Expo Centre Sharjah steps up emiratisation

Speaking at a press conference organised at Expo Centre Sharjah on today, Mohammed Salem Al Mosharrekh, Board Member of Expo Centre Sharjah said, "The coming show is more comprehensive and diversified than any of its past editions, with a 15% increase in exhibitor participation. It features 49 companies from different sectors, occupying a total area of 1,542 sq. metres."

Explaining the concept and purpose behind the exhibition, Mr. Mosharrekh said, "The quality of human resources is the key factor that shapes all human organisations, be they entire nations, societies, economies, or even individual companies. Recognising this way back in the early years of UAE's independence, H. H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE has actively encouraged the overall development of U.A.E.'s young citizens, laying emphasis on their education and training.

"Thanks to his policies, young nationals have had an ideal socio-economic environment for all-round development, with ready access to quality higher education, both at home ( through the presence of established, internationally recognised universities and institutions) and abroad.

"Today, UAE's younger generation comprises individuals of many talents and expertise, who, in fact, can be promising assets for future growth and profitability of companies in the U.A.E. To help companies to capitalise on this opportunity, the government has been pursuing the policy of Emiratisation. The policy also ensures that the nation's most important resource, its youth, are optimally absorbed in the nation's economic processes.

"The National Career Exhibition at Expo Centre Sharjah has been instrumental in achieving this objective: Helping organisations to meet their strategic human resource requirements on the one hand, and building a stronger nation on the other.

"The exhibition," he continued, "strives to create awareness of the career opportunities available to young nationals in various sectors by bringing the region's leading banks, financial institutions, educational institutions, and government departments together. They in turn introduce the specific training programmes and career prospects of their organisation and encourage the visiting young nationals to capitalise on them," he said.

During the press conference, Mr. Humaid Al Qutami, General Manager of the Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies said that this exhibition was the brainchild of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah in his efforts to support the youth of the UAE and encourage them to enroll in the banking and other government sectors. Mr. Qutami also mentioned that Emiratisation in financial sectors has increased from 9.83% in 1997 to 25% in 2003.

"The Emirates Institute for Financial Studies," said Mr. Qutami, "has started a prize for banks excelling in Human Resources Development, training and Emiratisation. "This year, there has been a 80% increase compared to last year, in the number of banks enrolling to compete for this prize."

Organised under the patronage of His Highness, Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al-Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the show is sponsored by the Human Resources Development Committee in the Banking Sector, the Emirates Institute for Banking & Financial Studies and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry. With their support, commitment and experience in the building of a strong national work-force, the past events have succeeded in mobilising nationals on a large scale. The 5th edition, for instance, which was held in March 2004, attracted some 5,400 visitors submitting a total of 2600 job applications.

Continually growing each edition, first time participants at this edition include Al Fujeirah Bank, Air Arabia and Thomas Cook Exchange. Some of the show's regular past participants include Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Arab Bank for Investment and Foreign Trade, Arab Bank Plc, Citibank, Commercial bank International, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates Bank International, HSBC, Mashreq Bank, National Bank of Abu Dhabi, National Bank of Dubai, National Bank of Sharjah, National Bank of Umm Al Quwain, Standard Chartered Bank, The Commercial Bank of Dubai, United National Bank - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Bank etc.

Government organisations at the show include the General Pension & Social Security Authority, the Administrative Development Institute, Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, etc.

Educational institutions and universities have also not missed this opportunity to introduce their various courses to prospective students courses which complement the goal of Emiratisation by imparting the requisite skills and knowledge that help young nationals pursue a responsible career. Participants include Skyline College, University of Sharjah, UAE University, New Horizons Computer Learning Centre, EIBFS, and Higher College of Technology.

The show will be open everyday from 7 to 10 March 2004 from 10 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm.