Second Industrialists Career Exhibition Opens in Abu Dhabi with HE Dr. Sultan Al Jaber in Participation

The curtains rose on the second iteration of the Industrialists Career Exhibition today, graced by the esteemed presence of His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, alongside His Excellency Ghanam Butti Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis), and His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT). Jointly orchestrated by MoIAT in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre), the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis), and ADNOC Group, this three-day exhibition, spanning from 21st to 23rd April, from 9 am to 4 pm, aspires to fortify Emirati talent's integration into the private sector. It pledges to furnish quality employment avenues and training prospects with esteemed national companies and institutions.

The Industrialists Career Exhibition's second iteration, tailored for jobs in industry and advanced technology, endeavours to furnish over 800 opportunities for Emiratis, courtesy of 80-plus industrial, technological, and service entities. Additionally, it extends training prospects at some of the nation's premier training centres. Noteworthy is the debut of 150 job openings earmarked for individuals of determination. Moreover, the platform aspires to spotlight the enablers and incentives under the National In-Country Value (ICV) Program, championing the localization of the supply chain and Emiratization. Aligned with the objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, Operation 300bn, the National ICV Program and the Make it in the Emaratis initiative, the exhibition underscores bolstering the private sector's role and fostering national talent, thereby augmenting the UAE's economic trajectory.

Empowering Emirati Nationals

HE Al Suwaidi said: “Under the objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, the ministry is committed to boosting the growth and competitiveness of the national industrial sector through capacity building. This includes empowering and upskilling Emirati talents and providing them with a wide range of job and training opportunities, helping them to secure quality jobs and ultimately contributing to the national economy.”

“The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology is committed to working with Nafis and ADNOC Group, as well as government agencies and national companies to implement projects that enhance the productivity, competitiveness and sustainability of the industrial sector. The Industrialists Career Exhibition is an integrated platform that brings together companies, training institutions, and Emarati jobseekers with the aim of filling vacancies within local industrial companies.”

His Excellency stated that the programme intends to create over 1,000 new jobs by year's end, with 800 of those positions being part of the current second iteration.

His Excellency added: “We call on Emaratis to visit the exhibition, explore the wide range of jobs, and benefit from the training opportunities that open new horizons for development and job opportunities. This initiative strengthens the UAE’s efforts to become a global centre for sustainable and advanced industries, which are among the most important strategic sectors contributing to the country’s GDP.”

Promoting Growth and Prosperity

The significance of career displays, which focus on showcasing employment opportunities for nationals in the industrial and advanced technology sectors, was underscored by HE Ghannam Al Mazrouei.

He said: “The Industrialists Career Exhibition proved a huge success in its first edition last year, providing hundreds of job opportunities for Emirati youth in addition to many training opportunities through some of the leading training institutes in the UAE. The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council offers all training programs supported through the Industrialist Program. It does this through the Nafis program, which is an initiative led by the government to enable Emiratis working in the private sector to develop their skills in line with international standards.”

He added: “We develop the training programs for technical and soft skills in cooperation with industrial companies and training institutions. This role significantly contributes to enhancing Emiratization and economic sustainability in the country.”

His Excellency complimented MoIAT for initiating projects that support sustainable economic growth and acknowledged the importance of key partners in advancing emiratization programmes.

He added: “Developing the national economy by building partnerships between the public and private sectors is one of the main objectives of the Nafis program. The Industrialist is a testament to these fruitful partnerships.”

Employment and Training Opportunities

Yaser Saeed Al Mazrouei, ADNOC Executive Director, People, Commercial and Corporate Support, said: “ADNOC is dedicated to bolstering the national economy and empowering Emirati talent through the In-Country Value Program. Our strategy includes prioritizing Emiratization in major contracts and hosting career exhibitions to facilitate Emirati recruitment in the private sector towards ensuring sustainable employment opportunities for UAE nationals, fostering their active participation in the labour market. Additionally, it enhances our operational sustainability and competitive advantage by supporting companies that effectively incorporate Emirati talent in tender evaluations. We have successfully enabled over 11,500 Emirati talents in private sector roles in our supply chain, collaborating with our strategic partners.”

He added: “Through initiatives, like the Industrialists Career Exhibition, we continue to empower talented UAE nationals and contribute to the advancement of the UAE’s economic growth and overall prosperity.”

Building on the First Edition

Evolving from its maiden edition held in October 2023, which saw participation from 3,000 Emiratis, offering on-the-spot interviews, training, and recruitment avenues, the second edition further solidifies its commitment. With over 73 industry and advanced technology entities participating, the inaugural edition extended more than 500 job opportunities to nationals.

Of significance is the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked earlier between MoIAT, MoHRE, and Nafis, signifying a collective endeavour to empower and upskill talent, alongside providing job prospects for UAE nationals, as integral facets of the National In-Country Value (ICV) Program.