At Careers UAE 2004 TANMIA offers its Maharat programme to private organisations

TANMIA will offer privately run organizations an opportunity to join the Authority's Maharat programme, designed to provide job-oriented training to UAE nationals. The Maharat programme aims at equipping nationals with specific skills to match existing job vacancies, thus eliminating one of the key factors responsible for keeping UAE nationals away from the labour market.

Careers UAE 2004 is being held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, from 6-8 April 2004. Careers UAE 2004 is organized by Dubai World Trade Centre, in coordination with TANMIA, Zayed University, UAE University and Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and the UAE Minister of Finance and Industry and Chairman of Dubai World Trade Center. Careers UAE 2004 is held annually to increase awareness and generate employment opportunities for UAE Nationals.

His Excellency Matar H. Al Tayer, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs in the UAE and Chairman of TANMIA's Board of Trustees said: 'The support of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan and the UAE government to Careers UAE 2004 reflects the country's commitment to address issues of national human resource development. The career development of Nationals poses a huge challenge to the countries of the region. The UAE has been treating this issue with utmost care and attention, thanks to the guidance of the President, H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose deep commitment to the development of UAE Nationals and initiatives for career opportunities, form a critical objective of the socio-economic development of the country.'

'The Exhibition space this year has been increased by 40% from last year and Careers UAE 2004 profile has been enhanced to add more value to the event. Careers UAE 2004 has received strong backing from the banking sector, with 21 regional and international banks participating in the 2004 event. Other companies including those from the IT and Media sectors, as well as multinationals and private sector companies, have expressed their interest in the event. Through their support, we intend to make further progress in the Emiratization campaign,' he added.

'The Careers UAE 2004 is the region's premier career exhibition, attended by leading companies in the private and public sector. This event presents us with an ideal opportunity to get our message across to the private sector and encourage them to support the Emiratisation drive. We have received tremendous support in our employment campaign from banks and government organizations. However, we would also like to work with companies in the private sector through the Maharat programme where UAE Nationals from our database are selected for training and offered employment opportunities. The private sector will be rewarded for employing Nationals with the introduction of many benefits. They will also receive preferential treatment from the government in recognition of their support', said Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Awar, Director General, TANMIA.

'We currently have 13,000 national jobseekers registered with us and we hope to attract many more Nationals at Careers UAE 2004. TANMIA's objective is to offer jobs to every national willing to work, regardless of academic qualifications or background. Through exploring new relationships with private sector organizations, we hope to provide Nationals with the opportunity to be involved in the development of the country,' added Dr. Al-Awar.

TANMIA will be offering companies expert advice on the latest Emiratisation issues at Careers UAE 2004. The Authority will also be holding a series of workshops, presentations and discussion groups to give exhibitors a chance to target their message at national job seekers. The presentations and discussions will focus on career decision-making, career development, recruitment, education and training, human resource legislation and labour market information.

Students, fresh graduates and experienced professionals can discover what jobs are available to them, increasing their knowledge of each job market segment. Career counseling and information will also be available to young Nationals about different industries to assist them in making informed decisions concerning their education and career direction. TANMIA will offer Nationals career counseling and will assist them in the search for a suitable position.

Careers UAE 2004 works as a strategic forum for employers to closely identify with potential national employees and select those most suited to the needs of their organizations. It also gives companies the opportunity to understand how the future generation of Nationals is being trained, and companies can offer their input and advice to educational institutions.