The third edition of the ‘Ethraa’ Career Fair, dedicated to recruiting talent in the financial and banking sectors, has successfully wrapped up.
This event was organized by the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF) in partnership with the Government of Sharjah, the Department of Human Resources, ‘Nafis’ (the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council), and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Its main objective was to present promising career prospects for Emirati nationals in the financial sector and boost Emiratization rates in this crucial sector of the nation’s future economy.
Inauguration of the 3rd ‘Ethraa’ Career Fair by Deputy Ruler of Sharjah
Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the third edition of the ‘Ethraa’ Career Fair was inaugurated by H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.
Distinguished attendees included Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Institute of Finance, Engineer Omar Khalfan bin Huraimel Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Sharjah Directorate of Human Resources, Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mohammed Abdullah, CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank, and several other senior officials.
The career fair witnessed a remarkable turnout of academically accomplished national talents actively seeking job opportunities in the financial sector.
Financial Institutions Join Forces to Create Over 1,000 Job Opportunities
More than 2,000 job interviews were conducted with banks and insurance companies, resulting in over 800 Emirati candidates being shortlisted, according to WAM.
This impressive talent pool included high school graduates, recent university graduates, and experienced professionals, underscoring the fair’s vital role in connecting the region’s leading banks and financial sector organizations with top-tier talent.
Held over two days on October 9 and 10, 2023, the exhibition took place at the prestigious headquarters of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Around 70 esteemed financial institutions participated, including some of the nation’s most renowned banks and financial entities.
Their collective aim was to create more than 1,000 job opportunities in the last quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, catering to both male and female candidates with high school diplomas and bachelor’s degrees specializing in fields like business administration, economics, accounting, and information technology.
Building Career Pathways for Highly Skilled Emirati Youth
Noura Alblooshi, General Manager of the Emirates Institute of Finance, commented, “We are committed to realizing the vision of the UAE’s astute leadership, led by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Our focus is on accelerating Emiratization programs. The financial sector offers immense potential, and at EIF, we are dedicated to furnishing premier job opportunities for Emiratis. We aim to catalyze innovation and creativity, enabling them to make significant contributions to the UAE and achieve its developmental aspirations and strategic visions. Our endeavors foresee a future where the nation’s people lead in all domains.”
Engineer Omar Khalfan bin Huraimel Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Sharjah Directorate of Human Resources, stressed the pivotal role of the 3rd “Ethraa” Career Fair in the financial and banking sectors.
He underscored its significance in providing specialized practical opportunities and suitable career pathways, enabling highly skilled Emirati youth to enter the job market with varying qualifications and academic backgrounds.
Al Shamsi highlighted that increasing Emiratization rates in the financial sector empowers national talent in this critical industry, equipping them to address the challenges posed by the future economy and actively contribute to sustainable development.
Signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
On the opening day of the career fair, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF) and the Government of Sharjah’s Department of Human Resources.
This MoU reflects a mutual commitment to enhancing cooperation in enhancing the skills of Emirati professionals in both the public and private sectors, especially within the financial domain.
The MoU’s objectives include preparing UAE nationals for future leadership roles in the financial sector and positioning them as influential decision-makers in the Emirate of Sharjah’s major business initiatives.
As per the MoU’s provisions, EIF will oversee training programs to nurture the potential of Emirati candidates identified by the Department of Human Resources for roles in the financial sector.
