A National Platform Empowering Emirati Youth
Tawdheef × Zaheb 2025 opened in Abu Dhabi with strong national significance as His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, inaugurated the event. Hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), this edition marks nearly two decades of providing Emirati job seekers with meaningful pathways to employment, professional growth and digital readiness. The exhibition, running from 18 to 20 November 2025, continues to serve as one of the UAE’s most influential events dedicated to preparing national talent for the modern workforce.
The opening ceremony highlighted the UAE’s ongoing commitment to empowering youth through knowledge, technology, and future-oriented skills. Sheikh Nahyan emphasised the nation’s goal of investing in people first and ensuring that young Emiratis have every opportunity to thrive in the digital economy. With the UAE’s labour market undergoing rapid transformation, he noted the importance of equipping youth with advanced capabilities that align with global trends. He also called for stronger collaboration between government, education institutions and private organisations, underscoring the need to build a workforce capable of leading the country’s next phase of growth.
UAE’s Growing Demand for AI-Driven and Digital Skills
The launch of Tawdheef × Zaheb 2025 comes at a time when the UAE is seeing accelerated demand for AI and digital competencies. The country has become one of the region’s fastest-growing markets for AI-related roles, with workforce trends shifting significantly toward automation, data analysis, digital operations and advanced technology systems. In recent years, the demand for AI skills has more than doubled, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to becoming a global hub for innovation and digital transformation.
Industry analyses also point to a widening skills gap in digital capabilities across many sectors. As companies adopt new technologies, the need for reskilling and upskilling has become urgent. Many existing job roles are evolving, while entirely new positions are emerging in cybersecurity, data management and digital strategy. These changes make platforms like Tawdheef × Zaheb essential, as they help Emirati youth understand current market demands and prepare for future career opportunities with clarity and confidence.
Zaheb 2025: Preparing a Future-Ready Workforce
The 2025 edition of Tawdheef × Zaheb has been designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience for job seekers. This year’s event brings together major employers, government entities and training partners to create a learning ecosystem that supports long-term professional development.
Key Features of the Event
CV and Interview Support
The exhibition features CV clinics and mock interview sessions led by HR experts. These interactive sessions help participants refine their applications, improve communication skills and gain insights into what employers look for during recruitment.
Training on AI Tools and Digital Platforms
A major highlight of this year’s programme is hands-on training on the latest AI tools used across industries. Participants can explore practical applications in automation, analytics, machine learning and digital collaboration systems. This exposure helps job seekers understand how technology is shaping roles in both government and private sectors.
Career Guidance from Industry Leaders
One-on-one career guidance sessions give visitors the chance to speak directly with recruitment specialists and advisors. These consultations help individuals identify career paths based on their strengths, aspirations and the evolving needs of the job market.
Workshops on Digital Transformation
Specialised workshops focus on essential areas such as data analysis, cybersecurity, cloud technologies and digital transformation. These topics represent some of the fastest-growing fields in the UAE and offer insights into high-demand skills that can support sustainable career growth.
Access to Over 100 Government and Private Entities
The exhibition provides direct access to representatives from leading organisations across finance, technology, energy, defence, government services, aviation and more. This interaction allows job seekers to explore potential roles, understand hiring requirements and build connections with key decision-makers.
The event is organised in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Youth Council and the Abu Dhabi Chamber, reinforcing its alignment with national strategies aimed at enhancing the UAE’s digital economy and human capital development.
Industry Leaders Express Support for National Talent
Perspective from PwC Middle East
PwC Middle East expressed its commitment to supporting the UAE’s shift toward digital and AI-driven jobs. Khaled Bin Brek, Partner in Consulting and Head of the Emiratisation Programme, said that the event aligns with PwC’s goal of nurturing Emirati talent for emerging industries. He highlighted the importance of guiding youth toward skills that will shape future job markets and emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to build a digitally capable workforce.
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank’s Vision
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) reaffirmed its dedication to developing Emirati professionals within the financial sector. Bushra Al Shehhi, CEO of Human Resources at ADIB Group and Chairperson of Kawader, noted that Emirati talent remains central to the bank’s long-term strategy. She emphasised that the financial industry is undergoing digital transformation, creating roles that require specialized technical skills. ADIB’s participation reflects its ongoing efforts to create clear career pathways and training opportunities for Emiratis.
Organisers Highlight Long-Term Impact
Fadi Harb, Event Director at Informa Middle East, explained that Tawdheef × Zaheb is not just a job fair but a forward-looking platform that links real labour-market data with practical skills development. He stressed that the strong turnout from both institutions and job seekers demonstrates the nation’s shared commitment to preparing youth for future economic demands. He noted that human capital development remains one of the UAE’s most important priorities as the country transitions into a knowledge-based economy.
Supporting the UAE’s Vision for a Knowledge-Driven Future
As digital transformation accelerates across the UAE, the need for skilled national talent continues to grow. Tawdheef × Zaheb plays a vital role in supporting the country’s plans for an innovation-driven economy by helping young Emiratis gain access to learning, training and direct employment opportunities. This year’s focus on digital literacy, artificial intelligence and modern workplace skills reflects the UAE’s determination to build a competitive workforce capable of contributing to national progress.
The event provides a platform for understanding how industries are evolving, what employers expect and how youth can actively shape their future careers. It also reinforces the UAE’s long-term strategy of investing in its people and creating an environment where national talent can thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.
A Continued Commitment to Empowering Emiratis
Tawdheef × Zaheb 2025 stands as a strong example of the UAE’s commitment to empowering its youth. By offering access to future-ready skills, mentorship opportunities and insights into emerging industries, the event supports Emiratis in building careers that contribute to the country’s development goals. As technology continues to influence every major sector, the emphasis on digital readiness ensures that the next generation is equipped to succeed in an innovation-led economy.
The dedication of government leaders, private organisations and educational institutions reflects a unified vision for the future. Through initiatives like Tawdheef × Zaheb, young Emiratis gain both the confidence and the capability to lead the UAE’s journey into the next era of growth and transformation.
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