Ru’ya, Careers UAE 2024, one of the most important recruitment and networking events in the UAE, is all set to begin on Tuesday, September 24th, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This event, which is dedicated to helping young Emiratis find job opportunities and build essential skills for their careers, will be held in Za’abeel Halls 4, 5, and 6 until Thursday, September 26th. During these three days, from 10 am to 6 pm, more than 16,000 visitors are expected to attend, all eager to take advantage of the tools, resources, and opportunities available to help them thrive in their careers.
A National Focus on Emiratisation
As the UAE works towards becoming a competitive, knowledge-based economy, the government is actively supporting Emiratisation—a strategy that aims to bring more Emiratis into the workforce and ensure they have access to meaningful and rewarding jobs. This focus on Emiratisation is also part of the UAE’s larger plan to shape the future of the country over the next 10 years. Legal provisions have been put in place to create more opportunities for UAE Nationals, helping to transform the employment market into an empowering space for young Emiratis across various sectors.
Ru’ya 2024 plays an important role in this mission by providing a platform where hiring companies can meet Emirati students, recent graduates, and young professionals who are looking to start or advance their careers. This year marks the 23rd edition of the event, and it will feature over 150 top public and private organizations. These include well-known names like Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority, The American University in Dubai, Emirates Group, and Galadari Brothers.
A Diverse Range of Sectors on Display
One of the most exciting aspects of Ru’ya 2024 is its ability to reflect the UAE’s economic diversification. This year, nearly half of the exhibitors are new to the show, representing sectors that are participating for the first time. These include industries like construction, facilities management, media and marketing, e-commerce, and chemicals. Major companies like Amazon, Jotun, and Siemens Energy will also be part of the event, showcasing the growing variety of sectors where young Emiratis can find career opportunities.
Opportunities for Growth and Networking
The primary goal of Ru’ya is to combine opportunity and empowerment for its 16,000 anticipated visitors. Over the course of the event, young Emiratis will have the chance to engage with leading employers, build valuable professional connections, and upskill to remain competitive in a rapidly changing job market. This year’s agenda is packed with interactive workshops, seminars, inspiring performances, competitions, and direct opportunities to network with top employers—all in one place.
Some of the expert-led workshop sessions will cover a wide range of topics, such as photography and preparing for university, providing attendees with useful skills and knowledge to help them succeed. On stage, a variety of Emiratis who have taken different career paths will share their stories, inspiring the next generation of professionals. Among them will be individuals like a hotel chef and a young pianist, showing that there are many different routes to a fulfilling career.
Engaging Activities for Students and Graduates
In addition to professional workshops and seminars, Ru’ya 2024 will offer fun and interactive competitions to engage students from local schools and universities, allowing them to begin their employment journeys in a more hands-on and enjoyable way. One of the exciting new features this year is the ‘Design Lab’ competition, which is being supported by Frio, an Emirati-founded drinks company. This competition will challenge students to design a new label for Frio’s cans and even create a refreshing new drink flavor, combining creativity with real-world business skills.
For Emirati graduates and final-year students, there is also the ‘Challenge and Win a Job’ activation. This program gives participants the opportunity to land job offers with leading companies within just 24 hours. The positions up for grabs will be in fields such as marketing, sales, and finance, and the selection process will be based on skill-based challenges. This unique opportunity provides a fast-track route into the professional world, helping young Emiratis secure their first jobs and start their careers on the right foot.
Supporting Emirati Talent and Empowerment
Asma Alsharif, AVP of Sustainable Development and Exhibitions at the Dubai World Trade Centre, which organizes the event, emphasized the importance of Ru’ya in empowering the next generation of Emirati talent. She explained that the Dubai World Trade Centre is proud to host Ru’ya, Careers UAE 2024, as part of its commitment to creating opportunities that help young Emiratis succeed in the workforce.
Alsharif highlighted that this year’s event not only provides a crucial platform for young professionals to connect with top employers but also aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of sustainable and inclusive economic growth. With a wider range of sectors participating and an exciting lineup of new features, she expressed confidence that Ru’ya 2024 will inspire young Emiratis and equip them with the skills, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive in their careers.
Key Sponsors and Event Theme
Ru’ya 2024 is also being supported by several major sponsors who are committed to youth empowerment. First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is this year’s Platinum Sponsor, while Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) is the Gold Sponsor. In addition, Air Arabia and United Arab Bank are serving as Support Sponsors for the event.
The theme for the 23rd edition of Ru’ya is “[YOU]th Can,” which reflects the focus on empowering young Emiratis and helping them unlock their potential in the UAE’s dynamic job market. The event will also highlight the role of ever-evolving technology in shaping the future of work, ensuring that young professionals have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a digital world.
A Bright Future for Emirati Youth
Overall, Ru’ya, Careers UAE 2024, promises to be a transformative event for the thousands of young Emiratis who attend. With a focus on providing real opportunities for employment, skill development, and networking, the event is well-positioned to help shape the future careers of its participants. By bringing together top employers, offering interactive and engaging activities, and focusing on sectors that are critical to the UAE’s economic growth, Ru’ya 2024 will play a key role in helping Emiratis build successful and fulfilling careers in their home country.
As the UAE continues to move towards a knowledge-based economy, events like Ru’ya will remain essential in fostering the next generation of talent, ensuring that young professionals are equipped with the skills, connections, and opportunities they need to thrive in a competitive and ever-changing job market.
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