Abu Dhabi: In an effort to support the UAE Government’s agenda of Emiratisation and encourage participation of Emirati nationals in the private sector, the Emirati Youth Forum is preparing to highlight new opportunities in the private sector.
According to recently published statistics, only about 43,000 UAE nationals are employed in the private sector, which boasts 2.2 million jobs, while the public sector employs nearly 495,000 Emiratis.
“The decision to move into the private sector for Emiratis has been marred by stereotypes and doubt, perceptions that will be addressed head on at this year’s Emirati Youth Forum,” said Mawya Al Qaissieh, a 27-year-old Emirati who left the public sector to join the private sector two years ago. The forum will open in Abu Dhabi on January 28.
“My advice to the Emirati youth is to identify their career goals before they decide to join the public sector or the private sector. Their decisions should not be based on stereotypes,” Al Qaissieh added.
The Emirati Youth Forum will enable students and graduates from across the UAE to engage in debates and discussions with top private and public companies.
The forum will also focus on giving employers the opportunity to interact with students, understand their aspirations and expectations of the workplace and quell any fears or doubts they may have about working for the private sector.
“For years we diligently worked on bringing business skills training to youth at partner schools in the emirates. We sought to link professionals with students and to bridge the gap between learning and the world of work,” said Sulaf Saleh Al Zu’bi, CEO of Injaz UAE.
“The forum, which takes places on the sidelines of the 2nd Emiratisation Summit, reverses the conversation and offers the private sector a unique chance to hear the youth,” she added.
Several career portals have also taken up the challenge of efficiently and successfully connecting employers and job seekers.
“Monster Gulf helps companies and career seekers to find better opportunities through innovative technology solutions, tools and services,” said Sanjay Modi, managing director of Monster Gulf.
