More than 4,500 Emirati job seekers flocked to the Industrialists Career Exhibition 2026 in Abu Dhabi, where over 1,000 vacancies were offered across engineering, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, digital technology and other future-focused sectors.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 after facilitating thousands of interviews between employers and candidates.
5,000-job goal achieved ahead of schedule
Officials announced that the programme has now generated more than 5,200 employment opportunities for UAE nationals since its launch in 2023, surpassing its original target of creating 5,000 jobs by 2027.More than 800 candidates advanced to the next stages of recruitment during this year’s exhibition, highlighting strong demand from both employers and Emirati talent.“This year we crossed another 1,000 opportunities, allowing us to exceed the 5,000-job target a full year ahead of schedule,” ADNOC’s acting group chief commercial and in-country value officer Omar Al Nuaimi said.
Immediate interviews, faster hiring
Unlike traditional job fairs, the exhibition focused on direct engagement between employers and job seekers through on-the-spot interviews and accelerated recruitment processes.More than 70 companies from the industrial, advanced technology and services sectors participated under the UAE’s National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme, offering positions ranging from technical and engineering roles to administrative and corporate functions.
AI, advanced technology driving demand
Officials highlighted the rapid expansion of the UAE’s industrial sector, which is creating growing demand for skilled Emiratis in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, clean energy and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.Ibtisam Al Saadi, acting assistant undersecretary for industrial development at MoIAT, said young Emiratis are increasingly pursuing careers in AI, cybersecurity and advanced technology fields.“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.
Private sector emiratisation gets a boost
The exhibition comes as the UAE pushes to increase national participation in the private sector, with a target of having Emiratis fill 10 per cent of skilled jobs in private companies by the end of the year.The event was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the Nafis programme, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Mawaheb talent hub, e&, and several industry partners.
Success stories inspire job seekers
Among the attendees was Alyazia Al Ahbabi from Al Ain, who secured a job offer on the same day she attended the exhibition.Graduate Hesham Adam from Abu Dhabi said the fair gave him valuable insight into career opportunities in engineering and advanced technology.The event also showcased previous success stories, including Moza Al Zaabi, who attended the exhibition in 2023 and was hired by Emirates Food Industries the following day. She was promoted to senior quality supervisor within a year.
Industry employers seek homegrown talent
Global energy technology company SLB said it plans to recruit and train more than 90 Emiratis this year and hoped to fill around 50 vacancies through the exhibition.Company officials said demand was particularly strong for talent in AI, digital technology, energy operations and health and safety roles, adding that Emirati candidates continue to demonstrate a growing diversity of skills and expertise.Officials said the Industrialists Career Exhibition will continue to serve as a key platform linking Emirati talent with emerging industries while supporting the UAE’s long-term economic diversification and Emiratisation goals.
