Emaar Properties, the world's leading property developer in terms of market capitalisation, unveiled its new emiratisation programme, Afaq.

The initiative will channel local talent into senior key positions within the company.

Afaq, which means horizon, will identify local talent and then offer training, mentorship and professional development in an effort to boost active promotion of UAE nationals.

Already 12 new UAE nationals are overseeing Emaar's growth throughout the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, India, Pakistan and Morocco.

"Already we have an established National Development Programme which recruits new university graduates from leading international universities each year to work with us on some of Dubai's most exciting real estate developments," said Nader Mohammad, Emaar's executive director of International Operations.

"Each new graduate is given the opportunity to work in a designated department depending on their individual skills and qualifications and is carefully mentored to ensure that they reach their full potential.