emirates7 - H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the sixth edition of the “Ithraa” Career Fair for the Financial and Banking Sector on Monday. The event is organized by the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF) in partnership with the Sharjah Department of Human Resources (SDHR) and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) at Expo Centre Sharjah.
The fair aims to introduce promising job opportunities for both men and women, as well as young professionals, in the financial sector, while increasing awareness of labour market trends and promoting Emiratisation in this crucial area for the future economy of the UAE.
During his visit, Sheikh Abdullah toured the exhibition halls, where he explored the booths of various government and private sector institutions and learned about the opportunities available for specialists in the financial and banking sectors. He also met EIF graduates from the "Ithraa Ambassadors" programme and listened to their experiences in training and employment.
Sheikh Abdullah received a briefing on EIF's programmes, which support Emiratisation by providing qualified professionals for the banking and insurance sectors. He reviewed the institute’s objectives and relevant programme statistics related to supporting and developing various organisations.
At the SDHR pavilion, Sheikh Abdullah was introduced to initiatives focused on Emiratisation, employment, and training. He also launched the digital version of the "Waffer" programme, which is supervised by SDHR and provides various benefits and services to employees in the Sharjah government.
During his visit to several pavilions, Sheikh Abdullah learned about the job and training opportunities offered to high school and university graduates in fields such as finance, banking, business administration, economics, and information technology. These positions are available in both public and private sectors, and come with additional benefits such as educational support and specialised training aligned with job requirements and graduates' qualifications.
The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between EIF and the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), signed by Dr. Faisal Al Ayyan, Director of HCT, and Noura Al Balushi, Director General of EIF. The agreement aims to establish a strategic partnership, promote knowledge exchange, and explore opportunities for vocational training and employment for HCT students at EIF and its affiliates. It also includes cooperation in research, technology testing, and the exchange of strategies and initiatives aligned with the memorandum's goals.
This year’s "Ithraa" exhibition features over 100 participating entities, including major banks and financial institutions, and offers more than 700 job opportunities for Emirati professionals in key positions across targeted sectors.
Now in its sixth edition, the "Ithraa" initiative seeks to support Emiratisation in the financial, banking, and insurance sectors by providing 9,375 jobs by 2026-2027. It aims to enhance employment opportunities for UAE citizens and involve them in shaping the future of these crucial sectors, while fostering youth development and investing in their contributions to sustainable growth.
Key figures attending the event included Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE and Chairman of EIF’s Board of Directors; Abdullah Al Zaabi, Head of SDHR; Mohammed Abdullah, CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank; Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah; Mohammed Ahmed Amin, Director-General of SCCI; Noura Al Belushi, Director-General of EIF, and other senior officials.
The fair aims to introduce promising job opportunities for both men and women, as well as young professionals, in the financial sector, while increasing awareness of labour market trends and promoting Emiratisation in this crucial area for the future economy of the UAE.
During his visit, Sheikh Abdullah toured the exhibition halls, where he explored the booths of various government and private sector institutions and learned about the opportunities available for specialists in the financial and banking sectors. He also met EIF graduates from the "Ithraa Ambassadors" programme and listened to their experiences in training and employment.
Sheikh Abdullah received a briefing on EIF's programmes, which support Emiratisation by providing qualified professionals for the banking and insurance sectors. He reviewed the institute’s objectives and relevant programme statistics related to supporting and developing various organisations.
At the SDHR pavilion, Sheikh Abdullah was introduced to initiatives focused on Emiratisation, employment, and training. He also launched the digital version of the "Waffer" programme, which is supervised by SDHR and provides various benefits and services to employees in the Sharjah government.
During his visit to several pavilions, Sheikh Abdullah learned about the job and training opportunities offered to high school and university graduates in fields such as finance, banking, business administration, economics, and information technology. These positions are available in both public and private sectors, and come with additional benefits such as educational support and specialised training aligned with job requirements and graduates' qualifications.
The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between EIF and the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), signed by Dr. Faisal Al Ayyan, Director of HCT, and Noura Al Balushi, Director General of EIF. The agreement aims to establish a strategic partnership, promote knowledge exchange, and explore opportunities for vocational training and employment for HCT students at EIF and its affiliates. It also includes cooperation in research, technology testing, and the exchange of strategies and initiatives aligned with the memorandum's goals.
This year’s "Ithraa" exhibition features over 100 participating entities, including major banks and financial institutions, and offers more than 700 job opportunities for Emirati professionals in key positions across targeted sectors.
Now in its sixth edition, the "Ithraa" initiative seeks to support Emiratisation in the financial, banking, and insurance sectors by providing 9,375 jobs by 2026-2027. It aims to enhance employment opportunities for UAE citizens and involve them in shaping the future of these crucial sectors, while fostering youth development and investing in their contributions to sustainable growth.
Key figures attending the event included Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE and Chairman of EIF’s Board of Directors; Abdullah Al Zaabi, Head of SDHR; Mohammed Abdullah, CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank; Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah; Mohammed Ahmed Amin, Director-General of SCCI; Noura Al Belushi, Director-General of EIF, and other senior officials.