FUJAIRAH // Young Emiratis have been checking out their employment options at a career fair in Fujairah. More than 160 companies and organisations from the public and private sectors had stalls.
“The event is very useful, with lots of opportunities for graduates to consider, I’m a third-year student studying IT,” said Saeed Khames, 21, who was at the exhibition on Thursday.
“What I like most is technology – touch screens.”
The Fujairah Career Fair was a three-day event to connect local and regional companies, and thousands of Emirati job seekers and students attended.
Many said they were determined to stay in the UAE and serve their country – but were considering leaving Fujairah to obtain a higher salary.
“Working in Fujairah is not my goal. In order to have a good salary, I must work in Dubai or Abu Dhabi,” Saeed said.
These concerns were shared by new graduate Amina Hassan, who said while she was impressed by the options at the fair, she was also considering moving to another emirate.
“This is my first time at a career fair. I gathered lots of information about different kinds of sectors, like the available positions, salaries and requirements.
“I hold a bachelor’s degree in tourism and I would prefer to work in the same field. But it is slightly limited here in Fujairah. That’s why I don’t mind moving to another emirate,” she said.
Amal Al Abduli, 20, said she only heard about the exhibition by coincidence and more publicity would have been helpful.
“My first impression about this event is quite disappointing – it is not well organised and they should have divided it into sections. Lack of publicity is also a major issue,” she said.
“When I searched about it online I couldn’t find anything – not even an official website. My main interest is working with the tourism industry but the salaries here are not very tempting. That’s why if I get a job offer in Dubai or Abu Dhabi I will surely take it. I prefer working and serving my own country rather than moving abroad.”
The fair is in its eighth year and many of those who attended had just finished school.
“As a high school certificate holder, we can’t find a variety of opportunities,” said one recent graduate, Halema. “This is my third visit. I applied to some companies – the ones that interest me the most are Dolphin Energy Limited and du,” she said.
Another Emirati, who was about to graduate, said he visited the guidance section to improve his prospects.
“Companies are asking for a CV and a bachelor’s degree. I am still a high-school student and will graduate this month, but I visited the education section that offers guidance regarding the selection of universities, testing and scholarship opportunities. I gathered some good resources,” said Salem Abdallah Ali.
Emirati Marwa, 23, said the exhibition was a positive experience.
“It is a very thoughtful idea to do such an exhibition. We are being educated about local job opportunities and connected with professional opportunities, especially the government sector, which I prefer working with,” she said.
“I just graduated from university and am looking forward to starting my career path.”
The fair opened on Tuesday and was held at the Fujairah Exhibition Centre.
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