Urooj Tahir

CHRO & MEA Head of Nationalisation, Citi

A seasoned banker currently serving as CHRO and SME for Nationalisation. With approximately 15 years of experience in Talent Acquisition and broader HR processes with deep understanding of the entire employee lifecycle, from recruitment to retention.

What’s a professional achievement of yours from 2024 that you are proud of?

Promoted to CHRO and MEA Head of Nationalization

How has the RL Community helped you this year?

Building great relationships, social interaction and understanding of new concepts used by other organisations

What is your prediction for the TA industry for 2025?

In 2025, the talent acquisition industry in the UAE is expected to undergo significant transformations. The integration of artificial intelligence will streamline recruitment processes, enhancing efficiency and personalization. A strong emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will promote unbiased hiring practices and inclusive workplaces.

Nationalisation initiatives, such as Emiratisation, will remain a top priority, with organisations focusing on attracting and developing local talent to meet government mandates and long-term workforce goals. Additionally, the rise of the gig economy and freelancing may reshape traditional employment models, offering greater flexibility to both employers and employees, this might be possible for more smaller organisations.