For numerous companies, career fairs are a strategic solution to avoid last-minute rushes in meeting Emiratization goals. By developing a reserve pool of Emirati talent, organizations are prepared to manage unexpected resignations or fluctuations in required quotas, ensuring continuity and adherence to national employment policies.
HR specialists highlight that the main benefit of these fairs is the direct access they provide to a varied pool of job seekers, from recent graduates to seasoned professionals. This allows companies to build a comprehensive database of candidates to tap into when necessary.
Khaleej Times previously noted that companies must increase their Emirati workforce by 2% each year — 1% in the first half and another 1% in the second half. By year-end, firms need to achieve an 8% target. Non-compliance results in monthly fines totaling thousands of dirhams per unfilled Emirati position.
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Adapting to sudden changes
Latifa Al Najafi, Executive Employee Welfare at Imdaad, emphasized the company’s preparedness for sudden resignations or changes in Emiratization requirements.
“We don’t limit ourselves to the exact required numbers. We hire more, so even with sudden resignations, we’re still in a safe zone.”
Al Najafi mentioned that Imdaad’s participation in the Ru’ya Careers exhibition is intended to familiarize citizens with the company’s operations and attract Emirati talent, ensuring readiness to meet Emiratization targets despite unforeseen changes in the job market.
“As a semi-government entity, the mandate isn’t fully applicable to us, but we aim to participate in numerous recruitment platforms to increase awareness about Imdaad.”
To support its subsidiaries, the company has expanded roles and introduced new job titles to draw more nationals. New positions include Operations Officer at Farz Recycling and various Engineering roles within subsidiaries.
Broadening opportunities
Khawla Saeed AlHabsi, Senior Associate in HR Governance at Americana Restaurants, highlighted the significance of career fairs in sustaining Emiratization objectives.
“We reached our Emiratization goal in the first quarter, but resignations created new vacancies. Career fairs provide a candidate reserve to quickly fill these gaps.”
She added that Americana Restaurants is opening new roles in both existing and new categories, targeting fresh graduates for part-time, full-time, and field roles.
Strategic Emiratization efforts
Noora Al Mulla, Head of Emiratization at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), views Emiratization as a strategic objective.
“Emiratization is a top priority. Emiratis now make up 47% of our workforce. Our involvement in Ru’ya Careers Fair underscores our dedication to sustaining growth, building career paths for nationals, and preparing them to lead in Islamic banking.”
She added, “Although we’ve exceeded national requirements, we continue to invest in developing Emirati leaders. Ru’ya Careers Fair helps us expand our talent pool, open new career pathways, and inspire future leaders in banking.”
With rising Emiratization quotas, new roles have been introduced across the banking sector.
“We’ve expanded vacancies in core banking departments and added new positions in digital transformation and compliance.”
She also emphasized the bank’s readiness for future workforce shifts through graduate training, mentorship, and partnerships with universities and training providers like HCT, Zayed University, Harvard University, and the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF).
Proactive talent nurturing
Companies not yet fully meeting their Emiratization targets also see career fairs as vital solutions.
“We’re close to reaching our Emiratization goals, but our participation in Ru’ya reflects our proactive approach to talent development,” said Noura Ahmed Darwish, HR Business Partner at National Bonds.
She added that the company perceives Emiratization not just as a quota to meet but as a chance to develop a robust pipeline of skilled Emirati talent.
“While we open roles based on current demands, we also create new job titles when we encounter exceptional Emirati talent that doesn’t fit our current structure. By offering attractive benefits, career growth opportunities, and a clear advancement roadmap, we ensure our talent is prepared not only to stay but to lead.”
