The eighth edition of the National Service Career Fair has concluded on 14 May 2025, marking another successful chapter in its mission to empower Emirati youth. Held at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai, the event welcomed over 20,000 Emirati visitors across three days—from 12 to 14 May—and featured participation from more than 80 organisations across 30 diverse sectors in both the public and private spheres.
The fair was officially inaugurated by Major General Pilot Staff Ishaq Saleh Mohammed Al Baloushi, Assistant Chief of Staff for Joint Capabilities at the Ministry of Defence, who toured the exhibition alongside senior officials from the Ministry and the National and Reserve Service Authority. During his visit, Major General Al Baloushi reviewed the wide range of career opportunities offered to conscripts, as well as the various initiatives and support mechanisms made available under the Ministry’s patronage.
“The eighth edition of the National Service Career Fair stands as a pioneering national platform that reflects the state’s unwavering commitment to integrating National Service graduates into the workforce,” he stated. “These young Emiratis, who have demonstrated discipline and capability throughout their service, are now ready to take on impactful roles in key sectors across the country.”
The 2025 edition brought together government bodies, private corporations, and academic institutions, all working to encourage and support over 20,000 citizens in pursuing meaningful career paths and contributing to national development. The event aligns with the National and Reserve Service Authority’s vision of facilitating the transition of conscripts into the workforce by providing a direct channel to prospective employers.
Knowledge Exchange Through Workshops
In addition to career opportunities, the fair served as a comprehensive knowledge platform. Over 40 specialised workshops were delivered by international experts, addressing key topics aligned with global labour market trends. Discussions ranged from the impact of emerging technologies on the workplace and the future of jobs in the age of artificial intelligence, to mastering job interviews and choosing the right career path.
These interactive sessions were designed to equip attendees—especially National Service recruits and graduates—with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate a rapidly evolving employment landscape. By promoting digital literacy and innovation, the workshops played a pivotal role in preparing a generation of tech-savvy, future-ready professionals.
The event also underscored the importance of establishing direct communication between employers and National Service graduates, fostering a smoother and more efficient integration process into the workforce.
A Vision for National Empowerment
The Career Fair is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to empower youth and maximise their contributions to national progress. It reflects the country’s belief that its people are its greatest asset and that building a sustainable future begins with preparing a capable generation equipped to face modern challenges.
During his visit, Brigadier General Hamad Khalifa Al Neyadi, Chairman of the National and Reserve Service Authority, emphasised the importance of expanding career opportunities for conscripts and praised the exceptional participation of national institutions.
Colonel Staff Jamal Nasser Al Baloushi, Official Spokesperson for the 2025 edition, stated: “This fair embodies the leadership’s steadfast commitment to empowering national talent and supporting the UAE Vision 2031, which aims to build a knowledge-based, competitive economy led by Emiratis. The fair delivers a clear message: national service does not end with military duty—it opens doors to a lifetime of professional achievement and national contribution.”
Al Baloushi highlighted that the event attracted thousands of National Service graduates, university students, and job seekers, with more than 55 organisations offering high-quality opportunities across vital sectors such as defence, security, energy, AI, aviation, banking, and manufacturing. Training programmes, educational initiatives, and practical workshops complemented the offerings to ensure recruits were well-prepared for the job market.
He added that the 2025 edition marked a significant expansion in the number and quality of participating entities and employment opportunities, aiming to forge strong connections between job seekers and the sectors driving national economic growth.
Participating Entities
This year’s fair featured a wide range of national and international companies and institutions offering recruitment, training programmes, and interactive workshops. These were designed to develop digital and leadership skills and prepare attendees for careers aligned with the UAE’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.
The event welcomed participation from universities, training centres, and major organisations across sectors—reflecting growing confidence in the capabilities of Emirati conscripts. Notably, the fair extended beyond National Service graduates, opening its doors to all Emiratis seeking impactful careers in both the government and private sectors.
According to organisers, past editions of the fair have led to the successful employment of thousands of Emiratis and increased their understanding of labour market needs. The 2025 fair continues this legacy by providing a unified database that streamlines communication between employers and National Service graduates, further supporting the UAE’s vision for a skilled and empowered national workforce.
Coverage by: Razi Izzeddin El-Hadmi
Photography by: Badr Mohammed Khourouh
