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F RECRUITMENT SHOW OFFERING 2,500 JOBS

Nearly 70 per cent of participants at the forum said that getting a job is their most immediate priority after graduation, over further education or entrepreneurship opportunities. When choosing between public and private sector positions, the deciding factors for Emirati youth tend to be growth and promotion opportunities, work environment and skill development.

“The private sector work environment does not always provide sufficient motivation for Emirati youth,” said Ali Ahmad, a 20- year- old student of Dubai Men’s College who attended the forum. Ahmad, who works in the public sector, said he would only consider moving to the private sector to benefit from the work experience it offers.

Marwa Safar, 31, a part- time student from Sharjah, who has found a job for now, however said she preferred working in the private sector.

“I have been employed in the private sector for five years, and I find the work more challenging and rewarding. There is also a greater diversity of positions, so I would encourage other Emiratis to seriously consider the private companies,” she said.

Ahmed Kutty/ Gulf News in discussions during the Emirati youth forum at the Rocco Forte ore young Emiratis are opening up to the prospect of private sector ffers a greater diversity of positions and challenges.