Abdullah bin Salem Inaugurates 6th Edition of 'Ithraa' Career Fair

Photo : Sharjah Media Office

Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, officially inaugurated the sixth edition of the “Ithraa” Career Fair on Monday, focusing on the Financial and Banking Sector. The event, hosted at the Expo Centre Sharjah, is organized by the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF) in collaboration with the Sharjah Department of Human Resources (SDHR) and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).

The “Ithraa” Career Fair aims to introduce promising job opportunities for both male and female citizens, particularly targeting young professionals interested in careers in the financial sector. It seeks to enhance participants' understanding of current labor market trends and boost Emiratisation rates in this vital sector, which plays a crucial role in the future economy of the UAE.

Upon arriving at the exhibition, Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem toured the various exhibition halls, where he was introduced to the pavilions of numerous government agencies and private sector institutions. These displays highlighted the significant opportunities available for specialists within the financial and banking sectors. 

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During his tour, Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem took a moment to meet with several graduates from the EIF, who are part of the "Ithraa Ambassadors" program. He listened to their experiences regarding qualification, training, and employment, emphasizing the importance of practical insights for future job seekers.

As he continued through the exhibition, Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem was briefed on the various EIF programs aimed at supporting Emiratisation and employing qualified professionals in the banking and insurance sectors. He also received updates on the institute's objectives and pertinent statistics related to its development initiatives supporting various institutions and entities.

One of the highlights of his visit was a stop at the Sharjah Department of Human Resources pavilion, where he learned about the department's initiatives for Emiratisation, as well as its training and qualification programs. During this segment of his tour, Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem officially launched the new digital version of the "Waffer" program, which is designed to provide numerous benefits and privileges to employees within the Sharjah government. His Highness marked the official start of the program by pressing the launch button.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem visited several pavilions throughout the exhibition, engaging with representatives from participating entities to gain insights into the job and training opportunities they offer. These opportunities are tailored for young high school graduates and those holding bachelor’s degrees in fields such as finance, business administration, economics, and information technology.

Throughout his tour, the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah received comprehensive briefings on the various job opportunities being offered by participating entities, aimed at accommodating aspiring professionals in the financial, banking, insurance, and business administration sectors. He was informed about the extensive benefits provided, including academic support and training aligned with the qualifications of young graduates.

The Deputy Ruler also attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the EIF and the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), which was executed by Dr. Faisal Al Ayyan, Director of HCT, and Noura Al Balushi, Director General of the EIF. This memorandum aims to establish a productive partnership that aligns with both parties' strategic objectives, facilitating knowledge exchange and the development of vocational training and job opportunities for HCT students and graduates.

The memorandum also includes commitments to participate in research projects, studies, and scientific consultations, as well as exploring new technology applications through cooperation between the two institutions. Furthermore, it aims to promote the sharing of information, strategies, and initiatives that align with the goals outlined in the agreement.

This year’s “Ithraa” exhibition features over 100 entities and institutions, including many prominent banks and financial organizations across the UAE. The exhibition is anticipated to provide more than 700 job opportunities for national professionals in essential and specialized positions within the targeted sectors.

The sixth edition of the fair is part of the broader "Ithraa" initiative, which aims to support the Emiratisation of the financial, banking, and insurance sectors by creating 9,375 jobs by 2026-2027. This initiative is designed to enhance employment opportunities for citizens and actively involve them in shaping the future of these critical sectors, ensuring the investment in their talents as key drivers of sustainable development.

In addition to Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem, the inauguration was attended by several distinguished guests, including His Excellency Khalid Mohammed Balami, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE and Chairman of the EIF; Abdullah Al Zaabi, Head of SDHR; Mohammed Abdullah, CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank; Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah; Mohammed Ahmed Amin, Director General of SCCI; Noura Al Balushi, Director General of EIF; and other senior officials.