Public and private companies out in full force to recruit UAE nationals as government strives to reach Vision 2021 Emiratisation goals

Dubai, UAE, April 9, 2017
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, officially inaugurated the 17th edition of Careers UAE 2017 today, as the country’s leading recruitment exhibition for Emiratis returns to Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) with a host of job opportunities in more than 15 different industries. 

Running from 9-11 April at Dubai World Trade Centre, the three-day event will welcome more than 100 public and private organisations from the region and across the world who are preparing to meet, select and interview the best Emirati talent. 

In line with the UAE’s Emiratisation plan to increase the current number of nationals working in the private sector by tenfold by the year 2021, Careers UAE, which is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, plays a key role in facilitating public and private Emiratisation employment initiatives. 

The UAE Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces are taking part in Careers UAE based on their interest in the nation’s talent and in order to present Emirati’s with career opportunities available in their major nine principal units:  Ministry of Defence, Land Forces, Navy Forces, Air Forces and Air Defences, Presidential Guard, Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority, Joint Aviation Command, Joint Logistics, and Khawlah Bint Alazwar School.

UAE Nationals who are looking to understand the range of job opportunities available and training vacancies that suit their skills and profiles can visit the UAE Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces stand throughout the three day show. 

Seddiqi Holding LLC, who are exhibiting at this year’s show, are recruiting for a number of positions across the entire business ranging from IT, Marketing, and Head Office roles to Retail and Logistics, and are urging job seekers to stay focused on their career goals and be willing to work hard to build experience and expertise across specific sectors. 

Hassan Seddiqi, Chief Human Capital Officer, Seddiqi Holding said: “There is great sense of patriotism among young Emiratis and this is reflected in the current workforce across government organisations. Our company has a constant eye turned towards diversity in the workplace, which is reflected by the wide range of nationalities working across all sectors of our business. We also already have a strong female presence in the company, which has steadily increased since 2012. 

“We’ve seen a lower rate of staff turnover as people are looking for job stability and growth positions in current market conditions. A fair such as Careers UAE allows face-to-face contact with potential candidates and allows us to raise awareness for Seddiqi Holding and its subsidiaries whilst promoting our presence amongst peers. It is also a great opportunity to meet ambitious Emiratis who are looking into new career opportunities.”

Pioneering technology leader ABB are participating for the fourth year at the show and, in response to witnessing an increase in students taking engineering degrees in the last five years, are actively recruiting for fresh electrical engineers at Careers UAE.

Sarah D’Lima, Talent Partner, ABB said: “Careers UAE is the perfect platform for us to get engaged with new graduates in the region. We have seen a shift in the market, trends are now going more towards the technology side and we can see that the coming potential in the market is the innovation and digitalization across all fields.

“We have four divisions at ABB, giving employees flexibility to decide where they want to work according to their interests and passions. This is vital in today’s world; you must love what you do. We also have opportunities to expose our workers to other countries for short assignments, giving them the chance to travel abroad and learn about other working environments.”

Providing businesses with a critical supply of highly qualified young Emirati talent, the first day of the three-day fair featured a host of interactive sessions and activities including The Talent Hunt organised by InternsME, the UAE’s largest internship job site. 

A live marketplace for talented UAE youth and the region's top employers, the feature takes place across the show to bring the most talented Emirati students and young graduates into one place, making it easy for companies to meet, interview and set follow-ups or hire on the spot.

New to the show this year, the Hopscotch Women’s Conference will take place tomorrow (10 April), offering female delegates hands-on training, coaching, inspiration and opportunities for women in the workplace. 

For job seekers with additional incentives looking to hone their skills is the returning feature, ‘Mission Possible’, a team challenge quizzing groups on their employability, CV writing skills and interviewing techniques, with prizes up for grabs for the best teams. 

Asma Al Sharif, Director, Exhibitions and Events, DWTC added: “Careers UAE plays an important role for aspiring Emirati job-seekers to pursue thousands of diverse opportunities that will empower the country’s youth, build a sustainable future and drive the UAE’s growth and development. The fair provides local talent with opportunities to advance careers, as well as discover, learn, train and network with leading brands in more than 20 industries.”

Taking part this year will be Gold Sponsors Dubai Electronic Security Centre and National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Strategic Government Partner Dubai Government Human Resources, Bank Sponsor Commercial Bank of Dubai and partner UAE University, as well as organisations such as Dubai Health Authority, HQ Dubai Police, Standard Chartered and Emirates Group. 

Careers UAE 2017 is open exclusively to UAE Nationals and HR practitioners. Female job seekers can enjoy ladies only access to the fair from 10:00 to 13:00 on Monday 10th April. 

Show Opening Hours:
Sunday, 9th April        10:00am – 6:00pm
Monday, 10th April        10:00am – 6:00pm (Ladies only from 10:00am to 1:00pm)
Tuesday, 11th April    10:00am – 6:00pm