Harmony in Diversity: The Emirates Group’s Global Success and UAE’s Inclusive Vision

The Emirates Group, based in ​Dubai, ​United Arab Emirates, comprises ​Emirates Airlines, ​Dnata, other transportation activities, and a hotel group. Established in 1985, the Emirates Group has become a major player in the aviation industry, known for its luxurious in-flight service and consistently profitable growth. It has flourished under Dubai’s aviation policies, attracting over 100 foreign airlines to its efficient airport, making it the busiest in the Middle East. The group’s unique approach focuses on providing exceptional service for passengers and cargo customers.

Emirates flies to more than 125 destinations across six continents, operating a fleet of more than 180 wide-bodied aircraft. The airline also has 170 aircraft on order worth AED 213 billion (about $58 billion in U.S. dollars; the dirham, AED, the currency used in the UAE, has been pegged to the U.S. dollar at a rate of 3.6725 since 1997). Sales turnover for The Emirates Group is AED 67.4 billion ($18.4 billion in U.S. dollars).

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity is the state of being different or having differences. It can also mean the inclusion of people of different races, cultures, etc., in a group or organization

Expatriate employees

An expatriate is someone who lives in a country that is not their native country. Expatriates may leave their country of origin for work reasons. They may also be assigned to work in a foreign country by their company or government

Emirates Group Diversity and Inclusion of Employees

The Emirates Group views its employee diversity as a strength. The group has a workforce of over 160 nationalities, and the employees can speak more than 70 languages. They believe that diversity of nationalities, cultures, religious, and ethnic backgrounds enriches the workforce. They believe diversity leads to a flow of ideas, innovation, and thinking styles.

These come in the form of a constant flow of new ideas, innovations, and thinking styles that are then implemented and lead to business success. The company’s employee diversity also complements the Emirates’ headquarters city of Dubai as a cosmopolitan multicultural population, where about 85 percent of the 3 million residents are expatriates. As for expatriate employees in the ​UAE, the current net migration rate is 1.93 per 1000, and expatriates make up 89% of the population.

The group’s pay and benefits structures are free from gender bias, with remuneration offered based on skills and experience, regardless of gender or nationality. In the last 12 months, women at Emirates Group account for 56% of total promotions.

The group’s diversity policy states

• Their culture and diversity are just like our home city, Dubai. It’s where people from over 160 countries come together, learn from each other and grow together.
• The languages and cultures that make up our Group help us innovate and grow our business in exciting ways.
• Zero tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment.

The statistical count of diversified employees at Emirates is as follows

· 41% of employees are women, while 59% are men.

· 39% of employees are White, 19% are Asian, and 17% are Unknown.

· The most common highest degree level is a bachelor’s, with 63% of employees having at least a bachelor’s.

· The most common major among employees is business, with 19% of employees having majored in business.

· The most common age range of employees is 20–30 years, with 62% of employees falling within this range.

How hiring from different parts of the world helps the Emirates

Hiring workers from different classes can benefit the ​Emirates in several ways:

· Diverse Perspectives

By hiring workers from different socioeconomic backgrounds, the Emirates can gain diverse perspectives and experiences. This diversity can lead to more innovative problem-solving, creative solutions, and a broader range of ideas within the workplace.

· Enhanced Collaboration

Having employees from different socioeconomic classes can promote collaboration and teamwork as individuals bring unique skills and insights to the table. This can lead to a more inclusive and cooperative work environment.

· Improved Customer Understanding

A diverse workforce can better understand and serve a diverse customer base, which is especially relevant in a multicultural and international context like the Emirates. This can lead to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.

· Social Cohesion

Hiring workers from different classes can contribute to social cohesion within the Emirates by promoting equality and providing opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to contribute to the country’s development and success.

· Economic Growth

Embracing a diverse workforce can contribute to economic growth by tapping into a wider talent pool, reducing inequality, and promoting social mobility

How does the UAE government support diversified employees

The UAE government supports diversified employees through its Emiratisation initiative. This initiative mandates the employment of UAE Nationals in both public and private sectors. The goal is to increase the number of UAE Nationals in the workforce to enhance the local contribution to the economy.

The UAE has also launched a diversification and liberalization program to reduce reliance on oil. The goal is to transform its economy from a conventional, labor-intensive economy to one based on knowledge, technology, and skilled labor.

The UAE has made concerted initiatives to ensure that cultural diversity norms are recognized and promoted. The UAE’s values of inclusion, mutual respect, and religious freedom have been ingrained in the country since 1971.

The UAE has made many adjustments to its labor law, including

• Introducing anti-discrimination legislation
• Providing supplementary training and resources
• Creating gender quotas for management positions

The UAE views diversity as a symbol of motivation and growth for the country. They also believe that diversity of nationalities, cultures, religious, and ethnic backgrounds enriches the workforce.

How does diversity impact the culture of the UAE?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a diverse cultural landscape with over 200 ethnicities. The UAE’s cultural diversity has strengthened its social fabric and allowed the country to make progress in its social and economic development. The UAE views its diverse culture and beliefs as a symbol of motivation and growth

Conclusion

Emirates Group is known for its diversity. In 2023, they were awarded the best workplace for diversity. With a multicultural workforce and a commitment to equality, it thrives in the global aviation industry. Supported by the UAE government’s initiatives, this commitment not only impacts organizational culture but also propels the nation towards inclusive economic growth.