In this regard, Maryam Al-Zarooni, Director of Human Resources Planning Department at the Authority, explained that it is the first time the aPHRi certificate is offered in Arabic language by the PwC’s Academy, at a special discount to Federal Government employees to obtain aPHRi and other specialized certificates offered by the Academy.

 She pointed out that the launch of aPHRi certification comes as part of the the Federal Government employees' professional certification initiative (Elite), launched by the Authority in March, 2021, to develop the skills of employees of ministries and federal entities, through professional programs offered by local and international universities and training institutes, within 20 job families, at preferential prices for Federal Government employees.

Maryam Al-Zarooni said: “The aPHRi certification primarily targets employees and officials of human resources departments in ministries and federal entities. The training program consists of 30 virtual training hours  over 3 days, and will focus on providing participants with the skills and competencies necessary for professional development in the field of human resources, improving their performance, reducing workplace risks, and implementing talent initiatives within the organization.

“The Authority will hold a virtual workshop at the end of July this year for the Federal Government employees, to familiarize them with the nature of the certificate, the requirements for obtaining it, and its benefits to employees.”

 Amanda Line, Partner and Regional Academy Leader, PwC Middle East, said “Building a future-ready workforce is important in achieving the UAE Centennial 2071. We are pleased to collaborate with the Federal Authority for Human Resources and offer the first Arabic version of aPHRi certification   to UAE government employees, in order to enhance the skills of emerging HR professionals as they grow to become future leaders.”

According to Noora Al Mulla, Executive Officer of Training and Continuing Education Policies at the Authority, the Elite initiative aims to empower Federal Government employees and provide them with the specialized skills necessary to achieve institutional goals and contribute to shaping the future, equipped with high skills and specialized capabilities, through obtaining professional certificates approved by training providers recognized internationally.

 These professional certificates are offered throughout the year by the best training providers, and leading institutes and universities in all disciplines, including 20 job families, and at preferential rates for Federal Government employees, she said.

 Noora Al Mulla added: “The Authority's focus at this point is to provide professional certificates in specialized, scientific and rare fields that would enable Federal Government employees, regardless of their job grades, to acquire higher qualifications and skills that enable them to keep pace with the rapid global changes in the labor market, as well as overcome future work challenges that may face them during their career.

“Since the launch of the ‘Elite’ initiative until last June, the Authority has offered 177 professional certificates, all to be accessed on the Authority's website (www.fahr.gov.ae), the initiative page. These certificates are classified by month or by job family”.

She invited those wishing to benefit from the initiate, at preferential prices, be it federal entities or employees themselves, to communicate with the "Elite" initiative team at the Authority, through the unified call center (600525524), or e-mail: Elite-support@fahr.gov.ae.