Focus is on creation of demand for human capital in the logistics sector- especially blue-collar workers.
In recent news, Oman Etihad Rail Company and Al Jazeera Steel have collaborated to move 15,000 tonnes of steel freight between 5 ports. Under the terms of the agreement, OER will leverage the UAE-Oman Rail Network to support Al Jazeera Steel in optimizing inbound and outbound logistics from its factories in Oman.
Logistics Gulf News sat with Nikhil Nanda, Director, Innovations Group, one of the UAE’s leading HR and Staffing Solution providers with activities that include recruitment, temporary staffing, HR outsourcing, and payroll outsourcing, among others, to get his expert insight on the development.
Besides leading the Tech R&D Team at the Innovations Group, Nikhil also manages Resivation- a co-living property for working millennials, the first of its kind in the UAE.
In what ways is the rail deal expected to contribute to the growth and support of industrial sectors in the UAE and Oman?
The rail deal will allow a more efficient trade system and faster delivery times to provide more growth to businesses across the region. If raw/processed materials can be made available to producers easily then the cost of production can decrease. As a result the industry will become more competitive and efficient which in turn will provide the end customer with a better experience.
Are there specific industries or sectors that will be more directly impacted, and how?
Logistics and manufacturing will be more directly impacted. Logistics for the obvious reason that there is now an alternative route for transportation of goods. It allows the industry to increase volume and reduce dependency on ports, airports and roads.
What specific roles within the logistics sector are likely to see increased demand for blue-collar workers?
Loaders, operators, mechanics, plant workers will all see heightened demand. Along with logistics sector, other industries will also have a higher demand as they will be able to increase their volume of delivery based on this new rail system.
How will the rail deal promote collaboration and coordination between the UAE and Oman in terms of workforce mobility in the logistics sector?
Oman is a geography blessed with access to incredible amounts of natural resources. However, the volume of demand is not as high as UAE. The collaboration could allow Oman to access a larger market to grow their industry and trading volume. It could also allow UAE to promote growth within the GCC region instead of having to export resources from other regions much further away. All consumers and distributors could benefit from such a collaboration which will result in companies needing to mobilise large amounts of workforce to make this possible.
