Careers UAE 2008 draws record number of young nationals

Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the UAE's largest recruitment and training exhibition for nationals was held at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 15-17 April. The event witnessed the participation of 217 companies and offered numerous UAE nationals the opportunity to sign up for training agreements or recruitment deals for their future career.

The number of visitors exceeded 20,000, in comparison with around 17,000 visitors last year. Apart from jobseekers, the event attracted students from various universities and colleges in the UAE. In search of fresh employment avenues, young nationals met with recruitment managers, and HR officials from private sector companies and government departments to gain in-depth knowledge on the scope and nature of specific job profiles, as well as training opportunities.

While federal ministries represented three per cent of the overall participation in Careers UAE 2008, banks and financial institutions comprised 11 per cent, with the government and semi government authorities totalling 24 per cent. The private sector came in with the largest representation of 62 per cent, demonstrating an unprecedented commitment to the country's Emiratisation drive.

Helal Saeed AL Marri, Director-General, DWTC, said:

"The exceptional visitor turnout indicates the event's remarkable appeal among young UAE nationals. Through development programmes and educational workshops in recruitment and human resources, and with the enhanced partnership of the private and public sector, we are confident of furthering the Emiratisation drive across the country. This will successfully achieve the leadership's vision of making every national an integral component of the UAE's workforce."

The Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders hosted the Young Entrepreneurs Competition, which was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. The fiercely contested initiative successfully drew a new segment of visitors - high school students - to the Careers Fair, enhancing its appeal across a wider section of the youth.

Fahd Al Hessawi, Human Resource Department, du: "The UAE's current dynamic economic growth has led to the creation of several niche job opportunities that require skilled personnel, a reason why companies are vying with each other to be the first to headhunt qualified UAE nationals. In such a scenario, Careers UAE 2008 provided us with a perfect opportunity to meet talented youth while giving us an insight into the average job seeker's profile."

Mohammed Hassan, a visitor to Careers UAE 2008, said: "Several young Emiratis like me got a chance to directly network with the heads of influential companies in the UAE, discover training opportunities, learn about internship prospects and performance development programmes."

Ali Al Hosani, Head of Program making section of Municipality of Abu Dhabi, said: "We are proud to have participated in the job fair held exclusively for UAE nationals. It allowed us to showcase our spectrum of job opportunities to a large number of UAE nationals, while conducting on site interviews and instant assessment of resumes."

As an additional incentive to women jobseekers, Careers UAE 2008 included a Ladies Only segment on two consecutive mornings.

Careers UAE 2008 was organised in collaboration with TANMIA, ENDP, HCT, Zayed University and the Emirates University. The event was sponsored by Sourouh, Emaar Properties, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Al Khazna Insurance Company, HSBC Bank and mashreq.