National Career Fair opens in Sharjah

Offers training, internship and employment opportunities in private and public sector firms

Sharjah, 11 February 2016: The critical role the private sector can play in improving employment prospects for Emirati youth was the underlying theme of a career fair that got under way in Sharjah on Wednesday (Feb 10).

The 18th National Career Exhibition was inaugurated by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, at Expo Centre Sharjah, presenting employment opportunities for national graduates in the country’s public and private sector establishments.

Together with the concurrent International Education Show, the National Career Exhibition promises national graduates a comprehensive event that focuses on higher education, recruitment, training and retention of Emiratis.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah; and government, SCCI and Expo Centre officials.

The opening day also witnessed the signing of an agreement between the Directorate of Human Resources, Sharjah, and Expo Centre Sharjah, which will enable the Sharjah government to participate in the show every year. The agreement was signed by Mr. Tariq bin Khadem, Director General of the Sharjah Human Resources Department, and Mr. Midfa.

“The private sector generates more than 60% of the jobs in the country but employs only 10 per cent of national graduates. There could be several reasons for this variance, but events like the National Career Exhibition can be integral in reducing this gap and making the private sector the employer of choice for Emiratis,” said Mr. Midfa.

Experts say that about 15,000 aspirants enter the job market every year and a greater involvement of Emiratis in the private sector will give a much-needed fillip to the Emiratisation programme, which is crucial for economic prosperity and social inclusion.

“The National Career Exhibition has much to offer than just a job. It is more about helping national graduates match their aspirations and ambitions with the right job opportunities in the right organization. This will help them acquire core competencies necessary for effective leadership and career growth,” added Mr. Midfa.

This year, the fair is showcasing thousands of employment, internship and training opportunities in a variety of sectors like banking & financial services, insurance, information technology, telecom and tourism, among others, in both public and private sector establishments.

Visitors can also explore several training, skill enhancement and leadership programmes being offered by individual establishments that will introduce them to what a career in the private sector or a government job can offer in terms of pay, incentives, growth opportunities etc.

Platinum Sponsor UAE Armed Forces is featuring openings in its wings like Army, Air Force, Air Defence, Navy and Presidential Guard, while Gold Sponsors Sharjah Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai and National Bank of Abu Dhabi have multiple training and recruitment plans for visiting youth.

The visitors will also have a chance to attend the International Education Show, held concurrently at Expo Centre Sharjah, to look for higher education opportunities offered by global Universities and Colleges.

The show will be open from 10am to 8pm on February 10, from 10am to 2pm on February 11 and from 4pm to 8pm on February 12. Exclusive ladies timings are from 2pm to 8pm on February 11.