creating career progression paths that ensure talent retention and satisfaction,” said Henderson.
With over 33,000 employees representing 100 nationalities, Henderson emphasized the importance of a diverse workforce, stating that nurturing talent internally is a key aspect of the company’s employee value proposition. “While external recruitment remains important, our focus is on promoting internal talent and investing in career development to retain our skilled workforce,” he added.
The company is also dedicated to the development of Emirati talent, achieving a 13.4% Emiratisation rate in 2023 and planning to accelerate this process further. Initiatives such as the Sinyar Emiratisation platform, vocational training, and summer work programs play a significant role in building Emirati skillsets.
In line with its expansion, Al-Futtaim Group is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance business operations. The appointment of Moza Omar Al Futtaim as the Chief AI Officer demonstrates the company’s commitment to leveraging AI while supporting its workforce through retraining and upskilling programs.
Henderson stressed the need for agility and adaptability in leadership, particularly for those progressing to senior roles, as the group continues its journey toward sustainable growth and innovation.
