60 financial institutions to participate in 'Ethraa' Career Fair

emirates7 - The Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF), in partnership with the Central Bank of the UAE, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis), the Emirati Human Resources Development Council – Dubai, and Al-Futtaim Group, is set to host the 8th edition of the Ethraa Career Fair on May 29.

The event will bring together 60 participating organizations, including major banks, fintech firms, insurance providers, exchange houses, and financial services companies from across the region.

The main goal of the career fair is to attract young Emirati talent and advance the Emiratisation of the financial and banking sectors by offering hundreds of employment opportunities, in addition to professional training and development programs. These efforts fall under the broader Ethraa Programme, which aims to approximately 1,900 job opportunities annually for UAE nationals of both genders.

The event will also feature specialized workshops and a career guidance booth to assist job seekers in acquiring the skills needed to succeed in the ever-evolving financial job market.

Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Emirati Human Resources Development Council, highlighted that the fair marks a concrete step toward building a knowledge-driven economy. By empowering local talent, the initiative contributes significantly to vital sectors like finance and banking—core components of the national economy.

"Investing in Emirati talent is key to achieving sustainable development and long-term growth. This aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda and reinforces the UAE’s status as a global hub for talent and expertise," Al Mansoori added.

Saif Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services at the Central Bank of the UAE and Vice Chairman of the EIF Board, emphasized that the Ethraa Career Fair is a vital initiative aligned with the UAE’s vision to nurture a new generation of skilled Emiratis capable of shaping the financial and banking landscape.

He noted that the fair reflects the commitment of both the Central Bank and EIF to enhancing the competitiveness of Emirati professionals by providing world-class training and development, supporting the country’s ambition to become a top-tier global financial center.

Raghda Fatme, HR Director of Real Estate and Group Head of Emiratisation at Al-Futtaim, stated, “As a company with deep roots in the UAE for over 90 years, Al-Futtaim remains firmly dedicated to the nation’s growth. Supporting Emirati talent is not just a responsibility but a strategic priority for cultivating a resilient, future-ready workforce.

"Our sponsorship and active involvement in the Ethraa Career Fair reflects this commitment by helping open up meaningful career opportunities for young Emiratis—not just in finance but across our broad business sectors. We’re honored to back initiatives that empower the next generation and fuel the UAE’s long-term economic development.”

The career fair is aimed at Emirati job seekers with qualifications ranging from high school diplomas to bachelor's degrees in fields such as banking, finance, insurance, information technology, and other related disciplines.