Ru’ya Careers UAE 2026 Opens with Vision for the Future of Work
A landmark career discovery event inaugurated in Dubai brings together 150 employers across 23 sectors, marking 25 years of connecting Emirati talent with evolving opportunities in the nation's dynamic economy.
The inaugural ceremony for Ru’ya, Careers UAE 2026 took place at Dubai World Trade Centre on 28th September, with Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, presiding over the occasion. The three-day event, running through 30th September under the theme ‘Ready for What’s Next? The Future of Work,’ represents a significant milestone in the initiative’s quarter-century journey of supporting Emirati career development.
The gathering assembles an impressive array of more than 150 employers spanning over 23 distinct sectors, complemented by universities, government entities and industry partners. This comprehensive marketplace enables students, graduates and professionals to engage directly with prospective employers, explore diverse career trajectories and higher education pathways, whilst gaining invaluable insights into the competencies increasingly demanded across the UAE’s contemporary workplace.
Reflecting on the evolving landscape, Asma Al Sharif, Assistant Vice President for Sustainability and Exhibitions Management at Dubai World Trade Centre, emphasised the event’s significance: young Emiratis entering today’s competitive job market encounter rapidly shifting skill requirements from employers. Ru’ya provides essential exposure and knowledge, equipping attendees not merely with technical capabilities but with the understanding necessary to make informed decisions about their professional futures.
The event’s comprehensive structure addresses multiple career stages. The ‘Get Hired’ segment facilitates direct engagement between job seekers and recruitment teams across numerous industries. The Career Guidance programme offers personalised support, helping visitors assess their strengths and evaluate opportunities. For those navigating educational choices, the Academic Hub connects attendees with universities and explores how academic pathways align with future career prospects.
Beyond conventional recruitment, Ru’ya Academy delivers expert-led development sessions designed to cultivate essential workplace skills for an era of technological transformation. Five student competitions encourage participants to apply their capabilities across innovation, technology, sustainability, media, science and entrepreneurship. The Ru’ya Podcast Studio, produced in collaboration with Dubai Media Incorporated, features industry leaders and emerging professionals discussing evolving career landscapes and the competencies essential as artificial intelligence and digital innovation reshape sectors.
Gold Sponsor Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, through Group Chief Human Resources Officer Bushra Alshehhi and Kawader Chairperson, highlighted the institution’s commitment to Emiratisation, having achieved 53% national workforce representation. The bank’s participation underscores the financial sector’s dedication to developing Emirati talent and fostering inclusive professional advancement.
The participating organisations—including ADIB, Emirates NBD, Al Futtaim, Dubai Civil Defence, Mastercard, Unilever, the UAE Space Agency, DEWA, e&, KPMG, EY, PwC, Bain & Company, Majid Al Futtaim, Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority—exemplify the breadth of contemporary career pathways spanning banking, technology, professional services, aviation, government, retail, infrastructure and emerging sectors.
Abdulaziz Al Falahi, General Supervisor of Recruitment Operations at the Emirati Human Resources Development Council in Dubai, noted Ru’ya’s vital role in bridging talent with employment whilst enabling professionals to understand labour market evolution and seise emerging opportunities. Such collaboration strengthens partnerships across private, public and educational sectors, equipping Emirati professionals with the knowledge and capabilities necessary to navigate dynamic career landscapes.
Ru’ya, Careers UAE 2026 operates from 10am to 6pm daily through 30th September at Dubai World Trade Centre, with support from Emirates NBD as Youth Empowerment Banking Partner.
Source: WAM