Page 80 - DGHR PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2024

Alya Abdul Karim, who just graduated in International Relations, expressed her passion for
research, particularly in areas aligned with the UAE’s national agenda. “The UAE is leading in
sectors like Artificial Intelligence [AI], so there’s a lot of ambition to ignite research here,” she
said.

While there has been a reliance on international research in the past, Alya pointed out that
Emirati youth are now increasingly contributing to fields like AI.

Shamma Al Sleas, who has graduated in biotechnology, hoped to see more companies invest in
research-driven roles. “The government sector is more prone to invest in biotechnology
research. Private companies haven’t fully embraced it yet. I see that healthcare facilities are
more into diagnostics than research,” she said.

Flexibility and growth

Ahmed Al Shamsi, a first-semester student of Crisis Management, expressed his interest in a
part-time office job till he finishes his graduation. “Currently, I’m looking for part-time jobs that
offer flexible work options,” said Ahmed who wishes to be a firefighter in future.

Marwan Al Jassmi, Senior Vice President – People, DP World GCC, one of the largest
employers in the UAE, said there has been a noticeable shift in what Emirati job seekers
prioritise. “Nowadays, they ask for two things: flexibility in work arrangements and opportunities
for personal growth,” he pointed out.

While salary used to be the main concern earlier, Al Jassmi said today’s Emirati workforce is
more focused on the quality of the work environment, remote work options, and career
development. He said DP World has responded to this by investing in programmes that support
employees’ growth and provide flexibility, recognising that a positive work-life balance leads to
increased productivity and job satisfaction.

Even government departments are now offering flexible work options, said Fatma Sultan Al
Hamrani, manager of Attraction and Recruitment Section at Dubai Municipality. “Some of our
employees participated in the flexible summer work project and they were very happy. We do
give work-from-home options where it is feasible. We are attracting Emiratis from high school
level itself. We have tailor-made mentorship programmes and sponsorship programmes to hire
them,” she said.
Aviation attracts Emiratis

Meanwhile, aviation continues to attract a lot of interest from young Emiratis, as was witnessed
at the pavilion of the Emirates Group.

Saeed Al Memari, a soon-to-be graduate with aspirations in aviation, was present to seek
guidance on becoming a pilot. He said many young Emiratis are interested in aviation not just in
piloting but in areas such as engineering and air traffic control etc. After trying out the immersive
flight simulator for wannabe pilots, Saeed hoped to land his dream job one day.

According to Manal Al Soori, Senior Vice President of Emirates Group Recruitment, the group
offered a range of opportunities for Emiratis at Ru’ya, including scholarships and specialised
programmes in pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and IT. High school graduates can apply for
the Supervisors Fast Track Programme and cabin crew roles, while university graduates can

https://gulfnews.com/uae/video-government-departments-private-companies-on-hiring-spree-at-
ruya-careers-uae-2024-in-dubai-1.104191845