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3-day national career fair helps boost Emiratisation

3-day fair showcasing jobs, training opportunities in almost all sectors, to end today.

Shaikhs and top officials during the opening of the National Career Exhibition at Expo Centre, Sharjah. — Supplied photo

Emirati graduates are exploring career opportunities in some of the country’s nearly 1,900 financial sector establishments, and other public and private sector organisations at the 16th National Career Exhibition that ends today.

The three-day fair was opened by Shaikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, at Expo Centre Sharjah on Wednesday. It is held under the patronage of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

The opening was attended by Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah; and senior government, SCCI and Expo Centre officials.

“More than just an employment opportunity, the National Career Exhibition has been guiding national graduates towards a rewarding career, and in the process contributing to the nation’s economic and social development,” said Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa.

He also stressed the role the show is playing in boosting Emiratisation, which has recently been given a greater thrust by the government. According to the UAE National Agenda, Emiratisation in the private sector is set to increase tenfold over the next seven years.

“The push for Emiratisation in the UAE National Agenda comes close on the ‘Year of Emiratisation’ initiative held last year and shows our leaders’ emphasis in building a national human capital pool.”

Explaining the focus of the exhibition, Saif Al Midfa said though the this exhibition is showcasing jobs and training opportunities in almost all sectors, the focus is on the country’s flourishing financial sector, besides other prominent public and private sector establishments. This is also in line with expectations of the youth, who, according to a recent survey by an online portal, see roles within accounting/banking/finance as one of the fastest growing in the country, particularly in the wake of the winning bid to host the World Expo 2020. Conservative estimates put the number of jobs likely to be generated by the Expo alone to be at around 270,000.

“Banks have made Emiratisation central to their growth strategy and have drawn up plans to train young Emiratis since there are not enough experienced and trained national hands to meet the current needs of the banking and finance industry. With the government setting new Emiratisation targets, the National Career Exhibition becomes a boon for banks to spot the right talent, train and retain them,” added Saif Al Midfa.

— news@khaleejtimes.com