Ru’ya 2025, the UAE’s premier career fair for Emirati nationals, opened at the Dubai World Trade Centre on September 23. The event brought together thousands of young job seekers with leading employers, unveiling over 5,000 career opportunities and reinforcing the nation’s vision for a skilled Emirati workforce.
Virendra Saklani/Gulf News
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The three-day event, held under the theme of empowerment and opportunity, drew strong participation from both public and private sector organisations committed to Emiratisation.
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From inspiring keynote sessions to hands-on workshops, the opening day highlighted Ru’ya’s mission of equipping Emirati youth with the tools, confidence, and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.
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Crowds of students, fresh graduates, and early-career professionals filled the exhibition halls, engaging directly with recruiters from leading companies.
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Interactive platforms enabled participants to test their skills in real-world challenges, while panel discussions provided valuable insights into career growth, innovation, and the future of work.
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For employers, the fair provided a powerful opportunity to connect with exceptional local talent.
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Many organisations announced training schemes, internships, and direct job opportunities, further reinforcing Ru’ya’s role as a catalyst for Emirati workforce development.
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The atmosphere on the opening day reflected both optimism and ambition, with young Emiratis seizing the chance to explore career pathways and organisations demonstrating strong commitment to supporting national goals.
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As Ru’ya 2025 continues until September 25, the event is expected to host thousands more visitors, with workshops, mentorship sessions, and networking opportunities designed to shape careers and strengthen the UAE’s workforce of tomorrow.
Devadasan K P is the Chief Visual Editor at Gulf News, bringing more than 26 years of experience in photojournalism to the role. He leads the Visual desk with precision, speed, and a strong editorial instinct. Whether he’s selecting images of royalty, chasing the biggest celebrity moments in Dubai, or covering live events himself, Devadasan is always a few steps ahead of the action. Over the years, he has covered a wide range of major assignments — including the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, feature reportage from Afghanistan, the IMF World Bank meetings, and wildlife series from Kenya. His work has been widely recognised with industry accolades, including the Minolta Photojournalist of the Year award in 2005, the Best Picture Award at the Dubai Shopping Festival in 2008, and a Silver Award from the Society for News Design in 2011. He handles the newsroom pressure with a calm attitude, a quick response time, and his signature brand of good-natured Malayali humour. There's no fuss — just someone who gets the job done very well, every single time.
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