Exciting Job Fair Offers 1,000 Opportunities for Young Emiratis

The UAE opened its 19th annual Employment x Zaheb job fair in Abu Dhabi, offering over 1,000 job opportunities as companies rush to meet government hiring quotas for Emirati nationals by December 2025. The event highlights the country's push toward AI and digital jobs while addressing immediate workforce needs in engineering and banking sectors.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, launched the fair at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The event runs until November 20 and features 40 interactive sessions alongside specialized centers for career guidance, resume reviews, and mock interviews.

Job seekers at the fair noticed most opportunities center around engineering and accounting roles. Banks and engineering firms dominate the exhibition floor, with many conducting on-the-spot interviews with Emiratis. This urgency reflects companies' need to meet nationalization targets before the year-end deadline to avoid penalties.

Sheikh Nahyan emphasized the UAE's focus on preparing young people for the digital economy. "The data we see today confirms that the UAE job market is rapidly shifting toward smart jobs," he said. "This requires all of us – government, educational institutions, and private sector – to provide real platforms for training and quality job opportunities for our youth."

The minister highlighted the UAE's position as one of the fastest-growing markets for AI jobs in the region. He said the fair connects labor market data with skills development programs while opening direct channels between national talent and leading organizations.

Employment consultants at the fair report high demand for fresh graduates in software development, data protection specialists, robotics engineers, big data analysts, and AI specialists. Traditional engineering roles remain essential, but the focus is shifting toward tech-enabled positions.

University students flocked to the first day, seeking insights into job market tools and entrepreneurship resources. Students like Bilal Saqr and Ahmed Jasem said they benefited from detailed explanations about available positions, resume preparation tips, and common interview questions. Many hope to secure internships that could lead to full-time positions after graduation.

The fair addresses both immediate hiring needs and long-term workforce planning. While companies face pressure to meet Emiratization quotas, the event also serves professionals already employed who want better opportunities or higher salaries at larger organizations.

Fadi Harb, events manager at Informa Middle East, which organizes the fair, said this year's edition focuses on three areas: practical guidance for career decisions, real conversations with industry leaders, and hands-on learning through professional workshops. The setup includes advanced resume and interview centers, one-on-one guidance sessions with HR experts, and workshops on future skills in digital transformation, green economy, and artificial intelligence.

The timing reflects broader economic shifts in the UAE as the country positions itself as a regional hub for technology and innovation. With AI adoption accelerating and digital transformation reshaping industries, the job market is evolving beyond traditional sectors toward knowledge-based roles that require new skill sets.