More than 4,500 Emirati job seekers attended the Industrialists Career Exhibition 2026 in Abu Dhabi, where over 1,000 vacancies were offered across artificial intelligence, engineering, advanced manufacturing, digital technology and other high-growth sectors.
- UAE Exceeds 5,000-Job Emiratisation Target One Year Early
- Direct Interviews Accelerate Hiring Decisions
- Rising Demand for AI and Advanced Technology Talent
- Private Sector Emiratisation Gains Momentum
- Success Stories Highlight Career Growth Opportunities
- Industry Leaders Continue Investing in Local Talent
The two-day event, organised by the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) in partnership with ADNOC, concluded at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre. The exhibition connected thousands of Emirati candidates with employers through direct interviews and accelerated recruitment processes.
UAE Exceeds 5,000-Job Emiratisation Target One Year Early
Officials announced that the Industrialists programme has generated more than 5,200 job opportunities for UAE nationals since its launch in 2023. The figure exceeds the original target of creating 5,000 jobs by 2027.
This year’s exhibition alone contributed more than 1,000 new opportunities. In addition, over 800 candidates progressed to the next stages of recruitment.
“This year we crossed another 1,000 opportunities, allowing us to exceed the 5,000-job target a full year ahead of schedule,” said Omar Al Nuaimi, ADNOC’s Acting Group Chief Commercial and In-Country Value Officer.
The achievement highlights the growing effectiveness of the UAE’s industrial employment initiatives and its wider Emiratisation strategy.
Direct Interviews Accelerate Hiring Decisions
Unlike traditional career fairs, the exhibition focused on immediate engagement between employers and job seekers. As a result, many candidates completed interviews and received feedback during the event itself.
More than 70 companies from the industrial, advanced technology and services sectors participated under the UAE’s National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme.
The participating employers offered a broad range of positions, including engineering, technical, administrative and corporate roles.
Rising Demand for AI and Advanced Technology Talent
The event reflected the rapid expansion of the UAE’s industrial economy and the growing need for skilled professionals in future-focused industries.
Companies actively recruited talent for roles in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, clean energy and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.
According to Ibtisam Al Saadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Development at MoIAT, more young Emiratis are choosing careers in advanced technology and innovation-driven sectors.
“There has been a noticeable shift in mindset. More graduates are now looking at private-sector careers as pathways for learning, growth and long-term development,” she said.
The trend aligns with the UAE’s broader ambition to build a knowledge-based economy powered by technology and innovation.
Private Sector Emiratisation Gains Momentum
The exhibition comes as the UAE intensifies efforts to increase Emirati participation in the private sector.
The government aims to ensure that Emiratis occupy 10% of skilled private-sector positions by the end of the year. Consequently, employment initiatives such as the Industrialists Career Exhibition have become important channels for connecting national talent with private employers.
The event was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Nafis, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Mawaheb talent hub, e&, and several industry partners.
Success Stories Highlight Career Growth Opportunities
Several participants secured immediate opportunities during the exhibition.
Alyazia Al Ahbabi from Al Ain received a job offer on the same day she attended the event. Meanwhile, graduate Hesham Adam from Abu Dhabi said the exhibition helped him better understand career prospects in engineering and advanced technology.
The organisers also highlighted the story of Moza Al Zaabi, who attended the exhibition in 2023 and joined Emirates Food Industries the following day. Within a year, she earned a promotion to Senior Quality Supervisor.
These success stories demonstrate the exhibition’s role in creating meaningful career pathways for Emirati professionals.
Industry Leaders Continue Investing in Local Talent
Global energy technology company SLB announced plans to recruit and train more than 90 Emiratis this year. The company also expects to fill around 50 positions through the exhibition.
Company representatives reported strong demand for professionals in AI, digital technology, energy operations and health and safety functions.
They added that Emirati candidates are bringing increasingly diverse skills and expertise to the workforce, helping companies meet evolving industry requirements.
As the UAE accelerates economic diversification, officials expect the Industrialists Career Exhibition to remain a key platform for connecting local talent with emerging industries and supporting long-term national workforce development goals.
