The American University of Sharjah (AUS) has once again demonstrated its strong commitment to student success by hosting the AUS Career Fair 2026, a dynamic event that brought together more than 1,200 students and alumni with 82 employers from over 20 industry sectors.
Designed as a bridge between academic life and the professional world, the fair created meaningful connections, opened doors to opportunity and reinforced AUS’ growing reputation as a leader in graduate employability across the UAE.
A Powerful Platform for Career Opportunities
The AUS Career Fair 2026 offered more than 560 internship and full-time employment opportunities, giving students direct access to recruiters, detailed job requirements and clear hiring pathways. From finance and engineering to technology, media and consulting, the diversity of participating employers reflected the evolving demands of the UAE job market.
For many students, the fair was more than just an event—it was a turning point. As they walked through the exhibition halls, resumes in hand, they engaged in conversations that could shape the trajectory of their careers. Recruiters provided immediate insights into industry expectations, sought-after skills and upcoming projects, helping students better understand how to position themselves competitively.
The event was carefully structured to maximize engagement. Booth interactions were complemented by employer presentations and networking conversations that allowed students to explore not only job openings but also company culture and long-term career prospects.
Strengthening Industry–University Partnerships
AUS continues to place industry collaboration at the heart of its educational strategy. Shaima Bin Taliah, Vice Chancellor for Student Experience at AUS, emphasized that Career Fair 2026 reflects the university’s long-term commitment to graduate employability and sustained partnerships with industry.
By aligning recruitment efforts with career readiness initiatives, AUS ensures that students and alumni approach the job market with clarity, confidence and purpose. The result is mutually beneficial: employers gain access to well-prepared, high-caliber talent, while students secure meaningful professional pathways.
Reem Bardan, Executive Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs at AUS, highlighted the broader impact of the event. She described the Career Fair as a key advancement touchpoint that connects corporate partners with the university community and engages alumni. Beyond the day of networking, she noted, the fair strengthens long-term relationships that advance shared goals between industry and academia.
This strategic alignment between education and employment is one of the factors that continues to elevate AUS’ standing in the region.
Expanded Focus on Emirati Talent
A defining feature of the 2026 edition was its stronger emphasis on Emirati talent engagement. As the UAE accelerates its national development goals, the cultivation of skilled national talent has become increasingly important.
The Career Fair provided a focused platform for employers seeking high-potential Emirati candidates, reinforcing pathways from education to employment. Participating companies underscored their commitment to supporting national human capital development in alignment with the UAE’s long-term economic vision.
Amina Al Halwaji, Chief Human Resources Officer at Bank of Sharjah, noted that the bank’s sponsorship reflects its dedication to nurturing local talent and contributing to sustainable national growth. Similarly, representatives from Samsung Gulf and Invest Bank emphasized that talent development must be viewed as a strategic national investment, with universities playing a central role in shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
Through these targeted efforts, AUS not only supports its Emirati students but also contributes to broader workforce nationalization objectives.
Preparing Students for Real-World Success
In the weeks leading up to the event, AUS delivered comprehensive career-readiness programs to ensure students were fully prepared to make the most of the opportunity. These sessions focused on CV development, personal branding, interview preparation and understanding recruitment processes.
Employer engagement workshops also offered insights into what hiring managers look for in candidates, giving students a clearer understanding of how to tailor their applications and present themselves professionally.
For students like Sally Dardari, a visual communications senior at AUS, the experience was both empowering and reassuring. As she prepares to transition from university to the professional world, the career fair provided direct access to recruiters and industry professionals from a wide range of fields. Networking with companies across sectors, she explained, gives her the foundation she needs to take confident next steps toward her future.
The combination of preparation and opportunity ensured that students did not simply attend the fair—they arrived ready to compete.
Broad Corporate Support Across Key Sectors
The scale and impact of the AUS Career Fair 2026 were strengthened by strong corporate sponsorship and participation.
Platinum sponsors included DAEP, Invest Bank and Samsung. Gold sponsors were Alpha Dhabi Holding, BESIX Construct Ltd. and Bank of Sharjah. Silver sponsors included Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority, Dubai Digital, Emirates Global Aluminium, P&G, Protiviti Member Firm Middle East Consultancy and Arada. Bronze sponsors featured AW Rostamani Group, Commercial Bank of Dubai, FÄM Properties, Gulftainer, Henkel, Kayali, L’Oréal, Marjan, Nestlé, Sprint Oil & Gas Services FZC, TotalEnergies, Transmed and Wacker.
Institutional Advancement Sponsors comprised BEEAH, Crescent Petroleum and Sharjah National Oil Corporation, with Crescent Enterprises participating as a Strategic Partner.
This diverse mix of organizations—from banking and construction to technology, energy and consumer goods—demonstrates the wide appeal of AUS graduates and the university’s cross-sector relevance.
A Recognized Leader in Employability
The success of the AUS Career Fair 2026 aligns with the university’s broader performance indicators. According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, AUS ranks first in the UAE for employer reputation and second in the UAE for employment outcomes.
These rankings reinforce what events like the Career Fair visibly demonstrate: AUS graduates are highly regarded among employers and are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully from day one.
By continuously refining its career services, strengthening industry ties and prioritizing student readiness, AUS ensures that employability is not an afterthought but a core institutional mission.
Building Futures Beyond the Classroom
The AUS Career Fair 2026 was not merely a recruitment event; it was a reflection of the university’s evolving role in shaping the future workforce of the UAE. Bringing together 1,200 students and alumni, 82 employers, and more than 560 career opportunities, the fair showcased what can be achieved when education and industry work hand in hand.
For students, it offered clarity and confidence. For employers, it delivered access to motivated, skilled candidates. For the university, it reaffirmed a commitment to bridging ambition with opportunity.
As AUS continues to expand its focus on employability and Emirati talent development, initiatives like the Career Fair will remain central to its mission—ensuring that every graduate steps into the professional world prepared, purposeful and ready to lead.
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