Abu Dhabi: The national push to boost the number of Emiratis working across a range of sectors continued on Tuesday as companies and government organisations reached out for potential new job candidates at a job fair.
A host of top UAE-based companies and organisations popular with job seekers launched extensive hiring campaigns for Emirati professionals at the capital’s annual recruitment drive known as Tawdheef.
The ninth edition of Tawdheef saw Abu Dhabi Government’s investment arm, Mubadala, encouraging visitors to apply online for 600 available positions at its subsidiaries, and Abu Dhabi Police conducted 300 on-site interviews with interested visitors.
Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company advertised 4,000 vacancies and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank looked to fill 500 positions.
“Applicants can hope to be placed in a number of our subsidiary firms, including renewable energy industry leader Masdar, data systems company Injazat and marine vessel company Abu Dhabi Ship Building,” Shaikha Al Hajeri, senior vice-president and head of talent acquisitions at Mubadala, told Gulf News.
“While we are continuing to receive many applications, we find that many of our employees lack financial training. So we are now offering an on-the-job learning scheme for new employees,” she added.
Mubadala was one of the most sought after companies by job seekers at Tawdheef, which was visited by hopeful Emirati graduates and university students. The recruitment fair saw about 7,500 positions on offer by 75 exhibitors, including positions for fresh graduates and internship opportunities.
While the majority of organisations were UAE-based, about 10 per cent of companies were multinational entities, including HSBC Middle East Limited with 62 vacancies and oil services provider Schlumberger.
At a press conference held at the fair today (February 3), water and electricity transmission provider, the Abu Dhabi Transmission and Despatch Company (Transco), announced 200 jobs for high school graduates, diploma holders and graduates in mechanical and electrical engineering.
The company also launched an 18-month work readiness programme that will help develop trainees’ skills and provide them with accreditation upon completion.
“The initiative will provide a solid technical foundation for aspiring young Emiratis who wish to build successful careers in the energy and water sectors,” said Hayyah Al Ali, human resource and administration manager at Transco.
Most job applicants visiting on the second day of event, which concludes tomorrow (February 4), were in search of high pay scales, comfortable working hours and career growth opportunities.
Ahmad Al Ameri, a fresh human resources graduate from Zayed University, was hopeful of landing a job soon.
“I am looking for a public sector position with good pay. The offers are coming in, but I must wait for the one which best fits my requirements,” he said.
The fair is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister for Community, Youth and Cultural Development. Organiser Informa Exhibitions announced earlier that the three-day event is expected to attract nearly 12,000 visitors.
A number of well-known company executives also shared their insights about nationalisation and talent retention at the Emiratisation Summit, which was held as part of Tawdheef.
