Najah spotlights women's
Education and career opportunities
Record number of female visitors at
education, training, and careers exhibition
NAJAH, the most comprehensive education, training and careers exhibition in the UAE, has recorded an extremely high number of female visitors this year from more than 25 schools, highlighting the growing interest in career advancement and higher education opportunities for UAE women.
High female attendance was driven in part by a dedicated ‘ladies only’ morning on Monday 20 October, which provided a comfortable environment as well as focused attention on the opportunities available for UAE women in higher education and in public and private sector careers.
Many exhibitors took full advantage of the morning to specifically address the needs and priorities of women in business and education.
“In the last year alone, UAE women have made tremendous strides and are increasingly earning advanced degrees and participating in the UAE labour market,” said Christine Weaver, Exhibitions Director of IIR Middle East.
“In recognition of this progress and the high numbers of female visitors, we were pleased to dedicate a special morning at NAJAH for ladies only, to learn more about opportunities for women in higher education and various careers in the UAE.”
Zayed University, the UAE’s preeminent women’s university, attracted many prospective students interested in their nine Masters degree programmes, as well as graduates and education professionals looking for employment opportunities.
Representatives from Zayed were also on hand at NAJAH to reach a larger number of students, as the university announced its acceptance of international students for Spring 2009 intake.
Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) meanwhile highlighted the world-class education available for women at the 32 international academic institutions located in their free zone, and the quality of learning female UAE nationals can receive in their own country.
“DIAC brings renowned institutions from around the world to Dubai and we have found that talented UAE women are seeking Bachelors and Masters degrees to advance their careers,” said Toleen Badawi, Brand Manager at Dubai International Academic City.
“What is especially important is that we are not depriving the UAE of its brightest students and professionals, and so effectively combat the “brain drain” common to many other countries,” she continued.
Female graduates and professionals were also catered to with specifically geared seminar programmes, including an informative presentation by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Civil Service, which shed light on the opportunities for women in the UAE public sector.
With female UAE nationals now accounting for more than 13 per cent of the Abu Dhabi government’s workforce, rewarding careers and female-friendly environments are widely available in public sector positions.
NAJAH has been organised as a direct response to the growing number of young people in the UAE, which accounts for 50 per cent of the population, and the UAE’s continued commitment to higher education and professional development.
HH Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research, the patron of the exhibition, inaugurated NAJAH on the opening day with the assistance of Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Social Sector in the Government of Pakistan, one of the most influential women in Pakistani politics.
NAJAH, a three day exhibition for students and their parents, job seekers and those looking to progress through training and HR professionals, provides access to vital resources regarding education, training and careers.
