Abdulrahman Al Awar inaugurates Ru’ya 2026 careers fair at DWTC, with more than 150 employers scouting Emirati talent

Dubai: His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, today inaugurated Ru’ya, Careers UAE 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre. The event facilitates three days of career discovery, recruitment and future-focused experiences designed to connect Emirati talent with the opportunities shaping the UAE’s evolving economy. Taking place from 28–30 September under the theme ‘Ready for What’s Next? The Future of Work,’ Ru’ya 2026 brings together more than 150 employers across over 23 sectors, alongside universities, government entities and industry partners. Students, graduates and professionals can meet prospective employers, explore career paths and higher education options, and gain first-hand insight into the skills and capabilities increasingly sought across the UAE workplace. Ru’ya 2026 marks 25 years since the launch of the initiative and reflects how both the ambitions of young Emiratis and the opportunities available to them have evolved, with careers spanning established industries as well as rapidly developing fields shaped by technology, innovation and new ways of working. Asma Al Sharif, Assistant Vice President for Sustainability and Exhibitions Management at Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “Young Emiratis are entering an increasingly competitive job market, at a time when the skills employers need are also changing rapidly. We have a responsibility to help ensure they are equipped not only with the right skills, but with the knowledge and exposure they need to make informed decisions about their futures. Ru’ya 2026 is designed to help visitors at different stages of their career journey. Picture credit: GDMO “Ru’ya gives young people the opportunity to discover the breadth of careers available to them early in their journey, engage directly with employers and education providers, and understand the skills and experiences that can help them stand out. Whether they are still at school, choosing what to study, looking for their first role or considering their next career move, we want them to leave Ru’ya better prepared for the opportunities ahead.” On the opening day, Dr. Al Awar toured the exhibition, meeting representatives from participating organisations and exploring the recruitment opportunities, career programmes and initiatives being presented to Emirati visitors. Ru’ya 2026 is designed to help visitors at different stages of their career journey – whether they are looking for their first role, considering a career change, choosing what to study or simply exploring the opportunities available to them. Through Get Hired, Emirati students, graduates and professionals can engage directly with recruiters and employers, discover available positions and learn more about careers across a wide range of industries. Practical support Alongside recruitment, Career Guidance provides practical support to help visitors identify their strengths, assess their options and make informed decisions about their next steps. For students still deciding what their future could look like, the Academic Hub brings the education conversation into the heart of Ru’ya. Visitors can connect with universities, explore higher education opportunities and academic programmes, and understand how their study choices can connect with future careers. Strengthening pathways Ru’ya's role in connecting Emirati talent with opportunity is supported by key government and strategic partners, including the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR), the Emirati Human Resources Development Council and Strategic Partner Nafis, bringing together the organisations helping to strengthen career pathways for UAE nationals. Abdulaziz Al Falahi, General Supervisor of Recruitment Operations at the Emirati Human Resources Development Council in Dubai, said: “Ru’ya serves as a vital platform for connecting Emirati talent directly with employers, while enabling job seekers, students and professionals to explore emerging opportunities and better understand the evolving needs of the labour market. Our participation in this year’s edition reflects our commitment to strengthening partnerships and collaboration with key stakeholders across the private and public sectors, and the educational landscape. It also reinforces our role in supporting the development of Emirati talent by equipping them with the skills, knowledge and capabilities needed to navigate their career journeys, seize future opportunities, and contribute to a more competitive and sustainable labour market.” Experiencing workplaces of the future Through Get Hired, Emirati students, graduates and professionals can engage directly with recruiters and employers, discover available positions and learn more about careers across a wide range of industries. Picture credit: GDMO Beyond recruitment, Ru’ya gives young Emiratis opportunities to test their skills, compete, create and experience dif