As a key platform for employment, education, and training, the National Service Career Fair (NSCF) is a vital gateway for Emirati youth to explore career opportunities and enhance their skills. Taking place at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City, Dubai from 12 to 14 May 2025, the event aligns with the UAE’s ambitious vision to equip young talents with the expertise needed to thrive in a competitive job market. To understand the fair’s objectives and its role in bridging the gap between talented youth and industry demands, Al-Jundi Journal interviewed Tariq Al Madani, CEO of INDEX Conferences & Exhibitions, the organising company behind NSCF and had the following dialogue with him:
What are the key objectives and vision behind NSCF?
This event is our tribute to the nation’s protectors and a way of giving back to our country, honouring those who tirelessly safeguard its security and stability. At the National Service Career Fair (NSCF), we embody the UAE’s dedication to nurturing youth skills and creating opportunities. It aims to build the future of Emirati youth by bridging connections between national service recruits, graduates, businesses, universities, and national training institutions. The fair offers young individuals essential experiences and skills crucial for success in the job market. It creates an environment that encourages innovation and creativity, while also providing advanced educational programs to help enhance their technical expertise and professional abilities.
Our objectives at the National Service Career Fair (NSCF) are centred around supporting UAE National Service Reserve Authority Program cadets and graduates in securing employment and educational opportunities before completing the program. We aim to create a one-stop hub where cadets and graduates can connect with organizations from both the public and private sectors. Additionally, we strive to provide work, training, and educational opportunities to foster personal development and contribute to the Emiratisation program by increasing Emirati participation in the workforce, ultimately strengthening the economy.
With the evolving needs of the UAE’s sectors, how does the Career Fair help bridge the gap between talent and the industry’s growing demands?
We focus on empowering youth in key sectors such as telecommunications, oil and gas, banking and finance, aviation, and more, helping to connect them with industry leaders and career opportunities.
Last year, NSCF featured a comprehensive agenda with over 30 workshops led by more than 40 esteemed global speakers. These sessions covered essential topics like emergency and crisis management, future workforce readiness, job prospects, and more, equipping National Service Program cadets and graduates with valuable skills and interview preparation to guide them toward meaningful career paths.
This year, the fair highlights government and private companies from diverse sectors, providing support and encouragement to National Service Cadets and graduates, from seasoned professionals to recent graduates, helping them achieve their career goals. Additionally, NSCF enables companies to build a robust database of National Service Reserve Authority Program cadet and graduate profiles, strengthening future employment opportunities.
The event also includes insightful discussions on personal branding, private-sector job opportunities, and the role of information and communication technology across various industries. Through its focused approach, NSCF supports the Emiratisation initiative and bridges the gap between the labour market’s increasing demands, especially in sectors like defence and security, and the talent available. It fosters open communication channels between conscripts, graduates, and organizations, ensuring that both talent and industry needs align for future success. The participating sectors at the National Service Career Fair encompass a wide range of vital industries, including Oil and Gas, Government, Education, Training, Finance and Banking, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail, Infrastructure, E-commerce, Economy, Automotive, Emergency Services, Technology, Engineering, Aviation, Agriculture, Telecommunications, and Contracting. The fair also includes participation from media agencies, reflecting the diversity of sectors contributing to the development of the UAE job market and meeting its growing demands.
What role do you believe the fair plays in fostering collaboration between public institutions and private sector companies?
The fair plays a crucial role in enhancing collaboration between public and private sector organizations by bringing together a wide array of companies and governmental bodies. These entities interact directly with conscripts and graduates, helping to enhance employment and training opportunities. Additionally, the fair highlights localization strategies, such as the “Emirates Group Localization Strategy” workshop, focusing on how to support the local economy and promote the recruitment of Emirati talent in various industries. Several key industry leaders and organizations have highlighted the fair’s significance in this regard.
Sunand Nair, Talent Acquisition Manager at Al Masaood, emphasized how the fair aligns with the UAE’s national vision of hiring Emirati nationals, providing a platform for both private sector companies and government institutions to engage with skilled, homegrown talent. This collaboration not only strengthens the workforce but also ensures that the nation’s strategic objectives are met by nurturing local capabilities. Ismail Ali Abdulla, CEO of STRATA, one of Mubadala’s investment companies, echoed this sentiment by noting that the fair serves as an exclusive avenue for hiring UAE nationals, offering 100 to 110 new job opportunities.
For Anas Elazab, Recruitment Manager at DHL, the fair plays a crucial role in connecting organizations with potential Emirati candidates, helping them find suitable roles in the market.
Moreover, His Excellency Fahad Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, highlighted that the fair offers an unparalleled opportunity to integrate national manpower into the workforce, contributing to the country’s future growth. This reflects the alignment between public institutions’ long-term goals and private sector initiatives.
The fair also supports academic institutions like Zayed University, whose Director of Admissions, Ahmed Sami Al-Baroudi, pointed out that the university’s participation facilitates the development of new academic programs for Emirati cadets. By working with leading companies during their studies, students gain the practical knowledge and experience necessary to contribute to national service efforts and meet industry demands.
These testimonies from key stakeholders reflect the fair’s fundamental role in strengthening the relationship between the public and private sectors, ultimately benefiting the future of our nation.
What were the key outcomes and impacts of the latest edition of the National Service Career Fair, and how has it contributed to the growth of recruitment and talent development?
The National Service Career Fair has proven to be a transformative event, significantly impacting both young professionals and the industry at large. The latest edition of the fair has delivered impressive outcomes that underscore its growing importance as a career development platform.
With over 900 cadets and graduates hired through the event, the fair has played a crucial role in connecting talent with employers. More than 2,200 individuals have enrolled in specialized training programs, further demonstrating the fair’s commitment to fostering skill development and career advancement for participants.
The fair’s reach has extended beyond recruitment, with 8,980 CVs collected and over 900 interviews scheduled post-event, ensuring that candidates continue to benefit from long-term opportunities. Social media engagement also saw significant growth, with the fair’s online platforms experiencing a 40.9% increase in followers.
In addition, the event has attracted new media partnerships, with a 50% growth in partners, further amplifying its impact and visibility. The fair’s online presence has also flourished, with a remarkable 33,335 website visits, reflecting the strong demand for career-related resources and networking opportunities.
These outcomes highlight the National Service Career Fair’s growing influence in shaping the future of recruitment and talent development, benefiting both individuals and companies alike.
Given the current trends in the UAE’s market, what specific skills and qualifications are most in demand by employers at the fair?
Employers at the National Service Career Fair are seeking candidates with a wide range of technical and specialized skills. Key skills in high demand include proficiency in artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and machine learning, as businesses seek to embrace digital transformation. Additionally, qualifications in fields like computer science, software development, and cybersecurity are highly sought after, as well as expertise in engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. Communication, leadership, project management, and problem-solving skills are also highly valued, as these traits are critical in today’s fast-paced and evolving business environment. The growing emphasis on sustainability and innovation also makes skills in green technologies, renewable energy, and environmental management particularly important.
Would you like to send any message through Al Jundi Journal?
We would like to send an important message about the pivotal role that job fairs like the National Service Career Fair (NSCF) play in building a sustainable and prosperous future for the UAE. This event serves as a vital platform that brings together job seekers, companies, and academic institutions, aiming to enhance Emiratization and ensure the sustainable development of Emirati talent.
The fair not only connects national talent with job opportunities but also encourages the continuous development of skills and knowledge. Lifelong learning is the foundation for adapting to future challenges and ensuring long-term sustainability. NSCF plays a crucial role in equipping National Service recruits and graduates with the skills and experience needed to innovate and contribute to shaping the future of the UAE.
The UAE’s investment in developing its youth through continuous education and work opportunities in vital sectors is essential for the nation’s future. Emirati youth are the driving force behind the country’s future, and every step taken today to empower them with knowledge and experience contributes to building a strong, prosperous nation, capable of navigating the challenges of the 21st century.
The National Service Career Fair is not just a job fair; it is a living message that sustainable progress lies in the continuous development of youth capabilities through opportunities for learning and career growth. This ensures a bright future for them and strengthens the UAE’s position on the global stage.
Interviewed by : ALJUNDI
