May 15th, 2005

CAREERS UAE REGISTERS 23% GROWTH

SURGE SPARKED BY INCREASED INTEREST IN EMIRATISATION

Careers UAE 2005, the region’s largest and most comprehensive careers fair dedicated to UAE nationals, has registered a remarkable growth of 23% in nett space taken up. This increase is largely driven by heightened interest in Emiratisation across all sectors of the economy announced organisers Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) at a press conference today (May 15th).

Careers UAE 2005, being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister for Finance and Industry, will take place at the DWTC Complex from May 16th to 18th.

“The growth in the show this year can be directly attributed to the growing realisation about the importance of Emiratisation in all sectors of our economy,” said DWTC General Manager Venue, Abdulla Tayyeb Qassem. “Careers UAE this year will take up over 3,917 sq m in Sheikh Rashid Hall, up from 3,181 sq m last year. The number of exhibitors participating in the fair has also grown by 27%, with 141 taking part this year as opposed to 111 in 2004 - with over 30 companies being represented for the first time,” Mr Qassem added.

Among those taking part for the first time is the Emirates Insurance Association, who have come on board with 24 companies under their umbrella, marking a debut for this sector in Careers. Another first time participant is Dubai Holding with a large presence along with their associated companies.

What is also remarkable about Careers UAE 2005 is that more than half of the participating companies are drawn from the private sector - which include banks, multinationals, IT and media-related companies, reflecting the changing priorities of corporates in the region towards increasingly turning to the local market to fulfill their personnel requirements.

The DWTC has joined hands with partners TANMIA – National Human Resources Development and Employment Authority, Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), Zayed University (ZU) and UAE University to more effectively reach the vast pool of emerging Emirati talent and put them in touch with prospective employers.

The last edition of Careers UAE saw large numbers of students and national professionals attending the event to scout career opportunities and keep in touch with the latest trends in the job market. Many participating companies reported collecting an average of 50-60 CVs in a day, a remarkable number by any standards.

This year’s fair is expected to attract far greater numbers, what with the increased career-awareness among UAE nationals and the realisation among local employers of the critical need to tap the best talent available in a marketplace that is becoming increasingly competitive.

Over the years Careers UAE has evolved into a key forum where all parties concerned with employment, education and training can meet and interact more frequently and effectively than ever before.

Careers UAE also provides a chance for employers seeking young national talent to share their company profiles, HR plans and to explore and present different training opportunities available in the market for potential job seekers.

Alongside the exhibition itself, there will be a packed programme of informative, educational and stimulating activities for all those involved in career development and recruitment. Students, graduates, job seekers, employees, teachers and exhibitors can attend the workshops and debates covering a wide range of topics relating to career opportunities and trends in the UAE.

For more information, please contact:
Ashok Thomas
Corporate Communications Division
Dubai World Trade Centre
Dubai 9292, UAE
email: ashok.thomas@dwtc.com  
Tel: +971 4 308-6083
Fax: +971 4 331-4853
www.dwtc.com  www.careersuae.ae