(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) Two-thirds of UAE nationals who are currently employed are actively seeking better job opportunities, while nearly half of those unemployed have been looking for a job for more than 12 months, a new research has revealed.
The findings were part of a UAE national survey conducted by Informa Exhibitions, organisers of the sixth Tawdheef Recruitment Show, which opens at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) today and will run till February 2.
The survey was conducted among 365 UAE nationals between the ages of 18 and 40 (44 per cent female and 56 male) as part of an ongoing study examining the work-life balance of UAE nationals and other issues related to Emiratisation.
Of the 365 respondents, 45 per cent were unemployed while 33 per cent were employed in the public sector, and a further 22 per cent in the private sector.
Sixty-five per cent of those employed said they were actively looking for a new job to improve their work and career opportunities.
Researchers also found a gender gap among Emiratisation employment rates: more than half (55 per cent) of the female respondents were unemployed and actively seeking a job, while just 32 per cent of the male respondents were out of work.
The public sector still remains the most preferred workplace option for UAE nationals; 90 per cent of respondents indicated that they would prefer to work in government organisations, though 30 per cent also stated they would consider private sector roles.
Asked about the main challenges for Emirati job-seekers in the private sector, 58 per cent said they felt that salaries would be below expectations, while 49 per cent felt that there weren't enough jobs available for UAE nationals in the private sector.
At Tawdheef, more than 100 government and private organisations are participating to offer more than 2,000 vacant positions. The recruitment show spans almost every industry, including government, finance, healthcare, insurance, retail, tourism and hospitality, energy, industrial, media, recruitment, defence and security, IT, telecoms, transport and logistics.
"The UAE national survey was developed to gain a better understanding of the underlying themes of how Emiratis perceive public and private sector work environments, and the main challenges they face when looking for work in the private sector," explained Hayete Jemai, Tawdheef exhibition director.
"It is part of an ongoing study to find out how we can help integrate Emiratis into the private sector and assist organisations with aligning their Emiratisation targets and objectives," she added.
Presented by the Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council, this year's edition of Tawdheef will be participated by companies that have immediate positions for nationals.
The first two days are reserved for Emirati job seekers and the final day is open to all nationalities. The show will be open for ladies only from 11am to 2pm on February 1.
