Dubai International Academic City Career Fair 2008 Draws Overwhelming Response from Students in UAE.

A high ratio of university students from across the UAE attended the one-day Career Fair 2008, hosted by Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), the region's primary centre for international higher education and a member of TECOM Investments.

Organised by the Department of Student Services and Programmes (DSSP), the annual job fair was held on 27 April, and provided a platform for students to directly interact with hiring managers and HR professionals from more than 27 leading companies and gain fresh insights into current employment options across various industries. Companies from diverse sectors such as finance, human resources, real estate, hospitality and engineering, were seen headhunting for the right talent at the event.

Dr. Ayoub Kazim, Executive Director, Dubai Knowledge Village and Dubai International Academic City, said: "Industry professionals offered students an insight into the nature of vacancies and the relevant skills required to obtain those jobs at the second edition of the Career Fair this year. The event also provided an opportunity for leading corporates in the country to offer placements to talented graduate and post graduate students from UAE-based universities."Manpower, the official recruitment partners of the event, conducted industry related workshops throughout the day.Hisrine Elhajji, Regional Marketing Manager, Manpower Middle East, said: "Students these days possess stronger career ambitions, a greater desire to work hard and offer more useful work experience. They are also far better informed about the recruiting process and demonstrate a keenness to obtain first hand information from hiring companies and HR professionals. We consider this a remarkable progression in attitude that greatly facilitates the entire recruitment process."

Lisa Franklin-Browne, Head of DSSP, said: "This year's Career Fair was a huge success, with many students actively exploring opportunities with various companies, attending job search workshops and on site interviews throughout the day. The DIAC student community has been fortunate to receive consistent support from UAE-based companies and hopes to draw a more significant participation next year."Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and its group of companies were the platinum sponsors of DIAC Career Fair 2008, while Nestle Middle East was the gold sponsor.Other participating companies include AIESEC; Al Ansari Exchange; Al Rostamani Group; Amana Group; American International Group (AIG); ARY Academy of Gems and Jewellery; Azadea Group LLC; Drake & Scull International; Dubai Properties; Hamilton Design International LLC; Jumeirah Group; JWT; Lafarge Building Materials Holding (L.B.M.H.); Nakheel; Nissan Middle East FZE; Panasonic Marketing Middle East FZE; Procter & Gamble Gulf FZE; Radisson SAS Hotel Dubai Deira Creek; SAE Institute; TECOM Investments, member of Dubai Holding; The British University in Dubai, and TNS Middle East & Africa.

About Dubai International Academic City:Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) located in the Dubai Academic City is the world's only Free Zone dedicated to higher education. A regional base for premier international higher education institutions, DIAC is the world's first dedicated tertiary cluster development. Spread across an area of 25 million square foot, the DIAC campus provides an environment of vitality and inspiration for students and faculty. DIAC partners also enjoy special privileges like 100% foreign ownership, 100% freedom from taxes, 100% repatriation of profits and effortless visa issuance procedures for students, faculty and staff. There are currently over 20 international universities of higher learning in Dubai Knowledge Village and Dubai International Academic City from diverse regions including the U.S, Australia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Russia, Belgium, U.K and operating out of DIAC, catering to over 10,000 students. These institutions offer programmes that range in duration from one year to four years. Major academic programmes on offer include; engineering, computer science, finance, media, fashion and design, biotechnology, environmental studies, quality management and business management programmes.

[c] 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)