Abu Dhabi: The 11th annual edition of the Najah exhibition got under way in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, with more than 150 local and international universities on show at the UAE’s leading higher education event.
The event was inaugurated by Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State for Tolerance, and will run until Friday, providing prospective students with a great opportunity of choosing their university options.
This year’s exhibition is also the biggest yet, with universities from the US, the UK, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan and Egypt all on hand.
“This year, we have an even bigger showcase of more than 150 prestigious local and international universities, training institutions and leading companies at Najah,” said Tamer Nahas, exhibition director. “We also have a Knowledge Zone area for seminars and workshops, where you can hear industry experts on course guidance, studying abroad, and student life,” he added.
Walking from one university stand to the next, school students from across the UAE on Wednesday assessed their potential future university.
Mohammad Ilham, a 17-year old student from Indonesia, was looking for the best option. “At the moment, I am interested in studying either in the UK or Malaysia,” he said. “It is nerve-racking to be honest, choosing the university. I think I am on the right path, but at the same time, I don’t feel prepared as yet but I am confident it will work out for the best,” he added.
Ameer Rafik, 17, from Malaysia, said he was excited and looking forward to starting university.
“I feel I am prepared for university, I have been checking my options and have an idea of what I want to study and where.
“My dad knows a lot about universities, so he gave me a lot of advice and guidance. I am very excited to have the chance to go to another country, and to see and experience new things,” he added.
Jessica Quiniola from the Philippines, 15, said she was planning her university options early.
“When you plan at an earlier age, you can explore your options [better] ... seeing as I have two more years,” she said.
“The older I get, the more pressure there would be on me to pick a university,” she added.
Despite starting early, Quiniola admitted that she was still not entirely sure about her career path.
“But these kind of events are beneficial because they show me all the possibilities and the type of majors being offered at universities. I am looking forward to university,” Quiniola said. Rama Mohammad, from Jordan, also 15, said that she too was doing her homework on universities early.
“It’s going to be stressful if I leave it for after. Coming to an event like this is great because I see the choices I have.
“Choosing your university is a big decision, but I am excited and looking forward to the next chapter. I want to pursue a major in media, and so I have been looking at universities offering such courses,” she added.
Mena Thabit, 15, from Egypt, said she was looking for a university with a good medical school.
“I am looking for somewhere that has a proper medical facility, preferably in Egypt, but if not, then maybe Malaysia.
“Deciding the university is not easy because you might pick the wrong university or the wrong major to study, so it’s important to make the right decision.”
Ashley Lobo, 16, from India, said he was looking for a university with a good engineering programme.
“I have a fixed idea of what I’d like to study at university, but it still doesn’t make this any less daunting. I am looking at my options in India, or somewhere else,” he said.
“Coming to this exhibition has been good because I have also seen a lot of university options available here in the UAE,” he added.
Najah Exhibition
Where: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
When: 25-27 October
Timings: Thursday: 9am-12pm for ladies only, 12pm-4pm for all visitors. Friday: 2:30pm-9:30pm
