Economic Zones World to participate in the UAE Careers Fair

The Middle East's leading free zone operator will use the opportunity to search for talent and offer aspiring candidates job openings in different fields like sales, customer services, marketing, properties inspection, Information Technology etc..

The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), UAE University, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and the National Human Resources Development and Employment Authority (Tanmia) are holding the UAE Careers Fair in conjunction.

Economic Zones World participation aims at attracting more UAE nationals to join its ranks and that of the free zone-based private companies.

Mohammed Abdullah Al Jasmi, Manager, Human Resources, Jafza, said: "Economic Zones World is keen to take part in all the career fairs in the country because we strongly believe in the importance of recruiting more talented and skilled UAE nationals.

"We evaluate each candidate individually and develop tailor-made training programs in association with the Emirates National Development Program (ENDP), with which Jafza has a cooperation agreement.

"Our policy in this regard is entirely in line with the directives of the President, HH Sheikh Khalifah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai."

Plans have also bee drawn up to open the door for the local cadres to work in the Jafza-based private companies.

Jafza is currently conducting a study so as to find ways to secure posts for the locals. It will be completed within the coming four months, and involves creating a relevant database on Jafza-based private companies and how to encourage them to hire UAE nationals.

Al Jasmi said: "We have received encouraging response from the companies approached so far and hope to find career opportunities in EZW based companies for a large number of UAE nationals by the end of this year.

"A major challenge lies in changing the perception about private sector jobs. On the one hand, some private companies are reluctant to recruit locals, while on the other hand a large number of local job seekers prefer working in the government sector for a variety of reasons. We're working hard on changing this perception on both sides."

Jafza's human resources policy includes educating UAE nationals on the importance of equipping themselves for working in different environments inside the country and abroad.

The study undertaken by Jafza will include assessing the human resources needs of targeted companies and initiating suitable training programs for potential applicants.