Banks lead employers at Sharjah job fair

Sharjah More than 7,000 visitors are expected to attend this year's National Career Exhibition in Sharjah, said Jamal Al Jasmi, organiser and general manager of the Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies. The event kicks off at 10am today at the Expo Centre Sharjah where almost 100 exhibitors will be recruiting. Al Jasmi said 33 banks, 12 insurance companies, seven large exchange houses, two finance companies, Sharjah government departments, universities, the UAE armed forces, air force and navy will be among the exhibitors. Also among the highlights of the event is the Human Resource Development Award where organisations will be recognised for their Emiratisation efforts. Women in the banking sector will also be recognised at the event — more than 150 women bankers in the UAE will take part. Many jobs in the banking, financial and public sector are expected to be offered. Saif Mohammad Al Midfa, director-general of the Expo Centre, Sharjah, said the banking sector is on the right track with its Emiratisation. "A slew of measures have been initiated to groom national graduates to take up jobs in the private sector, including federal- and emirate-level bodies, budget allocations, the Khalifa Fund and a comprehensive Emiratisation database, among others," he said. Interview booths He said banks and financial institutions have been proactive by introducing their own training and skill development programmes, and offering Emiratis opportunities for career growth. It last year's event several job seekers and graduates complained that exhibitors did not want to receive CVs and instead wanted them to apply online or to fill out employment registration forms. This year, however, Al Jasmi said some banks and other exhibitors have set up interview booths to screen candidates properly. He encouraged UAE nationals to seek jobs at such fairs across the country.