The UAE has launched the National Practical Training Platform for Higher Education Students, a new nationwide system designed to connect university students with advanced, high-quality practical training opportunities across the labour market.
Introduced through the Nafis platform, the initiative strengthens collaboration between government, academia and the private sector, supporting national efforts to equip Emirati talent with the practical skills required for future employment.
Developed jointly by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis), the platform enables students to register for training programmes through an integrated digital environment.
UAE student training
It also allows government entities, private-sector organisations and companies to post available opportunities, reinforcing their role as partners in the national training ecosystem.
According to the ministries, the platform plays a central role in preparing highly qualified generations by enhancing the integration of theoretical education with hands-on experience.
It also supports the UAE’s wider economic and knowledge-driven development goals by enabling students to access advanced training across vital sectors.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said: “The National Practical Training Platform is the first national system launched to reshape practical training pathways for higher education students.
“The launch forms part of the ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of national talent in the labour market, while strengthening integration between government, academic, and private-sector partners.
“This, in turn, allows for developing the practical training environment, promoting lifelong learning, and reinforcing digital transformation and smart services across all aspects of the labour market.
“Furthermore, launching the platform marks a significant leap forward for the student training ecosystem across higher education institutions. The initiative allows for providing a comprehensive training programme, in addition to generating clear data to enhance evaluation processes and chart pathways for developing additional training programmes and academic specialisations.
“This, in effect, supports Emiratisation efforts in the private sector, which we consider to be a key strategic partner in this national project.
“The platform marks a strategic step in the path towards developing the higher education ecosystem and building an integrated practical training environment based on governance and transparency.
“It also serves as a tool bringing all players on the same page, and enabling students to benefit from practical training opportunities that enhance their readiness for the future.”
Workplace skills
Khalil Khoori, MoHRE’s Undersecretary of Labour Market and Emiratisation Operations, highlighted the platform’s importance in equipping students with workplace-ready skills.
He noted that the new system strengthens their competitiveness and supports the Ministry’s commitment to integrating roles among all partners to the highest standards, while ensuring students can meet the needs of all economic sectors.
Ghannam Butti Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis), said that the platform complements the Council’s strategy for the coming period by providing meaningful training aligned with labour market needs.
He stressed that companies also benefit by gaining faster access to qualified Emirati professionals with the practical and professional skills required to support the UAE’s business ecosystem and ensure a sustainable talent pipeline.
Private sector opportunities
Shamma Al Muhairi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Higher Education Operations Sector at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, explained that the platform creates opportunities for strategic partnerships between higher education institutions and economic sectors.
She said all training programmes posted will be subject to quality standards outlined in the relevant Ministerial Resolution, ensuring effective and holistic training experiences.
The platform is accessible through Nafis at nafis.gov.ae, enabling institutions, training providers and students to register and participate.
Linking the platform with Nafis helps build a unified national database that improves access to suitable training opportunities and strengthens the role of government, private entities and higher education institutions in nurturing qualified national talent aligned with the goals of We the UAE 2031 and the UAE Centennial 2071 plan.
A series of orientation and awareness workshops has also been scheduled for universities, training entities and students. These sessions aim to clarify the registration process and highlight the platform’s role in supporting students throughout their educational and professional development.
