FUJAIRAH // A career in uniform was the top choice of the majority of Emiratis who attended this year’s Fujairah International Career and Education Fair, with jobs in the Armed Forces and police much sought after.
Hundreds of job seekers and high-school pupils have already attended this year’s event, taking place at the Fujairah Career Fair at the Exhibition centre until Thursday.
More than 1,300 positions at more than 80 companies and organisations from the public and private sectors were available, as well as 150 educational institutions from around the world.
Mohammed Al Naabi, a 20-year-old IT student at the Higher Colleges of Technology went with his friend Mohammed Al Hosani to look for a suitable job in the Army.
“A job in the Army is something all of us wish to have, the recruitment process with them is quite fast as they always have job opportunities,” he said.
“For me, I prefer to work outside Fujairah for better income.”
Mr Al Hosani, 19, was impressed with the number of companies and universities at the event.
“I’m also an IT student and would consider a job with the Armed Forces.”
However, their friend Ali Al Hammadi said he would prefer to stay in Fujairah with his family.
“I was interested in Fujairah Asia Power Company as they offer good salaries and I can stay with my family here instead of working in another emirate away from them,” he said.
“I know many people who were recruited through the fair. I came here today to gather more information in order to apply after graduation.”
Shaima Al Raeesy attended the fair with her two-month-old daughter hoping to find a job in Fujairah, although she was prepared to move to Abu Dhabi for the right position.
“I used to work as a teacher, but not anymore,” she said.
“I was assigned in Al Ain and it was hard to manage the job and the family due to the distance.”
The 31-year-old mother of four would take a job with the capital’s police as her husband already works in the city.
“I’m here to apply for a position in Abu Dhabi Police as it will suit me more as my husband works in Abu Dhabi.”
While job seekers were looking for a good salary and position, pupils who attended the event were keen on pursuing their education, with many keeping engineering in their sights.
“Engineers find jobs faster and make more money,” said Ahmad Al Ali. “When I finish high school, I want to study electrical engineering.”
Said Nabulsi, in-country commercial manager at London’s BPP University, said the youth had several questions related to courses and if they could fit them around their National Service commitments.
“They all had concerns regarding their military service and if they can join our university before they finish or even begin with it,” said Mr Nabulsi.
“Our university offers studies in law, business, finance and health. I noticed most of the students were looking to have an engineering certificate.”
rhaza@thenational.ae
