The two percent Emiratisation target set by the government seemed a reasonable compromise to expatriates between realisation of an Emirati-run economy - which we all know in our hearts is the right way for the country to go - and protecting our own livelihoods - which we know equally well we cannot deny as being our first real interest.

It is, therefore, with ambivalent emotions that we receive the news that even that low target has failed and the programme has been reviewed or withdrawn. Of course, this is not just a problem that faces the Emirates - other GCC countries have all had similar problems.

Is anybody at fault here? No. Is there a hint of rose-tinted spectacles? Perhaps, but isn't that natural? Is there an element of over-zealous ambition? Probably, but what was ever gained without ambition? The culprits, if there are any, are time, timing and events.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has singled out two reasons: first, the weakness of the quota-based system, and, secondly, the fact that the education system is not producing the right students with the best knowledge, skill and expertise commensurate with the jobs.

He is, of course, absolutely right. He could also have included another factor: experience.

Whilst government institutions may be able to absorb qualified but inexperienced staff and then train them, private industry finds it far more difficult. It's also costly. And while there are some notable exceptions of industrial in-house training programmes, private industry generally recruits to the qualification and experience level. So even if the educational system gave Emiratis the necessary qualifications, the private sector would only be comfortable with employing them at their relevant level of experience. This, needless to say, is contrary to the objective of moving Emiratis into the driving seats.

So, the timing of the introduction of the Emiratisation programme was out of step with the education system and the programme didn't allow time for the experience factor to be gained.

Events also have a strong influence. As the economy surges forward, powered by the oil price and manifested by the proliferation of construction projects, the demand for skills, knowledge and experience is one step ahead of the reality. Where are these to be found? Not in the UAE - not yet!

But it's not all thirst in the Emiratisation desert; there is an oasis here and there. Dascam Consulting is one example. About a third of Dascam's 75 staff are Emiratis and another third are Arabs of other nationalities. We do not claim any special capability, charms or attractions here. It's just that we're lucky. There is a pool of Emiratis who do have qualifications and experience to meet our needs. So, the arrangement is mutually beneficial. The Emiratis unquestionably add different dimensions of experience, understanding, approach and fun. They provide verisimilitude to the Emiratisation of projects. They help find paths across the cultural landscape - paths that are sometimes invisible to expatriates. And they have led us to something of an Aladdin's cave: Al Shaheen Adventure - a joint venture with Emirates Advanced Investments that enjoys the close support of the senior leadership in both Abu Dhabi and Ra's al-Khaimah.

Al Shaheen Adventure follows the success of our work in leadership and personal development through experiential training with the military. Experiential training breaks the paradigm of "talking and listening" as training. It is having people do things outside their comfort zone, (like abseiling, climbing, trekking and sailing), facing them with unfamiliar challenges, letting them find the solutions and then reviewing what they have achieved so the lessons are learned. All in a physically and emotionally demanding, but controlled, environment. It excels at developing both individuals and teams. Facing fear for the first time, pushing themselves beyond their known physical limits and feeling the exhilaration of personal achievement are things that many young people, especially Emiratis, have never experienced. Like most hot-blooded young men they relish it, rise to the occasion and excel.

By the end of the year they, and many others, (Al Shaheen Adventure type training is available to companies, schools, organisations and individuals as well as to governmental institutions and military) will be able to enjoy the same experiences from a purpose-built centre in Wadi Sharha, in the beautiful Hajar mountains east of Ra's al-Khaimah.

So, now Dascam finds itself both employing Emiratis and working with them as partners in a truly commercial venture.

Of course, there are, and there will be, teething troubles. But the one thing you can be sure of when working with an Emirati whose enthusiasm has been captured - obstacles disappear. What an exciting place to be!

David Parry is Sales and Marketing Director for Dascam Consulting