Call to avoid 'forced joblessness'

Dubai: There is a need to build a bridge between higher education and the job market to avoid the creation of "forced unemployment", according to the Chairman of the Emirates National Development Programme Board of Trustees.

Ahmad Humaid Al Tayer was speaking at the inauguration of a two-day event, the fifth Counselling Arabia Conference yesterday at the Dubai Women's College.

Al Tayer emphasised the need to prepare university students for the job market, especially in the private sector.

"We find it very difficult to match employers' needs with graduates' qualifications. We need to build a bridge between the higher education sector and the job market," he said.

The conference was attended by over 700 representatives of professional organisations and educational institutions.