May 16th, 2005

HH SHEIKH NAHYAN AND SHEIKH MOHAMMED INAUGURATE CAREERS UAE

His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Education and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defence minister yesterday inaugurated Careers UAE 2005, the region’s largest and most representative careers fair for UAE nationals, at the Dubai World Trade Centre Complex.

HH Sheikh Nahyan and HH Sheikh Mohammed were accompanied by a high-profile entourage comprising sheikhs, business leaders, VIPs and other dignitaries were conducted on a comprehensive tour of the exhibition, which will run till May 18th at the Sheikh Rashid Hall. Their Highnesses too time to speak to various exhibitors and inquired about what schemes and opportuinities were available for students and jobseekers, who are expected to attend the fair in their thousands.

Careers UAE 2005, now in its fifth edition, 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.

The exhibition this year takes 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.

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.

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