The HR & CQ Show
Welcome to The HR & CQ Show, where Cultural Intelligence meets HR expertise in the heart of the UAE. Hosted by Emma Jordaan, a recognised thought leader in Cultural Intelligence, and Sarah Brooks, an HR Guru with a wealth of experience, this podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the complexities of Human Resources and Cultural Intelligence in one of the world's most dynamic regions.
Each episode, we dive deep into the latest HR trends, cultural insights, and best practices tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities in the UAE. Whether you're an HR professional, business leader, or simply curious about how culture shapes the workplace, The HR & CQ Show offers actionable strategies, expert interviews, and thought-provoking discussions to help you succeed in today's globalised world.
Tune in and join the conversation as we explore all things HR and CQ in the UAE, from employee life cycle and employee engagement to leadership development and diversity, equity and inclusion, and beyond.
The HR & CQ Show
Episode 13: Emiratisation & Inclusion at Chalhoub Group
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In this episode of The HR & CQ Show, hosts Emma Jordaan and Sarah Brooks sit down with Umnia Ahmed, Emiratisation Director at Chalhoub Group, the region’s leading luxury retail group with over 16,000 employees from 120 nationalities.
Umnia shares Chalhoub’s remarkable 20-year Emiratisation journey, exploring how the organisation views national talent not as a quota, but as a strategic advantage deeply rooted in purpose, culture, and community.
From inclusive onboarding programmes and Emirati cultural awareness training for leaders, to The Emirati Way learning modules and five internal academies, including Leadership, Retail, and Wellbeing, Umnia reveals how Chalhoub Group has made localisation an integral part of its DNA.
Key insights include:
🔹 Why Emiratisation is a competitive edge, not a compliance exercise
🔹 How to attract Emirati talent to industries like retail and hospitality
🔹 Practical advice for SMEs struggling to meet Emiratisation targets
🔹 The power of cultural intelligence in integrating diverse workforces
This conversation offers valuable takeaways for HR leaders, L&D professionals, and business owners looking to create inclusive, high-performing organisations in the UAE and beyond.
