Dubai – Maryam Al Addan and Sara Al Kawari
The 9th edition of the National Service and Reserve Employment Fair kicked off yesterday under the patronage of the National Service and Reserve Authority at the Dubai World Trade Centre at Expo City Dubai, running until 17 July. More than 55 entities from the government, private and semi-government sectors are participating, alongside 9 higher education institutions, with the aim of supporting and empowering National Service and Reserve conscripts and enhancing their readiness to enter the labour market or continue their education.
His Excellency Staff Lieutenant General Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence, inaugurated the fair in the presence of Staff Major General Issa Rashid Al Muhairi, Chairman of the National Service and Reserve Authority, and a number of senior officers and officials.
His Excellency toured the exhibition halls, where he was briefed on the job opportunities, initiatives and programmes offered by participating entities aimed at qualifying and empowering National Service and Reserve conscripts to contribute to various vital sectors, in support of sustainable development efforts and enhancing the competitiveness of the United Arab Emirates.
The fair is held under the patronage of the Ministry of Defence, represented by the National Service and Reserve Authority, and is organised by Index Conferences and Exhibitions — a member of Index Holding — with support from Index Media, ADNOC Technical Academy, Edge Group, University of Kalba, University of Al Dhaid, Space42, Higher Colleges of Technology, SLB, and Bin Hamouda Group.
Tariq Abdulsalam Al Madani, Chief Executive Officer of Index Conferences and Exhibitions, said the fair features more than 55 exhibiting entities this year and provides in excess of 20,000 job opportunities, in addition to more than 12,000 educational opportunities, giving National Service conscripts and graduates a diverse range of options to build their professional and academic futures.
He explained that the fair represents an integrated platform that helps conscripts, upon completing their National Service, choose the path that suits their ambitions — whether joining civilian or military entities or continuing their studies at participating higher education institutions — thereby enhancing young Emiratis' readiness to contribute to the nation's development journey.
The fair provides an integrated platform for employment, guidance and professional development, strengthening the alignment between educational outcomes and labour market needs, and helping to empower national talent and open new horizons across various sectors.
According to the National Service and Reserve Authority, the 9th edition of the fair represents a national platform bringing together National Service and Reserve conscripts and graduates with employers and educational institutions, contributing to the advancement of their professional and academic careers.
The fair embodies the approach of the wise leadership in investing in national talent, rooted in the belief that true investment is investment in human capital.
It was noted that the event gives young people the opportunity to explore professional and educational pathways aligned with their ambitions, whether they wish to enter the labour market or continue their studies.
The first day of the fair saw a notable turnout of National Service and Reserve conscripts and graduates, as the pavilions of participating entities attracted large numbers of those seeking job opportunities or further study.
Many entities also conducted preliminary job interviews, and presented visitors with details on available positions, required specialisations and application procedures, amid strong engagement from young people keen to learn about the professional and educational opportunities on offer, enhancing their readiness to embark on their professional and academic journeys.