The “Nafes” platform is opening registration for citizens in the “Healthcare Workforce Development” program for Fall 2025. This program aims to qualify 10,000 citizens, holding at least a high school diploma, to work in the healthcare sector over five years. The initiative focuses on providing unique opportunities in collaboration with leading academic institutions to enhance the quality and capability of the national healthcare workforce in the country.
Registration Opportunities and Available Benefits
“Nafes” has called on citizens interested in joining the program to register quickly to benefit from the offered advantages, such as fully funded scholarships and financial rewards linked to academic performance, which are disbursed at the end of each semester. Applicants can register through the available links on the “Nafes” platform or through the websites of participating universities.
Available Academic Specializations
The “Healthcare Workforce Development” program includes a diverse array of academic and specialized fields. Bachelor’s programs cover areas such as Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nursing, Medical Imaging Sciences, Physical Therapy, and more. Specialized diploma programs are also available, such as the Pharmacy Technician Diploma and Dental Assistant Diploma, providing students with multiple options that align with their career aspirations.
Importance of the Program and Its Impact
Khalil Al Khouri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, noted that the “Healthcare Workforce Development Program” reflects the leadership’s vision to qualify national competencies in vital sectors, highlighting the importance of linking educational outcomes to the labor market. Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirati Competitiveness Council, stated that the program represents essential support for empowering Emirati youth in the healthcare sector, providing them with a stable career path.
Educational Contracts and Their Role in Securing Jobs
Since its launch in 2022, the “Healthcare Workforce Development Program” has benefited over 3,000 citizens by providing a “Citizen Student Employment Contract.” This contract offers students early employment opportunities in the private sector, ensuring them a monthly income of no less than 4,000 dirhams and allowing them to register with approved pension funds. These contracts continue to ensure a smooth transition for students into permanent jobs after graduation.
The “Nafes” program is based on 13 academic programs and offers students study paths that cover labor market needs, emphasizing the educational institutions’ policy regarding the duration of study, which ranges from 4 to 4.5 years for bachelor’s degrees and two years for diplomas. Contributing to the development of the national healthcare workforce enhances the UAE’s ability to provide an advanced and sustainable healthcare system.