Al Gharbia Career Fair 2009 off to bright start

The fair, which seeks to promote employment opportunities, is organized by the Higher Colleges of Technology Madinat Zayed and Ruwais and the Western Region Development Council (WRDC) - the central coordinating body leading development and promoting opportunity in Al Gharbia.

The first day was bustling with college students, high school students and the general public who were enthusiastic to take full advantage of the career advice and opportunities on offer. More than thirty leading companies were at hand, eager to recruit qualified and skilled applicants for exciting futures. These included representatives from sectors as diverse as government entities, banking, education, energy, healthcare and investment to oil and gas, tourism and NGOs.

The day's proceedings also included an informative forum organized by the WRDC entitled 'Education and Employment in the Western Region' which underscored the main ingredients required to boost economic growth and prosperity for the region.

Speaking at the Al Gharbia Career Fair's first day, WRDC Director General H.E. Mohamed Hamad Bin Azzan Al Mazrouei, said:

"We are pleased that today has been an overwhelming success and sets the tone for the days ahead. We are delighted that this initiative goes such a long way to fulfilling our mission to facilitate employment and career development opportunities for the residents of Al Gharbia."

Dr Phil Quirke, Director of HCT Madinat Zayed and Ruwais reiterated the significance of the fair, "The Al Gharbia Career Fair is a powerful vehicle offering opportunities for the region and we are proud to be strategic partners with the WRDC. The days ahead will be exciting as companies will be able to optimally tap into Al Gharbia talent whilst jobseekers will have an ideal chance to network and pursue career opportunities. It has been a wonderful opportunity for our college students as they begin to frame their future careers."

The event will run from November 1-5, 2009 at the respective campuses. Today's event at the Madinat Zayed campus was open to women and tomorrow November 2nd will be open for men. The fair will continue onto Ruwais and November 4th will be reserved for women and November 5th for men. Given today's interest it is anticipated that the event will draw more than double the number of visitors compared to the previous year.