A number of UAE nationals and professionals are making a beeline for jobs in front of the Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone stand at the ongoing 'RAK Education, Training & Employment Exhibition 2011' in the emirate, said a senior official.

The exhibition, being organised by Rouya Exhibition & Conferences Organisers, concludes tomorrow (Thursday) at the RAK Exhibition Centre.

Over 32 companies from various sectors in the UAE, including, among others, Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (Julphar), RAK Educational Zone, Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (Dubal), Mawarid Finance and Dubai Economic Department are taking part.

RAK Free trade zone is taking part in the expo offering UAE nationals and professionals a chance to discuss careers and employment opportunities at the Free Zone, said a top official.

CEO Oussama El Omari said, “Our participation in the RAK Education, Training and Employment Exhibition 2011 is aimed at ensuring broader and more challenging job opportunities for UAE youth and professionals. This move comes as part of our efforts to attract, train and retain top quality UAE national talent.'

'During the expo, UAE nationals will have the opportunity to meet top officials and human resource professionals from RAK Free Trade Zone and gather vital information regarding career options there. They will also be able to network, discuss employment requirements and opportunities, as well as promote their own skills.'

El Omari said the free zone has adopted an ambitious Emiratisation strategy, which is built on supporting and participating in the various relevant initiatives and events across the UAE.

'In this context, we continuously participate in career fairs and work closely with universities to identify potential talent,' he noted.

The free zone has developed and continues to fine-tune recruitment and internship programmes that help find and train the best Emirati talent and are committed to supporting the progress of UAE nationals.

“Currently the RAK free zone has over 50 per cent UAE nationals working in different senior positions in the company, and we intend to increase this number soon,” El Omari added.

The free zone has unveiled its UAE National Empowerment Programme, which is aimed at attracting, recruiting, training and developing Emirati nationals and giving them the opportunity to experience a professional and nurturing work environment within the free zone.

One of the programme’s main objectives is to appoint talented and ambitious UAE nationals to responsible positions and provide them with training to help them succeed.

This includes the Graduate Employment Programme, targeting ambitious college students who are enrolled in four or five-year college/university programmes and looking for career experience in a dynamic environment.

“At RAK free trade zone, we always look for communicative people with initiative and good educational and professional backgrounds, which have the potential to contribute to organisational success,” said Mouza Obaid, HR officer.-TradeArabia News Service