Stage set for 39th edition of Middle East Electricity in Dubai as regional electricity sector prepares for accelerated growth

Dubai, UAE -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/23/2014 -- Consumption of electricity in the MENA region is forecast to grow at a faster pace over the next decade, with investments worth more than US$200 billion set to be pumped into the region's power sector by 2020, according to a report.

The MENA Power 2013 report published by MEED Insight earlier this year, said that demand for electricity has grown so rapidly in the MENA region, that in many instances utilities have struggled to keep up, resulting in investments worth billions of dollars in new power plants.

The report added that more than US$100billion of investment is required by 2020 to meet the additional capacity with the same amount to be invested in the transmission and distribution sectors – representing a lucrative growth opportunity for anyone working in the power market.

This will come as good news to more than 1,200 exhibitors from 100 countries around the world that will participate in the 39th edition of Middle East Electricity, one of the world's largest energy events focusing on the power, lighting, renewable and nuclear sectors.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai , Middle East Electricity will take place from 11-13 February 2014 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

"Soaring demand and rapid industrial developments are the prime factors that have fuelled the growth of the electricity industry in the Middle East and North Africa region," said Anita Mathews, Director of Informa Energy Group, organisers of Middle East Electricity.

"Middle East Electricity is the largest and longest running power event in the region, and one of the largest in the world, covering more than 50,000 sqm of exhibition space.

"After a highly successful edition in 2013, where 18,166 unique visitors walked through the exhibition halls, we are now looking forward to a successful 2014 edition, which will host some of the biggest names in the global energy industry."

Middle East Electricity is co-located with the second edition of Solar Middle East, and returns with the successful Green Energy Middle East Conference held in partnership with Dubai Municipality. The three-day event also features the popular Middle East Electricity Awards.

Taking place on the opening night of the event at a gala dinner, the Middle East Electricity awards cover eleven individual categories:
- Power Project of the Year
- Lighting Project of the Year
- Solar Project of the Year
- Best Innovation of Technology of the Year
- Power & Water Utility of the Year
- HSE Project or Initiative of the Year
- Young Engineer of the Year
- Best Marketing Campaign Award (exhibitor award)
- Best Product Launch at Middle East Electricity 2014 (exhibitor award)
- Power Personality of the Year (special award)
- Green Champion of the Year (special award)

Middle East Electricity is supported by Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA), Dubai Municipality, Emirates Green Building Council, Society of Engineers- UAE, Environmental Center for Arab Towns, Clean Energy Business Council and Energy Institute Middle East.

Middle East Electricity 2014 is partnered with, Power Nigeria in Lagos and Africa Electricity in Johannesburg. To be involved as an exhibitor, sponsor or delegate, contact the Middle East Electricity team at +9714 336 5161 or email: meelectricity@iirme.com or visit http://www.middleeastelectricity.com/

About Informa
Informa Exhibitions operate around 130 trade and consumer events in over 38 cities across the globe. The main office locations are in London, Sao Paulo, Dubai, Singapore, Melbourne and Beijing. Informa has more than 150 offices in more than 40 countries, employs over 9,000 staff globally and is the largest publicly owned organiser of conferences and courses in the world with an output of over 10,000 events annually.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Participants will compete to present the most innovative energy conservation solution to win inaugural Future Generation award

Dubai, UAE -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/23/2014 -- Informa Energy Group, organisers of Middle East Electricity, the region's largest and longest running energy event, has introduced Future Generation, a new competition focusing on energy conservation open to undergraduate engineering students in the UAE.

The challenge for each participant will be to design and develop an innovative energy conservation / alternative energy solution and present their ideas to visitors attending Middle East Electricity, taking place from 11-13 February 2014 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Visitors will have a unique opportunity to see the designs which will be on display at the Future Generation stand located in Sheikh Maktoum Hall, speak to students about their ideas and ultimately vote for their favourite.

The winner with the maximum number of votes will be presented with a prestigious award by Chair of the Education Committee for the Energy Institute Middle East on Thursday 13 February at 2:00pm in the Conference room in Sheikh Maktoum Hall.

Commenting on the launch of the Future Generation competition, Anita Mathews, Director of Informa Energy Group, said: "As the organisers of one the world's leading energy events we are committed to investing in the future of the energy industry and are proud to introduce the Future Generation competition.

"The demand for energy is on the rise in the UAE and across the Middle East, and in order to be efficient, we should have the ability to store this valuable resource when we have enough of it and to use it when we actually need it.

"The Future Generation competition will not only help create public awareness regarding the issue of energy conservation in the region but it will also help students to think out of the box and derive innovative solutions to further address this issue."

Some of the most innovative designs at the Future Generation competition include a spreadsheet performance model of the Shams1 solar power plant designed by students of Khalifa University and a poster designed by students of RIT Dubai highlighting the potential of solar assisted desiccant evaporative cooling systems.

Ahmed Warsame, Senior Mechanical Engineering student from RIT Dubai University, said: "Due to high temperatures and humidity in the region, cooling consumes a major portion of the total energy produced, of which over half is consumed by commercial and industrial use. Using more energy efficient cooling systems would not only reduce power consumption and the cooling expenditure, but also reduce the carbon footprint."

"A high percentage of mid-sized facilities and maintenance shops are unable to provide air conditioned working spaces to employees due to high overheads. Through this project we will examine the effectiveness and feasibility of the cooling system as a less expensive and ecologically friendly alternative to facilitate the problem of industrial cooling."

Commenting ahead of the Future Generation competition, Warsame said: "I am delighted to participate in the Future Generation competition as it's a great opportunity for us as engineering students to learn, show our certified skills and share our talents with industry experts."

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Middle East Electricity focuses on the power, lighting, renewable and nuclear sectors.

The three-day event is supported by Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA), Dubai Municipality, Emirates Green Building Council, Society of Engineers – UAE, Environmental Center for Arab Towns, Clean Energy Business Council and Energy Institute Middle East.

Middle East Electricity 2014 is partnered with Power Nigeria in Lagos and Saudi Energy in Riyadh. To be involved as an exhibitor, sponsor or delegate, contact the Middle East Electricity team at: meelectricity@iirme.com or visit http://www.middleeastelectricity.com/

About Informa
Informa Exhibitions operate around 130 trade and consumer events in over 38 cities across the globe. The main office locations are in London, Sao Paulo, Dubai, Singapore, Melbourne and Beijing. Informa has more than 150 offices in more than 40 countries, employs over 9,000 staff globally and is the largest publicly owned organiser of conferences and courses in the world with an output of over 10,000 events annually.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Second edition of Solar Middle East returns to Dubai as regional solar market gears up for growth

Dubai, UAE -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/23/2014 -- The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) solar energy sector is gearing up for significant growth with the regional market for photovoltaics and solar thermal power plants expected to reach 3.5 gigawatts by 2015, an expert has said today.

Anita Mathews, Director of Informa Energy Group cited the Middle East and North Africa Outlook 2013-2017 Report published by US-based Greentech Media (GTM) Research, which forecasts that solar energy is expected to exceed a combined output of 10 GW in the region by 2017.

A result of high solar irradiation, rising electricity prices and an increasing population throughout the region, Mathews said that the booming solar landscape will further strengthen the role of the second edition of Solar Middle East, taking place from 11-13 February 2014 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

Organised by Informa Energy Group and running alongside the world's leading power event, Middle East Electricity, Solar Middle East provides the ideal meeting place for solar industry professionals from across the globe.

The three-day event will bring together a notable line-up of exhibitors from all over the world to showcase their products to an audience of key decision makers from across the region.

Mathews said: "The MENA renewable energy market is expanding rapidly with a diverse range of countries announcing projects to exploit the region's abundant wealth of energy resources for economic growth and energy expansion.

"As of April 2013, there were 106 renewable energy projects in the pipeline in the region, totaling over 7.5 gigawatts of new electric generation capacity. This is in addition to 10 major projects set to go ahead in the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Jordan and Morocco."

Mathews added that the majority of demand for solar energy will originate in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, with the latter leading the way towards the region's first gigawatt scale solar market by 2015.

Commenting on investments in the MENA renewable energy sector, Mathews said: "This region is one of the few in the world where renewable energy investment seems to be weathering with new investments totaling US$ 2.9 billion in 2012, an increase of almost 40 per cent over 2011.

"An increasing number of countries in the Middle East are keen to invest in the region's thriving solar industry and with renewable energy sources in abundance – particularly solar power – the region is gradually tapping these resources to pave the way for a new market."

Solar Middle East will feature a dedicated industry conference, addressing key challenges that the Middle East region faces regarding harnessing the infinite resource and integrating it into regional power grids.

The exhibition and conference is officially supported by Dubai Municipality, Enpark, Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA), Saudi Arabia Solar Industry Association (SASIA), Environmental Center for Arab Towns, Global Solar Alliance, The Energy Institute (EI), Clean Energy Business Council (CEBC), Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC), TAITRA and Society of Engineers – UAE.

Solar Middle East is partnered with Africa Electricity and Power Nigeria. For more information about Solar Middle East, or to be involved as an exhibitor, visitor, sponsor, or delegate, go to http://www.solarmiddleeast.ae/ or call: +971 (0)4 336 5161.

About Informa
Informa Exhibitions operate around 130 trade and consumer events in over 38 cities across the globe. The main office locations are in London, Sao Paulo, Dubai, Singapore, Melbourne and Beijing. Informa has more than 150 offices in more than 40 countries, employs over 9,000 staff globally and is the largest publicly owned organiser of conferences and courses in the world with an output of over 10,000 events annually.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

39th edition of Middle East Electricity returns to Dubai as regional economic development and industrialisation propel electricity demand

Dubai, UAE -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/23/2014 -- Demand for electric power in the MENA region is accelerating rapidly, and is set to continue to grow by seven per cent annually in the coming decade, according to a report published by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

The report, titled MENA's electric power supplies to 2020, states that population growth, economic development and industrialisation, driven by rising oil prices, are significant factors propelling demand for electricity, with some countries diversifying fuel sources and investing in renewable energies, especially solar power, as part of their efforts to expand power supply.

The report, which was published ahead of Middle East Electricity, one of the world's largest and longest running energy events, added that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) interconnection grid, due for completion by the end of 2013, will enable power surpluses to be traded across the region.

Taking place from 11-13 February 2014 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Middle East Electricity focuses on the power, lighting, renewable and nuclear sectors, featuring more than 1,200 exhibitors from 100 countries.

The three-day event is strategically located in Dubai, a hub of regional economic activity, providing exhibitors the ideal platform to showcase their latest energy related products and services to more than 18,000 decision makers from around the world.

"One of the key drivers of the surging power demand in the MENA region is due to rapid population growth," said Anita Mathews, Director of Informa Energy Group, organisers of Middle East Electricity.

"Others include increasing urbanisation and lifestyle improvements that come with growing economic prosperity, further enhanced by the resurgent construction boom that has now returned to the region.

"The growth of regional power demand is also reflected in the increasing popularity of Middle East Electricity; we are very close to selling all available exhibition space for the 2014 edition some three months before the show opens and next year will certainly be the largest edition yet."

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Middle East Electricity is co-located with Solar Middle East, the region's most comprehensive gathering of solar technology suppliers.

The combined events feature two dedicated one-day industry conferences: the Green Energy Middle East conference on 11 February, embracing cleaner power production and energy efficiency strategy to achieve a sustainable future for the Middle East.

The Solar Middle East Conference on 12 February, meanwhile, will address the challenges of financing, generating and transmitting the potential of solar power in the sun-drenched region.

Also returning in 2014 are the popular Middle East Electricity Awards on 11 February, celebrating the outstanding achievements of individuals, departments, teams or organisation that have contributed to the growth and development of the region's energy industry.

Middle East Electricity 2014 is supported by Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA), Dubai Municipality, Emirates Green Building Council, Society of Engineers – UAE, Environmental Center for Arab Towns, Clean Energy Business Council and Energy Institute Middle East.

The 39th edition of the region's largest meeting place for energy industry professionals is partnered with Power Nigeria in Lagos and Africa Electricity in Johannesburg. To be involved as an exhibitor, sponsor or delegate, contact the Middle East Electricity team at +9714 336 5161 or email: meelectricity@iirme.com or visit http://www.middleeastelectricity.com/

About Informa
Informa Exhibitions operate around 130 trade and consumer events in over 38 cities across the globe. The main office locations are in London, Sao Paulo, Dubai, Singapore, Melbourne and Beijing. Informa has more than 150 offices in more than 40 countries, employs over 9,000 staff globally and is the largest publicly owned organiser of conferences and courses in the world with an output of over 10,000 events annually.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Solar experts gather to discuss regional developments at Solar Middle East Conference

Dubai, UAE -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/23/2014 -- A solid legal framework must be created in order for the Middle East to be considered a global player in the development of solar energy solutions, a leading solar expert has said today.

Dr Michael Kraemer, Senior Associate of law firm Taylor Wessing and a Board Member for the Emirates Solar Industry Association, has called for the creation of a local solar market but warns that in order to build one, the region must introduce the necessary legal structures.

Speaking ahead of his participation in the second edition of the Solar Middle East Conference, taking place on 12 February at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dr Kraemer said, "Investments are made into existing and upcoming markets, such as the Middle East, so a local solar market needs to be created.

"The first step to making this happen is to introduce a solid legal framework which will provide long term visibility and certainty for investors."

Joining an expert line-up of regional and international solar players who are looking to develop the necessary policies to harness the abundance of sunlight in the region, Dr Kraemer will provide a policy update to conference delegates from his unique legal perspective.

He added, "Ideally, a legal framework would also open up the market for smaller scale, private investors, for example by providing the legal basis for a rooftop solar programme. Most jurisdictions which have tapped into such private investments have developed interesting local solar markets. Mistakes have been made in some countries, but these are useful lessons to be learnt and we now have the chance not to make the same mistakes."

Reflecting a strong focus on the development of solar power facilities, expenditure on solar projects throughout the Middle East is expected to grow by 40 per cent annually until 2017, according market research firm IHS, as the region establishes itself as one of the world's foremost solar markets.

The free to attend Solar Middle East Conference is a feature of the Solar Middle East exhibition, which takes place from 11-13 February, alongside Middle East Electricity, the region's foremost energy event.

The opening panel session of the conference will discuss the vision, leadership and investment that is driving the region's solar power and renewable energy research and development forward.

Vahid Fouthi, President of Middle East Solar Industry Association, who will offer an exclusive solar industry analysis and MENA market overview, believes the region's solar market will one day become large enough to warrant a 'home-grown' solar solution, from solar panel manufacturing to system installation and maintenance.

"This will be an evolutionary process and it will not happen overnight. The key will be to establish a sound and stable regulatory framework. If investors have confidence in the long-term growth of the market they will deploy the necessary funds to manufacture locally," he said.

"The best way for local governments to fan this confidence is to put in place sound legislation that outlines how much solar capacity will be deployed, by whom, and in what format. Once this is established everything else will fall in to place. We have seen significant growth in the MENA solar market over the past year. The whole region is sizzling with activity and we are thrilled to see solar finally take off in the Middle East."

Other speakers at the Solar Middle East Conference include Matthew Merfert, Director of Projects, Middle East, First Solar; Peter Styles, Board Member and Director of Electricity, European Federation of Energy Traders; Timothy Kim, Senior Transaction Manager, Office of Renewable Energy and Environmental Finance, US Export-Import Bank and Ash Sharma, Senior Director, Solar Research, IHS.

The exhibition and conference is officially supported by the Dubai Municipality, Enpark, Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA), Saudi Arabia Solar Industry Association (SASIA), Environmental Center for Arab Towns, Global Solar Alliance, The Energy Institute (EI), Clean Energy Business Council (CEBC), Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC), TAITRA and Society of Engineers – UAE.

Solar Middle East and Middle East Electricity are partnered with Africa Electricity and Power Nigeria. For more information about Solar Middle East, or to be involved as an exhibitor, visitor, sponsor, or delegate, go to http://www.solarmiddleeast.ae/ or call: +971 (0)4 336 5161.

About Informa
Informa Exhibitions operate around 130 trade and consumer events in over 38 cities across the globe. The main office locations are in London, Sao Paulo, Dubai, Singapore, Melbourne and Beijing. Informa has more than 150 offices in more than 40 countries, employs over 9,000 staff globally and is the largest publicly owned organiser of conferences and courses in the world with an output of over 10,000 events annually.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Hard work and clearly aligned expectations key to success, Almulla explains as countdown begins for Tawdheef Recruitment show

Dubai, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/22/2014 -- Emiratis can earn more in private sector employment than in government jobs in the long term, provided that their expectations are clearly aligned with those of their employers, the head of the Emirates National Development Programme (ENDP) has said today.

Essa AlMulla, Executive Director of National Workforce Development at the ENDP said that while many private sector employers expectations don't always match with their Emirati employees, both parties can enjoy a highly beneficial future as long as employers give their recruits a clear picture of their future with the company.

"Aligning expectations is crucial for private sector employers when recruiting UAE national job seekers, who tend to expect automatic promotion after a couple of years in a company," said AlMulla.

"Although the private sector may not be able to compete with the public sector on salary in the short term, it can provide UAE nationals with a varied career and excellent experience in line with the international standards. In the long term, if the candidate works hard and applies him or herself, he or she can earn a larger salary than if employed by the government."

Private sector employers eager to fulfil their Emiratisation initiatives and steer UAE nationals into fulfilling career paths will be out in force at the Tawdheef recruitment show, taking place from 3-5 February 2014 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The three-day event is the UAE's leading careers event supporting Emiratisation, with its eighth edition now exclusively tailored for UAE national job-seekers only. As a government organisation established to help Emiratis acquire jobs in the private sector, the ENDP is an official supporter of Tawdheef, the leading UAE recruitment show which has signed on major private and semi-private organisations such as Mubadala, TwoFour54, Dolphin Energy, and First Gulf Bank

Added AlMulla: "Tawdheef is an important exhibition because it is one of the biggest career events in the country, with a wide range of companies seeking to recruit Emiratis. Job seekers can get a clear idea of the career opportunities available and they will be able to see that a career in the private sector for Emiratis is not only worthwhile professionally, but in the long term it is also more rewarding financially."

Hanan Ali, General Manager of Emiratisation at Sharaf Group, one of the leading retailers in the Middle East, and a first time exhibitor at Tawdheef, said: "Sharaf Group is owned by UAE nationals, and Emiratisation has always been top priority for us. We have hired a number of Emiratis to work in stores all over the UAE, and our Fujairah store is 100 per cent staffed with Emiratis."

Tawdheef is sponsored by Titanium sponsor, GHQ Armed Forces, Platinum sponsors, the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), and Gold sponsors, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Cultural Authority, ADNOC, and the Department of Municipal Affairs, all of which will have current job openings and long-term career opportunities to offer Emiratis.

About Tawdheef Recruitment Show
Organised by Informa Exhibitions, the powerful career platform is open from 10am-7pm daily and is open to UAE Nationals only, with the morning of 4th February from 10am – 1pm reserved for UAE National ladies. Official Identification is required to enter the show and no under-18's will be permitted. Visitor Registration and more information is available online at www.tawdheef.ae.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Hessa Al Mulla sets a shining example for young, female Emiratis

Dubai, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/22/2014 -- Scores of inspirational Emiratis have seen their goals and aspirations realised with the help of a virtual careers ambassador which is supporting local talent and business.

ILoveUAE, a portal developed to promote Emirati talents, businesses and products to the United Arab Emirates and the rest of the world has been credited with nurturing the development of entrepreneurs such as Hessa Al Mulla and Nouf Saeed AlJahdhami, two female Emiratis who have been able to put their viable business plans into practice.

Amal Alagroobi, founder of iloveuae said: "We're extremely proud we've been able to help use different word for propel young Emiratis into the workforce. We have seen people set new trends, follow their dreams and make a name for themselves within local and international communities.

"The UAE is awash with emerging talent, and young people especially are bursting with ideas. Since the inception of ILoveUAE in 2010, no two days are the same as I come across inspirational UAE nationals who display a dedication to reaching their personal and career goals."

The team from ILoveUAE will be out in force at the Tawdheef Recruitment Show, taking place from 3-5 February 2014 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, and is encouraging Emiratis with burgeoning ideas to visit them and discuss ways in which to unleash their potential..

The three-day event is the UAE's leading careers show supporting Emiratisation, with its eighth edition now exclusively tailored for UAE national job-seekers only.

Hessa Al Mulla joined ILoveUAE as a freelance fashion designer and began creating concepts for local businesses, gradually gaining experience and enhancing her network among Emirati entrepreneurs.

Taking part in the regular ILoveUAE pop-up stores, she eventually branded herself and, with a loyal following, began to sell her own bespoke notebooks and memorabilia. Eventually, she gained the confidence to start her own business, The Neon Gifts, a successful line of bespoke fashion stationery recently featured in Dubai Fashion Week, which is now stocked in boutique shops such as Sauce throughout Dubai and on her online store.

Nouf Saeed AlJahdhami, meanwhile, is an 18 year old Creative and Special Effects Make Up artist who specialises in prosthetic makeup. She encourages her fellow Emirati entrepreneurs to work hard to achieve their goals. "My advice? If you have a passion, pursue it, even if there isn't a market out there. Start small and create your market and it can be a success. It takes time and patience. Practice if it needs to be practiced. Read if it needs knowledge," she said.

Hayete Jemai, Exhibition Director at Tawdheef, said: "As the UAE's leading career fair, Tawdheef focuses on developing a unique platform to support the UAE government's strategic plan to boost Emiratisation and help create jobs for young UAE nationals. ILoveUAE has paid attention to the Emirati people, especially the youth and has helped create unique, vital opportunities within the workforce."

Tawdheef is supported by Titanium sponsor, GHQ Armed Forces, Platinum sponsors, the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), and Gold sponsors, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Cultural Authority, ADNOC, and the Department of Municipal Affairs, all of which will have current job openings and long-term career opportunities to offer Emiratis.

About Tawdheef Recruitment Show
Organised by Informa Exhibitions, the powerful career platform is open from 10am-7pm daily and is open to UAE Nationals only, with the morning of 4th February from 10am – 1pm reserved for UAE National ladies. Official identification, Emirates ID, Original passport or Family Book is required to enter the show and under-18's are not permitted. Visitor registration and more information is available online at www.tawdheef.ae.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Telecommunications giant du to recruit 50 UAE Nationals at premier careers fair

Dubai, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/22/2014 -- UAE telecommunications company du has confirmed it will be looking to recruit at least 50 Emirati personnel when it participates in Tawdheef, the region's leading recruitment event, next month.

Taking place from 3 to 5 February at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, du will sit alongside government organisations and companies in finance, insurance, retail, tourism and hospitality, energy, industrial, media, recruitment, defence and security, IT and transport and logistics at Tawdheef, all of which will have current vacancies for UAE nationals.

Ibrahim Nassir, Chief Human Capital & Administration Officer at du, said: "As one of the UAE's premier career fairs, Tawdheef has been an integral part of our Emiratisation efforts for several years. Participating in such events is essential in order to interact directly with the Emiratis we are keen to employ.

"Tawdheef provides us with the opportunity to showcase our full potential as an 'employer of choice' offering various career development opportunities to UAE Nationals. We will speak to prospective candidates about the career, experience and training they can expect to receive as a member of the du family."

A major player in the region's finance sector, First Gulf Bank will be advertising all current career opportunities specifically to Emirati youth at Tawdheef. As well as providing a summary of the jobs on offer they will also share details on the bank's different training and Emiratisation programmes.

One of the banks most successful training initiatives is the Nujoom Programme, a fast-track management programme designed to complement First Gulf Bank's strategy of building a sustainable pipeline of talented Emiratis and prepare them to join the rapidly expanding network.

The main aim of the 18-month programme is to expose young, talented Emirati trainees to diverse business functions of the bank through structured departmental rotations. In addition to gaining 'on the job' experience and holistic knowledge on the functions of the bank, trainees are able to identify their strengths and career paths through privately-held, regular advisory sessions.

At the completion of the programme, the trainee is well equipped with the necessary tools and business acumen to excel in his or her chosen department.

Abdulrahman Saqr, Senior Vice President of HR and Head of Emiratisation at First Gulf Bank, said: "As one of the leading banks in the UAE, First Gulf Bank has a duty to lead in the area of Emiratisation. We are committed to searching out, employing and developing the brightest UAE National talent.

"To do this, we need to get out into our community and meet potential candidates face-to-face, so that we can learn about them but also that they can learn about us and what we offer. Career fairs play a vital role in that interaction. We saw a solid turn-out at Tawdheef in 2013 and I have no doubt that our participation this year will translate into new employee hires."

Now in its eighth edition, Tawdheef will feature advice on job searching and CV workshops for potential candidates to polish up on their skills before meeting potential employers. The three day event is now tailored exclusively for UAE National job-seekers only.

The Emiratisation Summit will run alongside Tawdheef, hosting over 25 guest speakers. This will also include networking and interactive formats with live voting sessions, industry led roundtables and structured speed networking.

This year also welcomes the 2nd EmiratiYouth Forum, taking place 2 February 2014. Visitors will meet the next generation of leaders from the UAE's top universities and academies.

Tawdheef is supported by Titanium sponsor, GHQ Armed Forces, Platinum sponsors, the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), and Gold sponsors, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Cultural Authority, ADNOC, and the Department of Municipal Affairs.

About Tawdheef Recruitment Show
Organised by Informa Exhibitions, the powerful career platform is open from 10am-7pm daily and is open to UAE Nationals only, with the morning of 4th February from 10am – 1pm reserved for UAE National ladies. Official identification is required to enter the show of Original Passport, Emirates ID or Family Book and under-18's are not permitted. Visitor registration and more information are available online at www.tawdheef.ae

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Dubai, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/22/2014 -- Tawdheef, the UAE's leading recruitment show supporting Emiratisation will return to Abu Dhabi with one major change; the event is now tailored exclusively for UAE National job-seekers only.

Taking place from 3-5 February 2014 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the powerful employment platform will host more than 120 public and private organisations under one roof eager to snap up the UAE's brightest local talent and in the process back government Emiratisation initiatives.

Tawdheef's organisers, Informa Exhibitions, decided to adapt the event exclusively for UAE Nationals based on the growing number of Emiratis visiting the show each year.

"Over 15,000 UAE National job-seekers attended Tawdheef in 2013, more than half of the total number of visitors at the show, while the number of Emirati visitors has been growing by around 25 per cent for the last three years," said Hayete Jemai, Exhibition Director of Tawdheef.

"The feedback that we have been receiving from employers at the show is that they wanted to take this unique opportunity to spend more quality time assessing Emirati job applicants on-site so that they can make the best recruitment decisions in line with their Emiratisation policies.

"All our exhibitors are wholly committed to fulfilling their Emiratisation objectives for 2014 and this is why we have decided to tailor Tawdheef to match the needs of both participating employers and UAE National job-seekers. Expatriates are able to submit their details through the Tawdheef website for potential recruitment opportunities."

Now in its eighth edition, Tawdheef boasts an exhibitor profile line-up covering a vast range of government and private organisations from sectors including finance, recruitment, oil and gas, retail, telecommunications, IT, media, transport and logistics, industrial and manufacturing, investment, defense and security, and health and insurance.

The three-day event is supported by Titanium sponsor, GHQ Armed Forces, Platinum sponsors, the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), and Gold sponsors, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Cultural Authority, ADNOC, and the Department of Municipal Affairs, all of which will have current job openings and long-term career opportunities to offer Emiratis.

Only companies with immediately available positions to fill will take part, and major names such as Mubadala, Dolphin Energy, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), Emirates Aluminium, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), General Holding Corporation "SENAAT", Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority, and First Gulf Bank have already confirmed their places in the exhibitor line-up.

Supported by the Emirates Nationals Development Programme (ENDP), Tawdheef returns after a highly successful showing earlier this year when 123 companies presented more than 3,000 positions for qualified UAE Nationals.

About Tawdheef Recruitment Show
Tawdheef is open from 10am-7pm daily and is open to UAE Nationals only, with the morning of 4th February from 10am – 1pm reserved for UAE National ladies. Official Identification is required to enter the show and no under-18's will be permitted. Visitor Registration and more information is available online at www.tawdheef.ae.

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