Emiratis still prefer government jobs

Sharjah - Career fair aims to make private sector attractive

The critical role the private sector can play in improving employment prospects for Emirati youth was the underlying theme of a career fair that got under way in Sharjah on Wednesday.
However, several Emiratis still prefer a career in the government sector as compared to the private sector. There is also an increased interest among graduates and school going students for careers in the armed forces. Sixteen-year-old Ahmed Hussain Ahmed wants to pursue a career in the armed forces. "It is the best and only way that I can pay respect to my nation and its leaders," said Ahmed.Well aware that the private sector generates more jobs, students said they prefergovernment sector for its high pay and job certainty.
The 18th National Career Exhibition was inaugurated by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, at Expo Centre Sharjah.
"The private sector generates more than 60 per cent of the jobs in the country but employs only 10 per cent of national graduates. There could be several reasons for this variance, but events like the National Career Exhibition can be integral in reducing this gap," said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre, Sharjah.
Experts say that about 15,000 aspirants enter the job market every year and a greater involvement of Emiratis in the private sector will give a much-needed fillip to the Emiratisation programme.
Fatma Ahsan Al Ahli, Executive Director of Strategy and Corporate Performace of Saaed, Abu Dhabi stated that applicants for jobs in Saaed need to have a minimum high school qualification to enter this job market. She added that even though the preference is for Emirati nationals, other nationalities can also apply. "There are currently 50 vacancies that we need to fill in the company," she added.
Schedule:
> 10am to 2pm on February 11.
> 4pm to 8pm on February 12.
Exclusive ladies timings >2pm to 8pm on February 11.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah