Emirati with cerebral palsy lands new human resources job after using career-matching app
An Emirati man who was Expo 2020 Dubai’s first disabled employee is now thriving in a new role in the private sector.
Salem Bawazir landed a job as a human resources administrator at the Expo in March 2020.
In his role he led a programme designed to recruit and train people with disabilities.
When the world’s fair ended in March last year, Mr Bawazir had to search for another job.
He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child and has refused to let this hinder his career aspirations.
Following nine months of searching, Mr Bawazir, 50, landed a job at Dubai-based real estate, marketing and advertising firm Bayut & dubizzle in December. He used ImInclusive, a career-matching app that connects people with disabilities with Middle East employers.
“I was looking for a job and received a message from them assisting me,” Mr Bawazir told
The National. “I got their support to find my desired job with Bayut & dubizzle. It is my first job since Expo. I’m very lucky.”
He applied for positions at companies and government bodies without success.
“Some didn’t proceed with my application and others didn’t respond,” he said. “I believe we need time to build the mindset of many employers and create a new generation that believes in equality and equity for all.”
Since December, he has been working in the learning and development team in Bayut & dubizzle’s HR department.
“I have new, exciting responsibilities and challenges, building accessible learning experiences for my colleagues in Arabic and English,” he said.
Mr Bawazir said the atmosphere at his new job was positive. He played a vital role in hiring people with a range of disabilities at Expo Dubai 2020, with many securing jobs in photography, finances, visitor experience and administration.
He previously worked for a books and stationery company, a hospitality firm and started a small graphic design business.
Last year, he lined up with other jobseekers at the Ru’ya Careers UAE Fair at Dubai World Trade Centre.
“[Living with a] disability is not a barrier for me,” he said.
Eslam Elbahhar, team lead of learning and development at Bayut & dubizzle, told The National that private sector companies should invest in Emiratis.
“It is essential for companies to prioritise and invest in hiring and developing local talent,” he said.
The UAE is on a major private sector Emiratisation drive.
June 30 is the next deadline for private sector companies with 50 employees or more.
By January 1, Emiratis must make up 4 per cent of a company’s staff, rising to 10 per cent by the end of 2026. Companies that miss the targets face fines of up to Dh500,000 ($136,160).